The Top 10 Best Koi Pond Filter of 2023

If you love rearing fish and own a fish pond, you must know the hurdles of keeping the pond clean. Without a clean and healthy environment, no fish can survive, especially koi fish. Koi ponds must have to maintain an optimum environment for koi fish to grow properly. This is why there are many types of koi pond filters in the market to choose from.

We have collected the best koi pond filters and reviewed them so that you can choose a perfect one for your fish friends. Let’s dive right into the pond and know the top candidates!

 

Best Pick and Budget Pick

Best Pick

Our best pick for the koi pond filter is the SUN Grech CPF–2500 Pond Bio Pressure Filter. It is a little bit costly from other filters, but it makes up for that with performance. This one has all three filtration mechanisms; biological filtration, mechanical filtration, and UV clarifying filtration.

It is much more suitable for larger koi ponds. Aside from being efficient, it is also disguisable. This one is also easy to install and a comparatively low maintenance filter. All in all, it has all the features a top-notch quality pond filters should have. This is why it is chosen as one of the best koi pond filters out there.

Budget Pick

If you are looking for an option that would not make you go broke, this OASE BioSmart 5000 Pond Filter is your best shot. OASE is reputed as a company that can balance both the price and the product’s durability, and this one is no exception.

This filter has different sizes of filtering chambers, and they are very easy to clean and reassemble. The unique part of this filter is the indicator that alerts when to clean the pond. This is a handy feature and very useful to have at this budget price.

 

Best Koi Pond Filter Review

The products mentioned below have all the attributes for being the best koi pond filter. By reading this review, you may find a suitable one for your pond.

 

1. SUN Grech CPF–2500 Pond Bio Pressure Filter

The SUN Grech Bio Pressure filter is efficient and has a greater throughput than traditional gravity filters. It is equipped with a bio-mechanical filter. There are two biological and mechanical filter chambers to remove both kinds of waste.

This is one of the best koi pond filter for smaller fish tanks or ponds. It can be set up for up to 900 Gallon decorative pond. By allowing the growth of aerobic bacteria, this filter removes nitrite and ammonia from the pond water.

The simplicity and hassle-free method of handling this filter make it stand out from the market. It is very easy to set up from the clear instructions given in the manual.

SUN Grech Bio Pressure filter has a compact build and can be kept hidden in the pond. The connection wires and other hardware are meticulously designed to be at the top cover only. It can be located on any side of the pond.

The efficiency of this Koi pond filter is amazing. This filter’s pump has a full head of 9.2 ft, which is very high compared with other filters. The pond water can be pumped to waterfalls located at higher positions due to having a high capacity pump.

Another important feature of this koi pond filter is the addition of a UV-C clarifier. The UV unit enhances the filters’ overall efficiency by killing micro-sized germs such as many viruses and harmful water-borne bacteria. The mechanical filter part stops the dirt from flowing back to the pond.

Pros:

• Compact built and easily hidden.
• UV-C filter mechanism employed
• Highly efficient
• Can be set up easily and low maintenance

Cons:

• Suitable for smaller tanks or ponds
• Slightly costly compared to others

 

2. OASE BioSmart 5000 Pond Filter

OASE BioSmart pond filter comes in for both 5000 gallons and 10,000-gallon ponds. A square-shaped filter with a compact and furnished look can remove any kind of waste from the ponds. This koi pond filter is durable and can be easily cleaned.

This one is a smart filter designed with innovative flow features. The filter systems allow maximum oxygenation and promote the growth of aerobic bacteria. The structure of the filter has high-surface area filter foams having excellent bio-filtration ability. These foams can be used for a long time, and you don’t have to try to unclog them.

The OASE BioSmart pond filter is extremely low maintenance. The filter foams survive for a long time, and the chambers are large. The filter comes with a user manual with detailed instructions on setting it up and running smoothly.

There are different zones in the filter which allow various types of useful bacteria to settle down. These bacteria enable the nitrogen cycle to occur inside the filter zone, converting the harmful ammonia of you ponds into nitrogen gas.

