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 pond and koi fish.
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 the water clean and healthy!
The 10 Best Filters For Your Fish Ponds
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.
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. POND BOSS Filter Kit with Pump
This filter kit from Pond Boss comes with everything you need to set up your pond. It includes a filter, pump, and nozzle which costs less than buying everything separately. It’s easy to use and is meant for a pond up to 500 gallons.
Not only does this kit keep your pump clean but it’s also energy efficient and operates quietly. That’s not all, you can also adjust the height of the fountain with the included diverter valve, just install it between the tubes halfway between the pump and fountainhead. This makes it great for small ponds.
There are two filters included, coarse and fine, which is great because it lets you choose what suits your pond best. This filter is a great buy, well made, and has been known to work effectively for years and years.
Pros
This kit is a filter, pump, and nozzle all in one
Because this pump comes with a diverter, it can be adjusted for use in ponds 500 gallons and smaller
The energy-efficient design operates quietly
Cons
This pump is pretty lightweight and requires a bit of ingenuity to keep it on the bottom of the pond
3. Pondmaster PMK190 Pump and Filter
Pondmaster has this great kit that includes a pump and filter as well as a water bell fountainhead so you get everything you need to get the setup you want. It’s designed for smaller ponds up to 200 gallons and filters at a rate of 190 gallons per hour.
This filter uses only 15 watts of power so it won’t run up your electric bill. The 10-foot power cord makes it easy to set up and position right where you need it. This filter has been known to last years and is extremely durable. Some people even use it to prevent their ponds from freezing over in the winter.
While this filter may make some noise when it’s first plugged in, it’s whisper-quiet when submerged in your pond. The liner is covered with a 15-year warranty. All other parts are covered for two years.
Pros
This kit includes a pump, filter, and water bell fountainhead
It’s an ideal choice for a small pond
Installation is easy and it has been known to last a really long time
Cons
Because this pump and filter are so lightweight, it floats to the top and needs to be secured
4. TetraPond 26596 Waterfall Filter
If you already have a pump and are looking for a great waterfall filter, take a look at this one from Tetra. It’s easy to assemble and provides biological and mechanical filtration to keep your pond water fresh and clean.
A great thing about this design is that you can easily hide it within the rocks and other decors in your pond and create a gorgeous waterfall that provides aeration and gives your pond a very natural look.
The mesh bag lets you add whatever biological filter media you prefer and holds between six and eight liters. It’s effective for ponds as large as 1,000 gallons and can be used with pumps that move between 500 and 4500 gallons per hour.
Pros
You can easily hide this waterfall design in the aquascaping of your pond
It performs mechanical and biological filtration and a bio-media bag is included
This filter works with pumps that run between 500 and 4500 GPH
Cons
The pump is not included
5. TetraPond Filtration Fountain Kit
There are a lot of great things about this filter kit from Tetra Pond but one of the things we like the most is how versatile it is. This kit comes with a water pump, filter, and fountain attachments with three different display options: spray, froth, and bell.
Also included are a swivel adjuster for leveling the fountain heads and a diverter for adjustable assembly plus a coarse and fine filter pad. Installation is easy and the design is easy to hide among the rocks and plants inside the pons.
This product is covered by a three-year warranty and is available in three sizes. So, there’s one for you whether your pond is under 100 gallons, between 75 and 250 gallons, or between 250 and 500 gallons.
Pros
This versatile filter can be set with three different fountain displays: spray, froth, and ball
It comes with a swivel adjuster and diverter so you can adjust the water flow for your pond setup
There are options available for pond sized ranging from less than 100 gallons up to 500 gallons
6. Aquascape Submersible Pond Water Filter
This submersible pond filter is a good choice if you already have a pump and are looking for something easy to install and effective at keeping your pond water clean and clear. It’s a prefilter, too, which means it prevents gunk from building up inside the pump for reduced maintenance.
Something we like about this one is that it comes with ceramic filtration rings which provide some mechanical filtration as well as providing plenty of surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow.
This pump comes with a threaded intake and multi-hose adapter that is compatible with most pumps. All you need is a small piece of pipe or a ¾-inch fitting. The cage is easy to remove for cleaning and it’s covered by a three-year limited warranty.
Pros
This submersible filter prevents gunk and large debris from building up in your pump resulting in reduced maintenance
It includes ceramic filtration rings which provide the perfect surface for the colonization of beneficial bacteria your pond water needs to keep ammonia levels under control.
The design is compatible with most pumps
Cons
This filter does not include a pump
7. TetraPond Clear Choice Biofilter PF-1
If you have a larger pond and are looking for something that can provide adequate biofiltration, this filter from Tetra Pond may be just the thing. You can use it with ¾ and one-inch intakes and it’s compatible with koi ponds up to 500 gallons and water gardens up to 1200 gallons.
In addition to providing pre-filter filtration sponges to remove debris, this product also includes bio ring filter media which provides a home for the beneficial bacteria you need to keep your pond healthy.
This system uses a Venturi system which is specially designed to draw air into the water as it travels through this filter. Not only does this help breakdown waste but it also encourages beneficial bacteria growth. It’s compatible with pumps with flow between 325 and 550 gallons per hour.
Pros
This filter is great for larger ponds and the out-of-pond setup makes cleaning and maintenance really easy.
You can use this filter in koi ponds up to 500 gallons and it’s compatible with most filters that cycle between 325 and 550 gallons per hour.
Because it uses the Venturi system and has bio ring filter media, this filter provides an ideal home for beneficial bacteria colonies.
Cons
This filter is designed to be set up outside the pond which may not fit in with your landscaping.
8. GoPlus Pond Pressure Bio Filter
The next 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 4000 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
9. 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 the size
Cons
Doesn’t come with a pump
10. 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 of 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.
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 POND BOSS Filter Kit. 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.
I have the Grech CPF-2500 mentioned (#9 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.
All pet owners know that many things go into taking care of their pets. 
I have the Grech CPF-2500 mentioned (#9 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.