In order to maintain a cleaner pond with healthy fish, it is important to have effective filtration and proper maintenance. Your filter will work silently to make your pond cleaner, beautiful, and healthy.
You have a choice to use either a pressurized filter or another high-performance filter called Burtons Aquatics drum filters. Also, it is important to understand all about this filter so that you can reduce your headaches and also at the same time save your time and money.
At That Pond Guy, we specialise in designing, installing, and maintaining tailored pond systems that suit your space and your aquatic goals.
Understanding Pond Filtration
All pond filters follow the same basic stages. First, a UV Clarifier uses ultraviolet light to clump algae cells, helping eliminate green water. Then, mechanical filtration captures debris like fish waste.
Lastly, biological filtration uses beneficial bacteria on bio-media to break down ammonia into nitrite, then nitrate—creating a cleaner, safer environment for fish and supporting plant growth.
Types of Filters
There are two main types of pond filters: pressurised and box/flow-through.
Pressurised filters are sealed units, allowing water to flow quickly through them. They are great for installations where you want the filter hidden or need to push water uphill to a waterfall. However, they tend to provide less filtration since the water spends less time inside the filter.
Box or flow-through filters offer better filtration since water flows through them more slowly, allowing debris to settle out. But because they rely on gravity, they need to be installed at the pond’s edge.
If you are serious about koi keeping, koi filters like the Nexus 320 offer more advanced filtration stages to handle the extra waste koi produce. While pricier and bulkier, they are the top choice for serious pond keepers.
Drum Filters: The Gold Standard
For those looking for minimal maintenance with maximum results, drum filters are worth considering. These self-cleaning systems trap particles as small as 30 microns and automatically wash themselves clean with high-pressure jets. They protect biological filters by keeping the mechanical stage cleaner and more efficient.
Systems like the Burtons Aquatics drum filters are especially popular in koi ponds and larger ornamental ponds, offering energy efficiency and long-term reliability. Their automatic cleaning cycles reduce the need for manual disassembly, letting pond owners enjoy clearer water with much less hassle.
Maintenance Tips That Matter
Regardless of filter type, regular maintenance is essential. Many filters come with backflush features for weekly cleaning, but these are not enough on their own. Foams, brushes, and bio-media need thorough rinsing—always in pond water, not tap water. Beneficial bacteria can be killed by chlorine and chloramine in tap water.
UV bulbs also need attention. Even if they still shine, they lose effectiveness after about 6 months of use. Replace bulbs annually, and don’t forget to clean or replace the quartz sleeve for maximum UV performance.
Final Thought
A clean, healthy pond starts with a well-maintained filter system. From simple box filters to advanced Burtons Aquatics drum filters, regular upkeep is essential. That Pond Guy is here to help with expert advice, installation, and maintenance—so your pond stays pristine and stress-free.