It also has a UV filter mechanism in conjunction with the traditional biological and mechanical filters. The UV part gets rid of germs like a virus or lethal bacteria.

The unique feature of this filter is its built-in cleaning indicator. This upgraded display can notify you when the filter needs cleaning and even detects the water temperature correctly.

Pros:

• Low maintenance of the filters
• Shows temperature and cleaning time
• Combined actions of biological, mechanical, and UV filters
• One of the best koi pond filter in terms of price
• Nature friendly and applicable for local fish stock

Cons:

• Suitable for larger fish tanks
• Cannot be hidden due to the bigger dimension

 

3. Goplus Pressure Bio Filter

Goplus Pressure Bio Filter is manufactured from the highest quality ABS material, making it one of the best koi pond filters in durability. If you are looking for a filter that will last for a long time without any trouble, this filter can be your suitable choice.

This filter can operate in a high throughput flowrate 1000 L per hour and a high filtering capacity. It is suitable for ponds with capacity ranging from 1500 Gallons to 2500 Gallons. It is easy to clean up and maintain the functions. It has a wide range of applications such as garden ponds, fishponds, and landscape pools.

Goplus filter has an innovative feature called the dual outlet design. The clarified water can be fed back to the pond through a pressure hose.

This one also has built-in UV bulbs. Combined with its filter system, the UV filter can kill harmful germs easily. This filter sterilizes the pond water completely and maintains the water quality. The UV bulb is replaceable and lasts for a long time.

The water inlet and outlet are efficiently designed and can be connected with different sized water hoses. This makes the filter adaptable with any type of additional items.

The filter sponges used here are made from top-notch quality materials. These can make a balanced flow of water and cleaned without much difficulty.

Pros:

• Allows backwash
• UV filter attached for complete purification
• Easy maintenance and durable build
• High-quality filter sponges
• Innovative dual-outlet build

Cons:

• The top should be dealt with care.
• Needs a higher start-up duration

 

4. TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter

TetraPond is esteemed as a proficient filter manufacturer. This submergible flat box filter from then does not disappoint at all. This filter is perfect for ponds having up to 500 gallons capacity. It can benefit the growth of large varieties of fish and comes with a full package.

The package includes several important items that you may need to buy separately in case of other filters. Aside from the filter box, there are filter pads, tubings, hose fittings suitable for the filter design. It also comes with a detailed user guide to enable an easy setup.

The filter works by drawing water into its flat box filter and running it through the filtering pads. The cleaned water is discharged to ponds through the fountainhead, and the operation repeats itself. You need to hold it underwater until the filter gets fully submerged.

The filtering foam pads are coarse and fine in texture. This allows the higher capturing ability of the filter.

This filter is one of the best koi pond filter in terms of flexibility, as it can be used for water gardens or normal fish ponds. It can fit for a wide variety of pump sizes, with capacity ranging from 200 GPH to 2000 GPH. The design also stops the pump from clogging.

The fountainhead discharge is a unique and efficient addition to the design. Due to this feature, the water is properly aerated, and beneficial bacteria’s growth is boosted.

Pros:

• Comes with a full package
• Flat and sturdy build
• Suitable for small to the moderate koi pond
• Fits with different capacities of pump
• Resilient in structure and smooth operation

Cons:

• Only 1-year warranty
• Not suitable for larger ponds

 

5. CNZ All in ONE Pond Filter System

Made with 13 Watt UV sterilizer, this filter kills all the nasty germs from koi ponds and keeps you, fish friends healthy. It is suitable for small to medium-sized ponds or fish tanks. If you opt for a highly efficient filter with adjustable features, this filter would be a great choice.

This filter has been equipped with many features, earning it the name all-in-one-cup. It is a single compact unit with a single power cable. It is extremely easy to install compared to other filters available in the market.

