All pet owners know that many things go into taking care of their pets.
You have to buy the appropriate food for them, not to mention a good, clean source of water. They also need a good environment in which to live.
When it comes to having a pet fish, the environment is especially important. Your fish live in the water of their tank or pond their whole life, so keeping it clean is a must.
That’s why it’s important to find the best pond filter system for your small pond and koi.
Table of Contents
Does a Pond Need a Filter?
A natural process in every pond is the nitrogen cycle. This starts when waste and leftover food sinks to the bottom of the pond. It is then converted into ammonium, and eventually, nitrates.
These nitrates are then absorbed by algae in the water, or get turned into nitrogen by special bacteria. The nitrogen cycle is essential for healthy plant and bacteria growth in the water.
However, too much ammonia and nitrates are harmful to your fish.
This is where a good filter comes in. Your filter utilizes biological filtration, getting rid of these harmful toxins in the water.
So, your pond needs a filter to help keep water clean and healthy!
The 6 Best Pond Filters on the Market
With any pet-related item, you have to first consider what’s best for your fish before buying. Many pond filters look great and seem like a good fit, but in reality, aren’t the best to have for your fish.
Because there are many options, here are some pond filters to help you get started.
| Pictures | Pond Filters | For Ponds | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 | OASE BioSmart 5000 Pond Filter | Up to 5000, 10000 Gallons | |
 | Best Choice Products Pressure Bio Filter | Up to 2500 Gallons | |
 | Tetra Pond Bio-Active Pressure Filter with UV Clarifier | Up to 1500, 2500 Gallons | |
 | GoPlus Pond Pressure Bio Filter | Up to 2500 Gallons | |
 | Grech CPF-2500 Pond Bio Pressure Filter | Up to 1600 Gallons | |
 | CNZ Pond Filter System with UV Sterilizer and Pump | Up to 900 Gallons |
Best Pond Filter Reviews
1. OASE BioSmart Pond Filter
First up is the OASE BioSmart pond filter. This filter is a great starter filter to have because it’s very easy to use and has many beneficial features.
Users can expect a simple setup process and minimal amounts of maintenance when using this product. The built-in cleaning mechanism of the filter allows you to use it for long periods of time without manual cleaning. You can follow the lights on the cleaning indicator to find out when it’s time to give it a little cleaning.
This pond filter can handle ponds of a medium to large size and is capable of filtering up to 5,000 gallons of water. It’s definitely a well-equipped filter for the price.
One negative point for the OASE BioSmart pond filter is that it’s only shipped in the U.S. at the moment. If you live outside the states, you’re out of luck to try this filter for your pond. There are still lots of other options for filters, but this one likely won’t make it to you.
Pros
- Simple setup
- Good for the price
Cons
- Only ships in the U.S.
2. Best Choice Products Pressure Bio Filter
Next is the Sterilizer for Ponds by Best Choice Products. This product is better for those pet fish owners who are a little more experienced in taking care of their fish. Setting it up isn’t particularly difficult, but it’s unlike a regular pond filter setup.
The Best Choice Products Sterilizer can easily filter ponds of up to 2,500 gallons with a reasonable amount of fish. If your pond has a heavy concentration of fish, it can handle up to 1,500 gallons.
It also comes with features like a cleaning indicator light and BioBalls. Paired with a multi-directional valve, these help the filter run at optimal rates.
It’s important to mention that the Best Choice Products Sterilizer comes without a pump. That means you have to spend extra money buying a pump to push the water through. The filter is there, but you would spend more time and money finding and buying a pump.
Pros
- Good GPH rate for the size
- BioBalls make for thorough cleaning
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a pump
- Setup is different from a regular filtration system
3. Tetra Pond Bio-Active Pressure Filter with UV Clarifier
The third contender on the list is the TetraPond Bioactive Pressure filter. This filter has all the great features with which most other pond filters come. You can find a backflush valve that makes it easier for you to clean it.
This filter uses different kinds of filtration methods to clean the water of your pond. Mechanical and biological filtration both work together to rid the pond of waste.
It also comes with a UV clarifier that allows you to have control over the suspended algae in your pond. As far as capacity goes, this filter can handle up to 1,500 gallons of water without a problem.
