Best Pond Filters for Garden Ponds
1) Laguna Clear Flo Pressurized Filter Review
- Provides the ultimate combination of pump power and water filtration efficiency
- Clear-Flo Kits are available in 4 sizes to meet your specific water gardening needs
- Max-Flo Solids Handling Waterfall & Filter Pump features energy-efficient pumps, the energy savings often pay for the cost of the pump
Our top pond filter choice is the Laguna Clear Flow range of pressurized filters with added UV clarifiers. This highly versatile pond filter comes with two types of filtration, biological and mechanical, as well as a handy UVC for algae removal. Its biological filtration process takes place through 3 pieces of media foam as well as highly optimized “Bio-Lava Rock” gravel – which are essentially optimized balls inside the filter for beneficial bacteria to quickly colonize and flourish. During regular filtration, the different sizes of media foam easily trap dirt and debris, whereas the bio-rocks provide ample surface exposure for bacteria to break down a large amount of waste substances from the water.
The most interesting and useful aspect of this particular filter is the innovative back-flush system that helps with filter cleaning and maintenance. When this system is used, water is reversed inside the filter with water jets creating a whirlpool effect in the filtration chamber. Whilst the debris circulating is loosened, the dirty water is ejected from a flush value which can be angled into your garden for easy removal. Make sure the back flush cap is secure even when not using the function or you’ll have leakage!
Also, we recommend after bacteria colonies have had time to establish (around 5-6 weeks) to perform a back flush clean before water flow becomes visibly reduced. This will make cleaning and future maintenance much easier and prevent beneficial bacteria dying off from lack of oxygen content.
As well as its filtration and cleaning options, the filter range comes with a 13w UVC light to help with algae removal. This strength of UV should be sufficient in controlling algae in all but the largest of ponds, and should also help with free-swimming harmful bacteria control.
Since this filter is pressurized, and due to its back flush system, you will need to ensure you have a pond pump strong enough for it to function efficiently. For the smallest filter, the 2000 Clear Flow, a pump around 500-800 GPH is recommended. For the largest filter, the Clear Flo 14000, a pump between 2500-3000 is recommended for best operation.
Overall, a reliable and economical pressurized filter, the Laguna Clear Flow range provides great 2-stage water filtration and an effective means for bacteria colonization through it’s unique lava rock bio-media. The back flush cleaning system is a useful addition, but you’ll need to make sure your pond pump is up to the job for the best results.
- Pressurized: Yes
- Pond sizes: Suitable for ponds between 500 and 5000 gallons (model dependent)
- Type of filtration: Biological and mechanical
- UVC Strength: 13w
- Outlet Size: Fits 1- 1/2 inch (ID) tubing
- Dimensions: 13.6 x 14.3 x 22.6 inches
- Warranty: 3 Years
2) Jebao CBF Pressurized Filter Review
- Model# CBF-15000 Max pond size: 4000 gallon
- Max Operating Pressure - 7.25 psi / 17ft. of head
- UV power: 36-watt 110-120V 60Hz
Our next US pond filter choice comes in the form of Jebao’s cost effective CBF series pressurized bio filters, which are a new product range replacing the older CF-10 models. Jebao has already created a reputation for itself by providing extremely cheap filter equipment while still retaining high standards of quality. This new CBF filter range works to remedy problems with the older design by adding new features and better quality materials, whilst still retaining the same low asking price.
The same as other filters here, the Jebao comes with a 2-stage filtration system, providing both biological and mechanical filtration layers. The water is filtered through a large porous sponge media which surrounds the central filter chamber, collecting debris as water swirls and passes through it. At the base of the filter is a large section for bio-media, which Jebao has provided in the form of optimized bio-rings. These needed to be added manually to the bottom of the filter (around 1/3 of the bag will do), and will work to reduce harmful waste substances as beneficial bacteria start to colonize.
Unlike the older models which felt a bit cramped in design, the intake, outtake, and discharge valve here are all nicely spaced apart, allowing for much easier installation. The back-flush system has also been improved, providing stronger flushing of media and a durable handle which needs to be “pumped”, instead of turned – which, in our opinion, is much easier for cleaning.
The filter is pressurized, so can be submerged or buried easily, and comes with different strength UVC lights as standard to eliminate green water. The smaller 1000 gallon models comes with a 13w bulb, and the largest 4000 gallon model a 36w bulb, making it suitable for larger stocked fish ponds. In terms of durability, the filter is a large step-up from the older CF-10 filters which felt very light and fragile, but still lacks some of the premium build quality in more expensive branded options. This can been seen in the somewhat flimsy handle, stiff back-flush knob to divert water to the discharge hose, and single layer of mechanical media foam.
Overall, an extremely cost effective pond filter, the Jebao CBF series provides a decent filtration system with a strong UV clarification options for pond owner on a budget. Best suited for smaller ponds, low fish stocks, or those looking to find the best balance between quality and price.
