Gardener's Yards All About Gardening Koi fish beautifies our ponds and water gardens. But it’s our responsibility to keep the koi happy and in good health.
Apart from feeding them, we have to keep the water clean and with the right chemical balance. That’s where a quality filtration system, such as a bead filter, is required.
Since there are many bead filters on the market, you need to find the right koi bead filter.
We decided to make your work easier by choosing the best six bead filters on the market. But before you pick a bead filter, you should consider the size of your pond.
The bead filters that we’re looking at have a proven track record and excellent features that will help your koi flourish. Read the entire review to find out the best and most ideal bead filter for your koi pond or water garden.
Table showing the best bead filters:
| Product | Pond size | |
| Aqua Ultraviolet II 2000 Bead Filter | 2000 gallons | Check Price |
| Aquadyne Model 2.2BHE Bead Filter | 8000 gallons | Check Price |
| AST Bubble BBF-XS2000 Bead Filter | 2000 gallons | Check price |
| EasyPro Pond Products Agricultural Pond Bead Filter | 6000 gallons | Check Price |
| Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II 6000 Bead Filter | 6000 gallons | Check Price |
| MaxPro 6000 Professional Bead Filter for Koi Ponds | 6000 gallons | Check Price |
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Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima Ii 2000 Bead Filter
What We Liked Most About This Product
We start with the Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II 2000 bead filter. This is one of the most popular bead filters on the market. It is ideal for small ponds as it comes with a 2000 gallon capacity.
Therefore, it is best suited for a 1000 to 2000 gallons pond capacity.
The most exceptional feature of this reliable bead filter from Aqua Ultraviolet is its tubular media design with the highest surface area on the market.
As a result, the large surface area makes it ideal for the growth of beneficial bacteria. That’s why it offers effective biological filtration.
Product Overview
Besides, the Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II 2000 gallons bead filter is made of a durable tank that will last for several years.
Furthermore, it is easy to use with the top-mounted valve to activate a gentle backwash. Simply rotate the valve to perform the backwash.
With this function, you won’t have to struggle to clean the filter. Also, you will not interrupt the filter as you don’t have to open it during the cleaning process.
Boasting the tubular media design is vital in growing the bacteria responsible for breaking down fish, thus, creating a safe, healthy environment for the fish to flourish.
However, the bead filter doesn’t come with a UV light, essential in killing unwanted microbes in the water. Therefore, you should consider buying one.
Whether you have an aquarium, a pond, or an aquaculture facility where you want to remove all ammonia and other debris, the Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II is an excellent product to install.
You will get clear water that is also healthy for your koi fish.
This is a reliable and affordable bead filter for removing impurities in your pond.
The only challenge is that it lacks UV light and has a short warranty. Aside from that, this is an excellent product that will last for many years to come.
Pros:
- Easy to clean with the backwash cleaning
- Durable construction for longevity
- Reliable biological filtration as it has a large surface area
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Simple to use
Cons:
- It doesn’t feature UV light as suggested by the company
Aquadyne Model 2.2bhe Bead Filter
What We Liked Most About This Product
The Aquadyne Model 2.2BHE bead filter is built for larger ponds. It can handle ponds of up to 8000 gallons and provide up to a 20% increase in water flow.
As a result, it can clear impurities in water within a short period.
The best feature of this bead filter is its energy-efficient pumps. These pumps improve water flow by around 15 to 20 percent.
But at the same, the filter doesn’t have to sacrifice a lot of water flow.
Product Overview
The Aquadyne bead filter comes with a 2-inch high-efficiency control head with 2-inch plumbing in and out.
Additionally, it has a 2-inch multiport valve machined to reduce friction loss. With the large and sturdy tank, this is a filter that you can rely on all year round.
Besides, it performs at a high level compared to similar filtration systems on the market. So, you get more than what you pay for.
A unique feature of the Aquadyne model 2.2BHE bead filter is the Dynamax air-assisted backwash. This function makes the unit efficient in all levels of waste loading.
However, it is also challenging to use, and that’s you have to read the instructions carefully to perform backwash cleaning.
This is a powerful unit as it can filter out 8000 gallons of water with up to 165 pounds of fish and other aquatic inhabitants.
And with the larger media bed, no impurities will be in the water as ammonia will be absorbed to create a healthy environment.
Overall, this is an excellent bead filter for individuals with larger ponds or those that want energy-efficient pumps without losing a lot of water flow.