The main problem with this filter is that the instructions for using it are not that clear. This is especially true for the backflush valve. If you don’t know how to use it, the instructions aren’t much help, and this can lead to a wet mess when you go to clean it.
Pros
- UV clarifier is a unique feature
- Multiple filtration methods
Cons
- No clear instructions
4. GoPlus Pond Pressure Bio Filter
The fourth pond filter on the list is the GoPlus Pond Pressure Bio Filter. This filter is another great option for new pet fish owners who care for a pond.
It comes with a UV bulb system that allows you to control the growth of algae in your pond. This helps to clear the water and improve its quality for your fish.
A great quality of this filter is that it has a very tough casing on the outside. Therefore, you can place it aboveground near your pond or even underground. To add to its versatility, this filter also has an automatic cleaning function, along with a capacity for filtering up to 2,500 gallons of water.
One negative thing about using this filter is that the instructions are a bit difficult. It does come with a guide on how to set up the filter, but it’s not very clear, especially for new users. If you don’t know your way around a filter, this might not be the product for you.
Pros
- UV bulb system allows you to control algae
- Tough casing increases versatility
Cons
- No clear instructions
5. Grech CPF-2500 Pond Bio Pressure Filter
Rounding up the list is the Grech Bio Pressure Filter. This filter has lots of potential with its helpful features. These features make maintaining this filter very easy.
Combined with a quick handle cleaning system and various methods of filtration, this filter makes cleaning a breeze. There are both mechanical and biological filter chambers for extra filtration. This means that you get double amounts of filtering for the price of one.
This filter also promotes the growth of bacteria that remove ammonia and nitrite. With those harmful substances out of the water, your fish can enjoy clear and healthy water. This filter can handle up to 900 gallons of water with a reasonable amount of koi in it and 1,600 gallons in a decorative pond.
One negative factor about this filter is that it doesn’t come with a pump. That’s an extra amount you have to spend to add it to this filter. If you’re looking for a filter that’s ready to use, this isn’t the one for you.
Pros
- Dual filtration models
- Good filtering capacity for size
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a pump
6. CNZ Pond Filter System with UV Sterilizer and Pump
The final filter on the list is the CNZ Pond Filter system. This filter is an excellent all-in-one type of system. It comes with a variety of great features and is available for a great price.
For starters, this filter has a powerful pump with a capacity of 660 GPH. The installation process is also straightforward compared to the others on this list.
This is perfect for pet fish owners who want to filter their pond, but also want to keep it looking beautiful. It comes with three different fountain head attachments for unique waterfall effects.
One thing that goes against the CNZ pond filter system is the fact that it’s a bit more fragile than most filters. This usually isn’t a problem as this filter stays underwater anyway, but it does require more care. If you’re new to the pond filtration scene, you might want to choose a sturdier option.
Pros
- Great GPH rate
- Variety of fountain attachments
- Easy installation
Cons
- Delicate design
How to Choose the Right Pond Filter?
Now that you have a bit of a better understanding about pond filters, it’s time to make an informed decision. There are a few things you should carefully consider before deciding on one pond filter.
Pond Size
The most important thing you should know before picking a pond filter is the size of your pond. Small ponds are generally 1,000 gallons, medium ponds are 2,000 to 5,000 gallons, and large ponds are bigger than that. To find the proper volume of your pond, you can use this formula:
Length x Width x Depth = Volume
Take the length of your pond, multiply that with the width, and then again with the depth, and you have your volume.
-Ex. 4 m. x 5 m. x 2 m. = 40 m. (cubed)
Therefore, you want a filter that can handle 40,000 liters of water.
It’s important to note that the result you get is what your filter can handle without any fish. When you add fish, you need to double that number and quadruple it when you add koi.
Because koi fish produce more waste and have weaker immune systems than other fish, you need a stronger filter to clean the water extremely well.
Pond size calculator: here
Types of Filters
You can choose from different filters depending on your style and the electrical situation. If you want your filter to remain underwater and hidden, you can pick a submersible filter. These filters stay underwater and are generally quieter.