- Pressurized: Yes
- Pond sizes: Suitable for ponds between 1000 and 4000 gallons (2 models)
- Type of filtration: Biological and mechanical
- UVC Strength: 13 Watts (1000 model), 36 Watts (4000 model)
- Outlet Size: Fits 1″, 3/4″, 1/2” tubing
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 16 inches
- Warranty: 2 Years
3) Oase BioSmart Filter Review
- Innovative Flow-Through filter design with biological and mechanical filtration provides maximum oxygenation.
- BioSmart 5000 is suitable for ponds up to 5,000 gallons (with no fish).
- High-surface area filter foams provide exceptional biological filtration capability.
A great non-pressurized pond filter choice is Oase’s BioSmart filter series. These filters feature a streamlined “flow through” design, meaning water flow is not reduced as much as pressurized options.
The filtration process is a standard two-stage, with highly optimized foam media acting as both a biological and mechanical filter media. Included are 4 layers of different sized mechanical foam, which have been designed to house a large quantity of beneficial bacteria. They have also been designed to catch a range of different debris, including both fine and large particles.
The media itself is very easy to clean and maintain thanks to a built-in cleaning mechanism that prevents the need to physically remove the media foam. The filter also comes with a cleaning indicator light so you know when the media becomes clogged – which is very useful.
As well as the cleaning indicator, the filter comes with a temperature gauge for monitoring water temperature, and a handy sludge drainage outlet to remove buildup under the media. All these things combined makes the Oase BioSmart a very user friendly filter that would suit new pond owners, or pond owners who want easier filter maintenance.
In terms of UV options, the filter comes with a 9w UV light at the front of the inlet. Water drawn from your pump will first be clarified and algae removed before entering the filtration stage. This is the most efficient design to ensure dead algae doesn’t re-enter the pond water.
The filter is very easy to set up, but needs to be placed at ground level as the box is not pressurized. It will also require connection to your mains socket for the UV light to function. The only real complaint with the filter is the slightly fragile outtake design which tends to come loose occasionally. If you have a strong pump, you may need to add some elbow fittings to tighten the outlet to prevent it coming loose.
Overall, a very user-friendly non-pressurized filter option that provides great biological and mechanical filtration. Would suit both large ponds or smaller fish stocked ponds, and is one of the easiest filter systems we’ve reviewed to clean and maintain.
- Pressurized: No
- Pond sizes: Suitable for ponds of 5,000 gallons or 10,000 gallons
- Type of filtration: Biological and mechanical
- UVC Strength: 9w
- Outlet Size: Fits 3/4″, 1″, 1.25″ and 1.5″ tubing
- Dimensions: 23 x 16.1 x 19.1 inches
- Warranty: 2 Years
Does my Pond Need a Filtration System?
A pond filter has the very important role of housing beneficial pond bacteria which are necessary to the breakdown of harsh substances, as well as filtering out free-swimming debris from pond water. Ponds without sufficient beneficial bacteria populations may have dangerously high ammonia and nitrite levels, caused mainly from decomposing organic matter on the pond floor and fish waste.
The bacteria populations that build up in your pond filter will slowly break down these substances during the filtration process, greatly reducing the levels in your pond. Ammonia is broken down into nitrites, and this in turn into nitrates, which plants and algae will readily absorb – a process called the nitrogen cycle.
As well as this, pond filters also help remove free swimming organic matter, debris, and small particles which can contribute to muddy water. These things become trapped between the different levels of filter media and will be removed when cleaned. Anything that passes from the water through your pond pump will eventually arrive at your filter, and it’s your filters primary job to catch the unwanted debris and stop it re-entering your pond system.
Filters are necessary for pond owners whose ponds are easily filled with debris. Ponds which are close to trees, bushes, or foliage, are all prone to build up of floating debris which eventually sinks and begins to decompose as bottom sludge. They’re also essential for ponds with koi or goldfish, as the beneficial bacteria inside your filter box will be the primary process for breaking down harmful substances from the decomposition of organic waste. Without a means of water filtration, ammonia and nitrate levels would slowly increase over time and become dangerous to both pond fish and wildlife.
Should I Purchase a Filter With UV?
It has become more common for filters to come with added Ultra Violet Clarifiers in recent times to help combat both green water (algae) and harmful free-swimming bacteria. A pond filter with UVC will both help filter water and destroy algae during the filtration process. A pond filter with added UVC is a better choice in most cases to a regular pond filter, unless you already have a separate UVC unit.
With that said, even if you have a separate UVC unit, you can still purchase a pond filter with added UVC as this will only increase the rate at which both algae particles and harmful bacteria are removed, and should not adversely affect your pond’s ecosystem.