Pros:
- Robust construction
- 2-inch high-efficiency control head
- Easy to clean with the Dynamax air assisted backwash
- Ideal for larger ponds
- Straightforward to install
Cons:
- Backwashing is quite challenging to use
- It is expensive
Ast Bubble Bead Filter Bbf-xs2000
What We Liked Most About This Product
The AST Bubble Bead Filter BBF-XS2000 is the best-pressurized filter for small ponds, aquaculture systems, and research applications.
The AST Bubble Bead Filter is sturdily made to withstand harsh conditions.
What many people like about this koi bead filter is its exceptional backwashing system.
Unlike most bead filters, this unit has the most efficient cleaning system, which is easy to use. Because of this, the overall cost of maintenance is lower compared to bead filters in the same price range.
Product Overview
The AST bubble bead filter is best suited for smaller ponds and aquaculture systems as it has a 2000 gallons capacity.
Additionally, it is straightforward to install and use. So, even if you’re a newbie, you will still have an easy time using this unit.
Moreover, the AST bubble bead filter with 2000 gallons capacity has an efficient design that saves energy.
On top of that, it is reliable with no internal moving parts that may weaken over time. The manufacturer says that it can capture 100 percent of particulates greater than 50 microns and 48 percent of particles between 5 and 10-micron range per pass.
Fitted with a large surface area, this device will provide outstanding biofiltration.
This means that it will break down waste such as nitrogen in the water into non-toxic substances. And with the backwash, all the gathered solids will be removed and leave the water looking clean and clear.
With such features, the AST BBF-XS2000 bead filter is a good investment.
However, it lacks UV light, which is vital in eliminating undesirable microbes. So, this will be an added cost.
Also, the manufacturer didn’t include a warranty, which is vital if the unit arrives with a damaged or defective part. The good thing is their customer support team is alert and helpful.
Overall, the AST BBF-XS2000 bead filter is a reliable and straightforward filter that most koi pond owners should consider having. Also, it cleans easily, and it is affordable.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction for long-lastingness
- Low maintenance
- Simple to clean
- Reliable performance
- Simple to install and use
- Efficient design
- Great customer support
Cons:
- It doesn’t feature a warranty
- UV light is bought separately
Easypro Pond Products Pbf6000 Agricultural Pond Bead Filter
What We Liked Most About This Product
If you’re looking for the best mid-range bead filter on the market, this is a wonderful option.
The EasyPro pond products PBF6000 agricultural pond filter is a sleek and durable filter made for medium to larger ponds. The filter comes with a 6000 gallons capacity, ideal for most medium ponds and aquaculture systems.
The most exciting function of this bead filter is the backflush waste line. This feature comes with a clear part that assists the user in monitoring every cleaning cycle.
As a result, the user can tell the extent of impurities in the water.
Product Overview
The EasyPro pond products PBF6000 bead filter is also robustly constructed from a heavy-duty polyethylene filter body. This is a strong material that will withstand tough outdoor conditions. Additionally, the unit features 2-inch inlet/outlet lines with unions.
This mechanical and biological filtration system will efficiently get rid of impurities in the water, such as ammonia and other solids.
This is thanks to the ultimate tube media. Furthermore, it takes around 48 hours to clear impurities from the water.
Thus, you don’t have to wait long after a heavy downpour. Besides, the unit is simple to install and use, even by beginners in koi fish rearing.
One of the fascinating features of this bead filter is the six-position control head. It simplifies the work of the user as they can control it from different positions. Aside from that, it has a high flow rate media that forms minimal backpressure.
With such impressive features, the EasyPro PBF6000 bead filter is suitable for koi ponds, fish systems, and hybrid ponds.
Nevertheless, you should be ready to purchase a UV light if you want to have a conducive and healthy pond for your fish.
So, if you want a long-lasting, reliable, and efficient pressurized filtration system, the EasyPro PBF 6000 bead filter is a wonderful choice. You won’t have trouble using it, and it is durable.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Easy to set up
- Easy to operate
- Ideal for medium to large ponds
- Excellent cleaning system
Cons:
- It lacks UV light
Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima Ii 6000 Bead Filter
What We Liked Most About This Product
The Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II 6000 bead filter is an excellent and reliable bead filter that will help you to filter large ponds with lots of fish.
Made of a heavy-duty tank and control valve, this unit will last for many years if well maintained.