The filtration part of this all-in-one-cup CNZ filter is designed to keep the highest quality. The filtration media comprises a large and coarse filter foam, and these can be changed when needed. There are four clips positioned at the opposite sides of the unit to enable easy access to filtering chambers.

The pump can also be removed and replaced by unscrewing three screws situated, and the sterilizer can be changed in the same method. This flexibility of the product is what makes it stand out from other filters.

CNZ filter needs to be submerged underwater and easily disguised. This is a nifty feature, as it allows for smart landscaping.

It has another feature of the fountain attachment set. This set has three fountain attachments. Each attachment is suitable for different sized ponds. The fountain feature enables perfect aeration and growth of useful bacteria.

Pros:

• Proper aeration of water
• Efficient fountain sets for maximum oxygenation
• UV filter destructs free-floating algae and bacteria.
• Arrives with a set of necessary auxiliaries
• Adjustable filtering media and chambers

Cons:

• No product warranty
• UV light needs to be replaced often.

 

6. TetraPond Bio–Active Pressure Filter

This pressure filter is a perfect one for large ponds up to 2500 gallons capacity. It employs both mechanical and biological filtration means. It has all the latest technological upgrades to make it unique and adaptable.

This filter’s usability is easy, and the instruction manual given with the product is clear to follow through. The filtered water is free from all types of dirt debris and hazardous pathogens born in water.

A notable feature of this filter is the bio-activators. These can easily trap dirt and other particulates from the water and provide a huge surface area all over the pond. Due to this large area, bacteria can colonize and start biological filtration. When the filter is flushed, these bio activators allow the water to flow unrestrictedly but retain useful bacteria for biofiltration.

UV clarifier is a bonus of this filter. Suppose your pond water has a significant amount of algae. In that case, a UV clarifier can help clear the water and improve the fish’s living conditions. Ultraviolet radiation can destruct the ability of algae to reproduce.

TetraPond filters are efficient for black flush capabilities. The water can be forced down to the center tube. A whirlpool effect created by the water jets at the bio-activator chambers loosens the dirt attached at the bio activators. Finally, the water is flushed from the chambers and out to the backflush port.

Pros:

• Has mechanical, biological, and UV filtration methods
• Bio-activators are used to fasten the filtration
• The aeration area is larger
• Comes with a thorough instruction guide
• Can be backflushed without hassle

Cons:

• Only suitable for large tanks
• Not to be paired with pumps having a larger capacity of 4500 gallons per hour

 

7. Aquascape Submersible Pond Water Filter

This filter by Aquascape has a compact design with not many extra parts to add or handle. It has a large surface area, allowing a significant water amount to enter the filter and be cleaned. The chamber’s small opening stops the large pieces of debris or dirt from entering and clogging the filter.

The filtration inside the machine occurs in two steps. The pre-filtration occurs through filtration sponges. This feature reduces the pump cost and maintenance greatly. The main filtration happens due to the ceramic filter rings. The ring-shaped filters provide greater surface area for efficient biological filtration.

Aquascape filter has a removal cage, so it is easy to clean the inner chambers. It is a very low maintenance filter, as the filter rings take a long time to wear out and reduce efficiency. It is also very sturdy and easy to install at any location inside the pond.

Another great thing about this filter is its adaptability.  This is a criteria best koi pond filter should have. It has a threaded intake and multi-hose adapter attached.  This feature allows it to be attached to most types of pond pumps. It has a small piece of pipe, which can connect with any pump.

The round shape and compactness make it disguisable too. If you want a pond filter that would not ruin the landscape, this one may be a great option. However, this filter is for smaller ponds, having a capacity of up to 800 gallons.

Pros:

• Uses ceramic filters to clean the water
• Provided a large surface for biological filtration
• Low maintenance
• The ring filters last for a long time.
• Very adaptable to any type of pump

Cons:

• Comparatively costly
• Suitable only for ponds up to 800 gallons

 

8. XtremepowerUS Koi Pressure Boi Filter

Flexible and simple, XtremepowerUS always makes one of the best koi pond filters available in the market. This one is great for ponds up to 4000 gallons capacity, and filtration capacity is around 2500 gallons. The shape resembles typical filter baskets, and it is easy to locate anywhere in the pond.

