10 Best Pond Filters – [Reviews & Guide 2023]

Choose the Best Pond Filters for Your Need

A pond filter can be a very useful thing to buy if you want to purify the water of your pond to maintain the environment of the water. For example, UV pond filters pass water through UV rays and eliminate harmful bacteria. It will be beneficial for the fish which you keep in the pond. There are also other types of water filtration. Let’s proceed and find out what pond filters exist and which of them can be used in particular cases.

If you want to purchase the best filters for your pond, it is extremely important to have an idea about the size of the pond. You need to check whether the filter has the capacity to clean the amount of water that you have in the pond. You should also check the health of the water.

You should always go for those pond water filters that are energy efficient.

It should also have different layers of purification that will ensure that both bigger and smaller size debris can be cleaned from the pond.

The pond pump filter should be made of quality material so that you can use them for a longer time without changing its components.

The technology of cleaning should be perfect so that it can clean the water quickly.

Cleaning the filter can be another headache. So, you should purchase those filters only with which maintenance will not be a problem.

1. Best Pond Filter and Pump Kit: POND BOSS Filter Kit
2. Best to Remove Algae: TetraPond Clear Choice Biofilter PF-1
3. Best without UV: TetraPond Filtration Fountain Kit
4. Best for 1000 Gallons: Polar Aurora 4000 Gallons Pond Pressure Bio Filter
5. Best without Fish Filter: TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter
6. Best for Koi: Jebao CF-10 Pond Bio Filter
7. Best without Pump: SUN Grech CPF-2500 Pond Bio Pressure Filter
8. Best Filter and Waterfall: TetraPond 26596 Waterfall Filter
9. Best with Plants: XtremepowerUS Koi Pond Bio Filter
10. Best with UV Clarifier: Best Choice Products 4000L Pressure Bio Filter

How Pond Filter Works?

A pond filter simply uses the nitrogen cycle to purify the water for your pond. Plants as we know removes some nitrate from the pond water.  Filtration systems or pond filters are a necessary tool used in the caring of plants, water, and fish in your pond.  The work of the pond filter is to control the nitrogen cycle in the pond. The nitrogen cycle takes fish producing which is very toxic and then oxidizes them into a positive nitrate. Technically, the plants will absorb then make use of the nitrate that’s left behind. They also add oxygen to the water in the pond too. If the conditions are kept the same, the process goes on indefinitely.  In a pond setting without a pond filtration system, the ammonia produced by the fish would accumulate until it has reached a toxic level which is dangerous to your environment.  If the pond is also overpopulated, there will also be a higher amount of ammonia.

All filters used for koi fishes are not built to be the same and each filtration system would either get worse or better for the type of pond you have. In the next segment, we will take a closer look at some of the most important features you need to look out for that will best work for your pond and you.

Filtration Stages

 Each pond filter can be divided into two parts – mechanical and biological filtration.  These two stages of filtration are known to be different when it comes to the operation but they are both required and important ensuring your pond is kept neat.

Biological Filtration

Biological filtration is a type of situation that involves altering biological waste products like ammonia to keep the water chemistry at a safe level while also killing off microbes that are found in your pond.  When it comes to biological filtration, this stage makes use of a media substrate that helps the growth of healthy micro-organism in the filter.   These microbes as well convert ammonia which the pond produces as waste into nitrates that then can be used by the plants in your pond. Maintaining a biological filter with beneficial bacteria all the time can lead to colonizing the substrates as well as the rocks which can be found in your pond via microbes that change ammonia.

Another stage of biological filtration involves ultraviolet light to kill all unwanted microbes which involve bacteria and parasites that can spread diseases through your pond.

Mechanical Filtration

Mechanical filtration is easier when compared to biological filtration but it is also an important factor you should not overlook. This stage of filtration uses a filter to remove or drive out unwanted particles, algae, and a big chunk of waste found in the pond.

Originally, Mechanical Filtration requires multiple layers of mechanical filters which vary in shapes and sizes so that filtration can go on smoothly without any hassle.

Pond Filter Types

Generally, there are five types of pond filters available on the market.

• In pond pre-filters
• Skimmers
• Pressure Filters
• Waterfall filters
• UV Sterilizers

Some of them have only mechanical or biological purification processes. Some others have a combination of the two. So, as per your own requirement, you can choose the best one for you.

In Pond Pre-filters:

 It can be used for small ponds.  It does mainly mechanical filtration. Ponds with a heavy stock of fish should not be cleaned with such filters.