Note: A pond filter is designed to remove larger debris and particles from a pond’s water, as well as house beneficial bacteria, but it sometimes cannot remove very fine particles that may be the cause of dirty water. To catch smaller particles, a much finer filter media can be added to the filter to supplement the filtration process until water clarity improves. Check our article here for more information on removing fine particles and tannins which can cause dirty pond water.
Water Filtration – What is actually happening?
As the water passes from your pond pump to the filter, there are different layers of filtration taking place. The best quality pond filters will make the most of each type of filtration to maximize results, lower the amount of cleaning required, and enhance overall water quality.
The most basic of media includes a simple sponge material which doubles as a mechanical filter, housing bacteria for biological filtration and providing mechanical filtration itself. As well as common sponge media, ceramic rings, plastic rings, or bio balls are also great biological filter media. When cleaning a pond filter, you need to be careful not to over clean the media where the bacteria lives. Using fresh water to clean media housing bacteria can quickly kill your population, and cause problems with your pond’s balance. Check our guide here for help with cleaning bio-media and filtration systems without damaging the media.
Optimizing Water Filtration for Maximum Benefits
Just because a filter may come with everything you need to get started, doesn’t mean there aren’t still ways to help make filtration more efficient! Supplementing with beneficial bacteria can help reduce ammonia, and cleaning your mechanical media correctly will ensure maximum debris is removed. Even feeding your fish a better quality food can help with filtration by reducing the amount of water and harmful substances in the pond water.
Below are some useful articles which cover ways to improve filtration, water clarity, and water quality:
- Top Pond Filter Media Guide
- Cleaning Media & Optimizing Water Filtration
- Top Beneficial Bacteria to Supplement Filtration
- Guide to Activated Carbon in Ponds
- The Best Quality Food for Low Waste
Different Types of Pond Filter Systems
1) Box Filter (Non-pressurized, no UVC)
- Innovative Low Profile Filters are designed to be unobtrusive in the bottom of the pond and its large surface area means less frequent...
- The filter media is easily rinsed or changed and less time consuming than many similar filters of its kind.
- For Use with Pumps Up To 1000 GPH
A basic box filter is the simplest form of pond filter available. This type of filter is usually small, containing just the pond filter media and input/output options. This type of filter will work well to keep your pond water healthy for fish keeping, but it will NOT prevent green water (algae) build up. Regular box filters are not pressurized and the pond filter outlet should always be kept above the water line. This is the most basic kind of filter available, and has mostly been replaced with pressurized filter options or non-pressurized box filters with UV clarifiers.
2) Box Filter with UVC (Non-pressurized)
A very popular choice of pond filter, providing both pond filtration and water clarifying benefits. This pond filter is similar to the basic box filter above, but comes with a UV light bulb 
3) Pressurized Box Pond Filter (With/Without UVC)
- Provides the ultimate combination of pump power and water filtration efficiency
- Clear-Flo Kits are available in 4 sizes to meet your specific water gardening needs
- Max-Flo Solids Handling Waterfall & Filter Pump features energy-efficient pumps, the energy savings often pay for the cost of the pump
Similar to the normal box pond filters, but with a pressurized structure. This means the filter can be placed almost anywhere in your garden and easily hidden. The filter can be even placed below the water level, so you’re able to partially bury this kind of filter out of sight. Pressurized pond filters also can include an added UVC bulb to combat green water as well as providing basic pond filtration benefits.
A final benefit of a pressurised pond filter is due to its increased pressure. This allows a finer mechanical filter media to be obtained, which can further improve water clarity. Many newer models also come with a dedicated discharge function and semi-automatic cleaning system, which allows you to clean mechanical media without having to open the filter box.
A downside of pressurized filters is that they greatly reduce water flow inside the filter, so will need a pump with sufficient strength to provide good circulation. They’re also not recommended to be coupled with water features, as they will significantly increase the head height requirement of your pump. We always recommend a dedicated pump for a pressurized filtration system for best results.
If you intend to run your filter alongside a large water feature, such as fountain or waterfall, we recommend a non-pressurized filter so water lift height is not significantly reduced. Pressurized filters greatly reduce water flow inside the box, and this will, in turn, significantly increase the amount of head height required to power a water feature. In these instances, we would usually recommend running a separate pump to the water feature, and keeping your main filtration system on a dedicated circuit, as this provides easier maintenance, better head heights, and more efficient filtration,
I have been using the 25000lt AllPondSolutions PFC Pressurized filter with UVC for 2 years now on a 20000lt pond system. water quality and clarity has been fantastic throughout the time of the system running.
Hi Jon,
Thanks for the feedback! We’re happy to hear that’s working so well for you!
If I get the pressurized filter with UV and an aeration device, will it work fine together? Because when I was reading about the filters, it said it needs to be hooked up to a pump. But in your article I read that pumps are for oxygenation only but aeration is both oxygenation and water flow. So I am confused. My pond is about 3.5 feet depth and 19×24 in dimention. Thank you