XtremepowerUS is easy to install in your pond and guaranteed to last a long time. The material by which the body of the filter is made is waterproof. Durability is one of the main things to consider while changing or choosing a filter. This solves this problem very efficiently.

This pressure filter can filter both mechanically and biologically. For biological filtration, bio balls are used. These bio-balls are small spherical objects which can provide a large surface area for useful microbes to grow.

A UV clarifier is also equipped with this filter to destroy pathogens, viruses, and bacteria. There is a UV indicator, too, with the clarifier. The main advantage of using a UV filter is the reduction of algae from pond water.

There is a flow water indicator in this filter. This is a very handy feature that all filters should have—the filter to send notifications or indicate when the filter sponges need cleaning or replacements.

It also has a backwashing feature. Backwash helps to clean out the chambers and take out the dirt collected from the koi pond. With smooth operation and sturdy design, this one is undoubtedly one of the best filters in the market.

Pros:

• Efficient bio-filtration system
• Bio balls are used for filtration.
• Affordable
• Great durability
• It is easily installed and maintained.

Cons:

• Appropriate for larger ponds
• Cannot be easily hidden
• Bio balls deplete easily.

 

9. Koral Filters PRO Koi Pond Filter

Koral Filters is extremely efficient as well as versatile. Whether you have a pond or an aquarium, this filter is compatible with any type. This filter is perfect for a water garden, aquariums, and ponds-you name it. Since it is a filter pad, it can be bought in bulk used in your filtration system.

The filter pads are very efficient. This is a 6 ft roll pad with a small thickness and durable. The best thing about these filter pads is that they can be customized and are cut-to-fit. So, no matter what kind of ponds you have, the filter pads will be perfect for any.

The filtration technology used is hollow-fiber construction. This type of fiber can sustain a high volume of water. The fiber is a dual-type structure, with large and small fibers arranged efficiently to maximize mechanical filtration capacity. This filter is extremely efficient and lasts for a long time.

This durably designed filter doesn’t get warped or broken easily. These can be used repeatedly if you need to. The filters can sustain multiple washes and reusable for a long time.

This fiber filter is great due to its portability and being cut-to-fit; this means that it can be used with any filter system that allows for fiber filtration. You can even cut it according to your need and use the cut portion without losing efficiency.

Pros:

• Good filtering capability
• The fibers can sustain heavy washes without breaking down.
• The fibers are cut-to-fit and can be used according to requirements.
• Easily portable and adaptable
• Fibers are a perfect blend of small and large fibers.

Cons:

• May not be feasible after a few uses.
• Not compatible with all types of filters

 

10. TetraPond Bio–Active Pressure Filter (1500 Gallons)

This one is suitable for 1500 gallon capacity ponds. It can be used for water gardens, ponds. This filter is extremely proficient. It cleans water without any hassle and lasts a long time.

This one is pretty much the same in functionality as the 2500 gallon one. The only difference is that it works for slightly smaller ponds. It has biological and mechanical filtration modes and works efficiently to clean the pond water from all kinds of dirt and debris.

The Bio-Activators equipped in the filters give a large area for bio-filtration. The huge area enables a large number of microbes to grow. The microbes are then able to start the nitrogen cycle and destroy the nitrates formed. These nitrates are very harmful to the growth of fish.

UV-filter of this TetraPond Filter is an important feature. Often the koi ponds become green and cloudy due to the growth of algae. Algae may not be harmful like pathogens, but it reduces ponds’ visibility and uses up the oxygen in the water. Using UV clarifiers makes the ponds get rid of algae. UV light can penetrate through the algae proteins and break them completely. By destroying the proteins, the algae no longer grow.

This filter has a backwashing feature and can be washed properly inside the chambers. It is easy to install, and the maintenance is also low effort and low cost.