Skimmers:

 This can be used for ponds of any size.  It can do both mechanical and biological filtration of a pond. However, for a heavy amount of biological filtration you may need to add an extra-biological filtration kit with it. It helps to collect the bigger size debris on the surface of the pond.

Pressure Filters:

 It is best for medium or small size ponds.  This pond pump filter is a mechanical filter. It can be used along with skimmers. This kind of filter is capable of purifying small debris.

Waterfall filters:

This type of filter can be used for a pond of any size. However, it is best for the medium and the small size of the pond.  Biological filtration is done just the best with such filters. 

UV Sterilizers:

It can be used to clean the green water from medium-sized and small ponds. It can also clean waterborne bacteria and viruses.  If you have a pond with many fish, then this device can come extremely helpful. 

Best Value for Money

1. POND BOSS Filter Kit with Pump

• Pond Size (Gallon): Up to 500
• Flow Rate (GPH): 320
• UV Clarifier: No
• Filtration Stages: Biological and mechanical

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Key Features and My Experience

The POND BOSS Filter Kit with Pump includes an  eco-friendly water kits such as the pump and the nozzle which is quiet, energy-efficient and it is good for the environment.  If you want to purchase a pond filter and at the same time, you want to save money rather than buying a nozzle, filter, and pump, consider purchasing this product.

Mechanical filtration comes in two parts: one does the job of capturing small or minute particles while the other one does the job of capturing large particles. This filter kit also includes Bio Balls to provide better growth of beneficial bacteria.

Users can increase the life of this product using pads and a system of the sloping lid to reduce the maintenance it has to undergo.  The POND BOSS is very easy to install and you can get it up and running in a few minutes. 

Best to Remove Algae

2. TetraPond Clear Choice Biofilter PF-1 For Efficient Filtration

• Pond Size (Gallon): Up to 1200
• Flow Rate (GPH): 325 to 550
• UV Clarifier: No
• Filtration Stages: Biological and mechanical

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Key Features and My Experience

TetraPond Clear Choice Biofilter PF-1 possesses all the great features you can find in any pond filter.  The product’s quality mechanism makes the TetraPond Clear Choice Biofilter PF-1 For Efficient Filtration easier to clean due to the presence of the backflush valve.  This product uses both biological and mechanical filtration systems to clean and filter the water found inside your pond. It also integrates an Ultraviolet light system that kills off algae in your pond.

 This filtration gets rid of impurities and waste without much hassle and it can handle up to 1200 gallons capacity.  This makes it a perfect product that users can use on their pond consistently.

Best without UV

3. TetraPond Filtration Fountain Kit

• Pond Size (Gallon): 75 to 250
• Flow Rate (GPH): 325
• UV Clarifier: No
• Filtration Stages: Mechanical

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Key Features and My Experience

The TetraPond Filtration Fountain Kit is a pond filter that boasts of using both fine and coarse pads for a submersible pump. It also offers mechanical filtration for its customers. This product is famous for setting up a fountainhead that can give users three different shapes while using a swivel adjuster and a diverter valve to level the head of the fountain.

A switch is present to control the width of flow as the fountain can provide flow rates of up to 325 gallons every hour.  The flow rate of this product is also continent for ponds that require about 250 gallons as you can choose a variety of choices available. 

Best for 1000 Gallons

4. Polar Aurora 4000 Gallons Pond Pressure Bio Filter

• Pond Size (Gallon): 75 to 250
• Flow Rate (GPH): 325
• UV Clarifier: No
• Filtration Stages: Mechanical

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Key Features and My Experience

The Polar Aurora Pond Filter is a suitable choice for relatively inexperienced fish farmers.  This pressure filter comes with an Ultraviolet lighting system that allows users to control the development of algae in the pond.  The ultraviolet light does not only get rid of impure elements but also ensures that the fish found in your pond live longer than normal.

The Polar Aurora Pressure Bio Filter has a tough casing on its exterior. This allows customers to place the pond filter underground, near the pond, or above it.  For more versatility, the automatic cleaning function is added and this has the ability to handle up to 2,500 gallons of water. 

Best for 1000 Gallons

5. Polar Aurora 4000 Gallons Pond Pressure Bio Filter

• Pond Size (Gallon): Up to 4000
• UV Clarifier: Yes
• Filtration Stages: Biological

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Key Features and My Experience

Just as the name implies, the TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter For ponds offers mechanical filtration of fine and coarse particles for ponds that contain up to 500 gallons. This pond filter shaped like a box also comes with sufficient room in which users can add biofilters.  The filter is perfect for flow rates between 200 – 2000 gallons of water per hour and it works just fine too. 