If you would rather have your filter on land, you can pick an inline filter. For both options, you need a source of electricity nearby with which to connect. In some cases, how near or far away your electricity source is changing how strong and large your filter has to be.
Amount of Fish
As this is a fish pond filter, you need to know how many fish you expect to keep. The density of your pond and the fish in it can affect how well your filter runs. If you have a lot of fish, even with a small pond, you’re going to need a strong filter.
Some filters come with an estimate of how many fish the product can handle filtering at a time. For example, some say that they can take up to 30 fish that are five to six feet long.
This is where it’s important to get your math right. You want to calculate the amount and size of your fish correctly, so you can buy the right filter for the job.
UV Filter Option
You can also look into different features to see which ones you’re interested in having. One important feature is the UV lighting in your filter.
The UV lighting filter is a fluorescent tube that shines UV light into your pond. This helps the algae in the water clump together, making it easier for the filter to catch it in the cartridges. You can choose a filter that comes with this lighting attached or one with a separate light to the main filter box.
What is the Best Pond Filter System?
From all the great options for pond filters on this list, the best one is undoubtedly the CNZ Pond Filter System. This system offers so many great features in a price that’s also great.
The setup and cleaning process is simple, and there are thorough cleaning cartridges. It even comes with innovative fountain heads for when you want to add that extra elegance to your pond.
All in all, this is an excellent system for pet fish owners. Whether you’re new to the pet fish scene or are a veteran of the sea, this is definitely a pond filter you should try.
How to Set Up a Pond Filter and Pump?
Installing a pond filter is a very simple and easy process. Certain filters may come with their own instructions on how to get started, so it’s a good idea to look over those.
Generally speaking, your pond filter is either put on the bank by your pond or submerged. Most people choose to buy submersible filters because they’re easy to conceal.
Start by adding enough water to your pond so that it covers the bottom completely. Place your filter on the bottom of the pond or on the side depending on which type you have.
Continue to fill up the pond with water until it’s full. Then, connect the hoses to the pump, and begin to run it through them. If you’ve installed it correctly, the water should be moving through the filter freely.
If you hear any suction or clogging sounds, remove the hoses and reinstall them again. Let your filter run for a full day and night before adding any fish or plants. This allows the filter to get to optimum speed and power so that it’s running perfectly before you add your fish.
How Often Should I Clean My Pond Filter?
Your pond filter only works as well as it’s cleaned. If your filter is dirty, it won’t do a good job of keeping your pond clean. There are different types of filters, so there are also different cleaning rates for them.
Some filters require little to no manual cleaning because of their design. Others need you to remove the cartridges every so often and give it a good cleaning.
Depending on how big and powerful your filter is, you can stretch your cleaning to once every year. It all depends on how much power your filter uses and what kind of fish and plants you have in your pond.
If your pond has a substantial amount of fish in it, you’re going to have to clean it more often compared to a smaller pond. A wide variety of plants, fish, and other animals in and around your pond means cleaning frequently.
A good rule of thumb to follow when thinking of a cleaning schedule for your pond filter is to make a routine. If you have a lot of fish in your pond, you should clean it once every three to five months. If you don’t have many fish, you can stick to once every six months to ensure your filter is clean.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect pond filter out of even the best rated pond filters can be difficult because of the large selection. It takes more time to research the filters you’re interested in, but it’s definitely worth it. You can find one that fits within your budget and is best suited for you and your fish.
More importantly, a little bit of extra effort in finding a good filter is what it takes to give your fish a happy home. Both you and your fish can enjoy a high-quality filter. Your fish can enjoy living in a clean environment, and you can enjoy having your fishy friend for many years.
See also:
I have the Grech CPF-2500 mentioned (#5 on the list). The UV head failed after 4 months. Power in but no power at the UV light socket. A 2 year warrenty but nobody wants to stand behind it. It was bought on eBay so the seller isn’t interested and the manufacturer is Chinese, of course, with a .cn website and no local support. The system was properly set up as described in the owner manual and it’s on a GFCI circuit pond side, dry and protected from rain and sun. The instructions also were in very poor English. Replacement parts, other then UV bulbs and some gaskets do not appear to be available. Based on my experience, I’d avoid this product. It was doing a good job until the part failed.