Pros:

• Suitable for 1500 gallon ponds
• Bio-activators allow large growth of useful microbes.
• Low maintenance
• Back flushes make it easier to clean.
• Comes with an instruction guide

Cons:

• Not very flexible
• Suitable for moderate ponds

 

Buyer’s Guide for the best koi pond filter

There are some features in pond filter that you should consider while deciding which filter to buy. Some of those important parameters of best koi pond filters are described below.

 

Pre Filtration: If you’re purchasing a koi pond filter for the first time, we recommend you pre-clean your pond. This system is simple enough to be done at home, but you can hire help if you’re nervous about doing it alone. Pre-filtration requires one main ingredient- activated charcoal. Activated carbon uses absorption chemical methods to remove impurities from water.

Frequently, people use activated charcoal to get rid of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). The material also helps to remove bad odor from ponds.

 

Bead or Box Filter: If you have had a koi pond for a long time, you must know about the pressurized and non-pressurized filters. One of the advantages of a bead filter is its capability to filter a large volume of water. But this type of filter can often cause oxygen depletion.

On the other hand, box filters are self-cleaning, easy to install, and ideal for small koi ponds. You can pick either of them, depending on your pond size.

 

Filter media: The filtration mechanism of a koi pond filter is a great concern while choosing a koi pond filter. The unified technology of mechanical and biological filters makes the filtration much more efficient. You might need a filter that can be durable for a long time. Usually, the biological filters sustain for a long time.

You can look into bio-activators bigger and can quickly filter the water from organic waste. So, if you want a filter that can work quickly, looking into bio-activators will be wise. But if you want a steady filtration rate but highly efficient ones, bio-balls may be a good idea.

 

Pumps: Some of the best koi pond filters may have pumps included in the package, and some may not have that. If you find that searching for a suitable pump is a headache, you can look into options that include the package pumps.  Also, be very aware of the pumping capacity and whether these would be compatible with the filters. The filters may not handle large amounts of water, and the filter media can break apart or erode. So, while choosing a pump, consider all these factors carefully.

 

Aeration Capability: An important feature of the best koi pond filters is its aeration capability. Sometimes, the filters are designed inherently to have that aeration capability. For instance, some filters have a fountain system to spill water. The fountain mechanism helps to aerate the water properly. During aeration, the aerobic microbes use the nitrogen cycle to destroy harmful nitrates.

If you find that fountains are not available, consider adding an auxiliary part. Sometimes the size of bio-filters can also influence this factor. Also, remember that you can aerate water through any agitation method. So try to find a part which can help you do that.

If you are buying a koi pond filter, look for higher oxygenation ability options, and operate smoothly.

 

Pond size: Before buying a filter, you must calculate or find the volume of your pond. It is very easy to calculate if you don’t have the volume figured out. Measuring the pond’s depth and multiplying it with the area will give you the total volume of the pond.

To select a koi pond filter, you must look for one filter up to 150% of the pond’s volume. Don’t buy one with the exact amount of your pond because no filter has 100% efficiency.  Also, determine the compatibility with your pump capacity. All of this information must be aligned to give the best results.

 

Durability: Durability is a mandatory feature of the best koi pond filters. The durability of a filter depends on a lot of things. But what it generally refers to is the compactness of the overall design and the filter media.

If you have a large pond with a big fish population, you can expect a heavier organic waste load. In those cases, you want a filter, which can be washed regularly and would be able to sustain the flow of water during the wash.

The design of a filter should also be compact. If the filter items are too scattered and you end up buying spares once in a while, the filter efficiency declines a lot. That is why it is better to look for a filter that has a compact form.

 

Flexibility: What does it mean to be flexible? Well, you want to use it for multiple purposes. For instance, maybe you have decided to enlarge your koi fish pond in the future, but the filter you chose can no longer be used as it is incompatible with it. Best koi pond filters must have this flexibility to some extent, as you want a filter that can adapt to the changes.