Users can easily detach filters from the tubing to remove unwanted waste particles from the system during cleaning.

Best for Koi

6. Jebao CF-10 Pressured Pond Bio Filter

• Pond Size (Gallon): 850 to 1250
• UV Clarifier: Yes
• Filtration Stages: Biological and mechanical

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Key Features and My Experience

The Jebao CF-10 Pressured Pond Bio Filter is a natural pond filter that one has to check out. It comes with an integrated 13-watt UVC, a cleaning indicator, a UVC vowing window, and a backwash facility. This filtration system uses both biological and mechanical stages which are very important to your pond.  The Jebao CF-10 Pressured Pond Bio Filter can filter as much as 1,500 gallons if there are only plants in the pond, 1,000 gallons if there are plants with very few small fish, and 500 gallons if you own a pond that contains a large fish such as koi. 

To improve its performance, the manufacturer used quartz glass in its filtration system.  While normal glasses can reduce ultraviolet rays by up to 90%, the quartz glass makes sure that most of the light reaches the deeper part of the pond.  There is an indicator, which goes in hand with the well-designed purification system which is used to signal the need for cleaning up.

Best without Pump

7. SUN CPF-2500 Grech Pond Bio Pressure Filter UVC 13-watt Up to 1600 Gallons

• Pond Size (Gallon): Up to 2500
• Flow Rate (GPH): 1600
• UV Clarifier: Yes
• Filtration Stages: Biological and mechanical

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Key Features and My Experience

When you hear about Grech CPF-2500 Pond Bio Pressure Filter, what should go through your mind is a pond filter that has great potential while being very easy to maintain and clean.  Unlike other filter products, the SUN CPF-2500 Grech simplified cleaning with the help of numerous methods of filtration and a quick handle cleaning system.  This filtration system uses both biological and mechanical filtration chambers that help in extra filtration.

The filter acts as a catalyst to produce bacterial that can remove nitrate and ammonia in the pond. When these impurities are removed, the fish in the pond can enjoy clean and clear water. The Grech CPF-2500 Pond Bio Pressure Filter can clean up to 900 gallons of water with a reasonable number of fishes and plants in it. This product can handle up to 1,600 gallons of water in a pond. The filter does not come with its own pump and you have to pay extra to get one.

Best Filter and Waterfall

8. TetraPond 26596 Waterfall Filter

• Pond Size (Gallon): Up to 1000
• Flow Rate (GPH): 500 to 4500
• UV Clarifier: No
• Filtration Stages: Biological and mechanical

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Key Features and My Experience

This pond filter attaches itself to an external pump or a submersible which helps in the formation of a 12” waterfall which is enough for ponds that are not more than 1,000 gallons. In as much as the media which provides biological filtration does not come with the package, the TetraPond 26596 Waterfall Filter does offer both types of filtration with ease.

Both types of filtration can assist positively when it comes to improving the nitrogen cycle of your decorative pond. As beneficial bacteria colonize in both filtration systems, it turns toxic nitrates which are harmful to organic life into nitrates that nourish the environment.  The pumps of this filter can handle flow rates from about 500 gallons to about 4,500 gallons per minute and the waterfall provides the pond with an attractive view.  The TetraPond 26596 Waterfall Filter however provides aeration of water to your pond giving it clean and clear water.

Best with Plants

9. XtremepowerUS Koi Pressure Boi Filter Pond Garden Pond Pump Filter

• Pond Size (Gallon): Up to 4000
• UV Clarifier: Yes
• Filtration Stages: Biological

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Key Features and My Experience

The XtremepowerUS Koi Pressure Boi Filter is really a powerful filter.  This filter boasts of filtering at the rate of 10,000 liters per hour and it is very efficient for ponds that contain up to 1,500 gallons of water.  This pond filter has 3 layers of sponges that provide a perfect environment and conditions for good bacteria to thrive.

The XtremepowerUS Koi Pressure Boi Filter has 3 different connections: 1½”, 1¼”, and ¾”. It also packs a UV light (13 watts) which helps to break up algae colonies so users don’t have to worry about those bad impurities. The cord of this pond filter is only 15 feet long but this makes setting up easier.

Best with Plants

10. Best Choice Products 4000L Pressure Bio Filter for Pond

• Pond Size (Gallon): 1500 to 2500
• Flow Rate (GPH): 4000
• UV Clarifier: Yes
• Filtration Stages: Biological

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Key Features and My Experience

Best Choice Products or otherwise known as BCP for short is definitely one which is more likely brand to appear on this list. Best Choice Products was founded about 10 years ago and they started small by selling a pool table at a second-hand price. Now that we have gotten that out of the books, the BCP has its ups and downs, and the features which this biofilter packs can be compared to most products on this list. When it comes to choosing the BCP, this is an excellent choice when it is used as a pond filter for koi fish. This is a result of a combination of its cleaning capacity and the flow rate that the BCP product can use.

Comparison Table

Benefits of a Pond filter

The pond filter system is mainly required for those ponds where you have kept fish, turtles, or other water animals. It mainly helps in keeping the water of the pond clean so that the creatures you have kept in the pond can stay safe.

• A pond filter adds beneficial bacteria to a pond. These bacteria destroy the invisible toxins in the water. These bacteria break down the Nitrite and Ammonia in the water. It transforms Nitrite into Nitrate. This nitrate can be absorbed by the plants in the pond. The environment of the pond is improved, and it is good for the fish you have kept in the pond.
• The skimmers can help in cleaning the larger debris on the surface of the water. It collects such kind of debris and then helps it for easy removal. So, this larger-size debris doesn’t get a chance to sink down and become decomposed.
• A pressure filter can help a lot to remove the green algae from the water. It makes the water crystal clean that is just the best for the health of the fish inside the pond.
• With the help of UV sterilizers, even the smallest particles inside the pond can be removed. Thus, the water will become crystal clear. The water will be so clear you can see fish inside the water. It increases the beauty of the pond.

Features of a Pond Filter

• It will depend on different types of pond filters. UV pond filters have UV sterilizers that have the ability to work down to the microscopic level by cleaning the invisible biological toxins of the water.
• It can have adjustable fountain heads. Some of the pond water filters will also have a magnetic drive.
• The bottom drainage feature can ensure the removal of the debris that falls to the deepest level of the pond. This feature will not allow the debris to be decomposed at that low level.
• Most of the quality pond water filters will have easy maintenance features. The components of the pond filter can be easily removed. At the time, the installation should not take too much time. It will also help in cleaning the water filter easily.
• The back-wash feature is also a crucial feature in the pond water filter. This feature will help in removing the collected debris from the pond easily.
• The presence of mechanical sponges will help in purifying the small components present in the pond water.

How to Know the Ideal Size?

Tanks Without Fish

To get the correct size of a rectangular or square tank, without any fish or water in it, you can use this formula:

When it comes to oval tanks or round-shape tanks, try measuring the diameter then divide it by two. The result is the radius of the tank and when that is done, you can calculate for size with this formula:

If your tank has two depths, to get the size, you have to measure the two depths at separate dimensions. To get the average size of the two tanks, add all the measurements, and divide it by the number you measured the depth. The result would tell you the correct amount of water in gallons that make up the tank.

If the tank is irregularly shaped, you can get the size by gauging the width at a different place on the lid, then add them together and divide the answer by the number of times it took you to gauge the width of the tank. That answer is the size of the gallon you need to be filled up. You can also consider using this step if the tank has different depths.

For a Fish Tank with Water Alone

If you own a fountain or waterfall and you decide to use the filter on it, here are the things you’ll need to consider. There are measurements you need to look into:

• The quantity of the tubing’s 90° bends, adapters, fittings, and valves
• The dimension of the tubing
• The width and length of your fountain or waterfall

 Having these would help you install and ensure the water is flowing well at a constant speed to be taken up.  Users also need to know the breadth of the fountain or waterfall to know the speed. Also, pumps in waterfalls have to flow at least 125 gallons in one hour for every inch.

Maybe you are searching for a tranquil flow, I would advise that you stick to 100 gallons of water every hour. Below is the formula you can use to calculate it appropriately:

If you want to know the total dynamic head pressure, you can make use of this formula:

For Tanks or Pools with Fishes

Just like that of the empty tank, you can’t find the real way to get the size of the sifter which is sufficient for a container with a fish load.

However, users can start by selecting sizes that can function with 5 inches of fish for every 5 gallons. You should also have it in mind that the fish in your tank would grow up and lay eggs so you have to choose a size that will contain them when all that is done.

If you find that hard to do, just purchase large-sized tanks and prepare for them to multiply.

FAQ

Conclusion

If you are a lover of keeping fish and other water animals in your pond or water garden, then you need to ensure that the water of that pond remains safe and healthy. Using a pond water filter can provide you with the best quality water.

By choosing the best Pond filter system, you will be able to keep the pond crystal clear. It will not only help you to keep the fish, turtles, or other creatures healthy, but the visibility of the pond will make it much more beautiful. You will be able to see the fish playing in the water. Choose the best pond water filter that has both the features of mechanical and biological filtration.