You might want to use your filter but don’t want it to ruin the pond’s beautiful landscaping. Then look for a filter that can blend into the background and disguised. Or, you may need a filter that can function in both ponds and water gardens. So, choose a filter that can adapt to any environment.

 

Budget: This is perhaps where most decisions become made or unmade. You don’t want to buy a fancy filter and spend too much, but you do want to invest in a durable filter, which will give you a good service. At times, buy investing a little more can mean that you are buying a product that will be resilient and save you from the cost of fixing it again and again. To choose an affordable filter, first determine the features you absolutely want in your filter. This can help you be focused and decide on the absolute necessities, rather than high-tech features which may not be as necessary. Look for things that are essential to have in the best koi pond filter and make your decision based on that.

 

FAQ

 

1. Should a koi pond filters have all types of filters (mechanical and biological)?

It is unnecessary to have all the filters inside a pond filter. But, having two different types of filters can ensure proper cleaning. It will depend on the pond’s size and requirements to decide whether you need two types of filters.

 

2. What type of features in a pond filter ensures aeration?

The best koi pond filters in the market may have built-in features or auxiliary ones to help with aeration. Some filters have a fountain output system, which increases the aeration of the water. The waterfall output system also can indicate the filter is efficient in aeration. So, it is important to read the manual to understand what features may help carefully.

 

3. How to clean a filtration chamber?

This greatly depends on what type of pond water filter to be dealt with. Depending on the design and features, the cleaning method can be decided. The instruction manual can help to figure out how to clean the chambers. Taking it apart according to instructions, the chambers are thoroughly washed using safe cleaning agents. Then it can be realigned using the manual.

 

4. How often should I clean my koi pond filter?

It will depend on the filter media to decide when to clean the koi pond filter. For coarse and fine sponges, washes need not be frequent. However, if you multiple sponges as filter media, they need to be washed as often as you can. For mechanical filters such as ceramic rings, they can be washed after a long time.

 

5. How to choose my filter using pond volume?

The pond volume will decide filter capacity, so measuring the volume is a preliminary task. Generally, the filter capacity must be 150% of the total volume of the pond. The volume of the pond can be found by measuring the depth and area of the pond.

 

6. Must I use a UV clarifier?

UV clarifiers are not a must; however, to ensure a healthy environment for fish, it is recommended to look for a filter with a UV clarifier or feature. UV light kills pathogens, which may cause lethal diseases to fish.

 

7. How to choose a pump for my filter?

If you choose a pressurized pond filter, pump choice is one of the main things to consider. It is recommended that water needs to be drawn in from the filter every two hours for pressurized filters. Although this time will depend on the filters’ retention time, this is an approximate measure based on data.

 

8. Can wash the media decrease efficiency?

Washing the media too often may cause a decrease in inefficiency. The mentioned filters are one of the most durable ones mentioned. Still, too much washing can cause more harm than good. Especially for fabric filters, the fibers may tear and become a less efficient filter media.

 

9. What is the cost of maintaining a koi pond filter?

The average cleaning cost of koi pond filters can vary from types, filtration techniques, sizes, and other factors. It can range anywhere from $500 to $1500. The value will depend on many factors, and other costs will also occur while maintaining a koi pond filter.

 

10. Should I choose a filter that comes with all components or just the filter?

If you want an all-in-package filter, you may choose and look for a filter that provides all the auxiliaries with it. But, if you require something more flexible and need one that can be easily adjusted, this type of filter may not be appropriate for you.

 

Conclusion

These were the best koi pond filters as far as 2020 goes. Each one has its special attributes and features. Some are great for large ponds; some may be good for smaller ones. Some have all the filtration techniques; others may employ only one or two.

However, all these pond filters are highly efficient and cater to different needs. All you have to do now is figure out your requirements and choose a suitable one. Don’t overspend and watch your pocket. Remember the checklist of your preferences and make sure the one you will choose will incorporate them.