Many Aquarists applaud this bead filter because of its large tubular media with a low head loss and a very high biofilm surface that extends the breeding ground of beneficial bacteria. As a result, ammonia is kept at bay, and the pond retains balanced chemicals in the pond.
Product Overview
The Ultima II is specifically constructed to match the environmental requirements of koi ponds. Despite being a bead filter, it has high flow rates, which means the oxygen in the water won’t be depleted quickly.
A unique feature of this bead filter is the special design that helps clean the unit. It has a “Y” shape and a wing shape on the outside that provides a protective surface during cleaning.
To activate the backwash system, which only takes minutes to clean, you must rotate the control valve.
Besides, the backwash system helps to prevent the media from clogging.
You will have to purchase low-amp, high-flow pumps and a UV light for optimal performance. These are not included in the purchase; thus, they are additional expenses that you should be ready to incur.
If you’ve been looking for an Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II bead filter that can filter your medium pond, you will like this unit.
It has a capacity of 6000 gallons, which will be perfect for your pond. It also has a very high flow rate but does a great job of filtering impurities out of water within a short period.
Also, it is sold at a fantastic price when you consider its features.
This is a good purchase as it is sold by one of the best bead filter brands on the market. Also, it is reliable, durable, and covers large ponds.
Pros:
- Robust tank for longevity
- Durable control valve
- Takes a few minutes to backwash
- High flow rate
- Perfect for large ponds and heavy fish loads
Cons:
- You will have to buy a separate UV light
Maxpro 6000 Professional Bead Filter For Koi Ponds And Water Gardens
What We Liked Most About This Product
The MaxPro 6000 professional bead filter is another quality and dependable koi bead filter. Like most filters on this list, the MaxPro 6000 professional bead filter is well-built to last long.
It has a durable tank and valve.
What we liked most about this pressurized filter is its bio bead media. This media does a great job of providing a surface area for beneficial bacteria to contain ammonia and keep the pH of the water to the recommended levels.
As a result, your koi fish will thrive without many hindrances in their environment.
Product Overview
The MaxPro 6000 professional bead filter is built for koi ponds and water gardens with up to a capacity of 6000 gallons.
However, it is recommended that you install it in a pond with a lower optimal performance capacity.
Furthermore, the bead filter is uniquely designed with a 7 position valve system for ease of use. Besides, it is simple to clean through backwashing.
Additionally, the backwashing filter can be installed anywhere on the pump’s discharge, which makes it ideal for fixing existing ponds and aquatic water systems.
However, like most units on this list, the MaxPro 6000 professional bead filter doesn’t come with a UV light. Also, it is slightly more expensive than most units in its price range.
This shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to installation, as it is straightforward.
Note that this bead filter should be utilized with MaxPro pumps for optimal performance.
Overall, this is a dependable and durable pressurized filtration system for ponds and water gardens. It should be installed in koi ponds with a capacity of 6000 gallons or less, but not more.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to use
- Simple to install
- Suitable for medium ponds
- 7 position valve system
- Excellent tornado backwashing
Cons:
- It is slightly expensive
FAQ
How Much Filtration Do I Need For My Pond?
The level of filtration that you need for your pond depends on the size of your pond and the number of fish in the pond.
Note that filters are rated to the volume of water in the pond. Nevertheless, a pond with fish will require more filtration than one without fish because of the waste and crumbs of the fish inside the pond.
Therefore, you should acquire a filtration system that is 2x the filtration capacity of your pond. For instance, if your pond has a 2000 gallon capacity, you should get a filtration system that has a 4000 capacity.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Bead Filter?
Also known as pressurized filters, bead filters can be mounted at or below ground level. Also, they can process vast volumes of water.
Besides, the water flows slowly into bead filters, which provides better filtration.
What Are The Differences Between A Pressurized And Non-pressurized Filter?
Both the pressurized and non-pressurized filters do a great job of filtering the water system in your pond. However, these two differ and have their perks and setbacks.
To start with, the pressurized filters or bead filters are quite challenging to install compared to non-pressurized filters. But when it comes to designing the pond, the bead filters provide you with more flexibility than non-pressurized filters.
Additionally, bead filters can filter large volumes of water compared to non-pressurized filters.
However, water moves slowly, which can lead to oxygen depletion, and it can negatively impact your biological filtration. Last but not least, bead filters are slightly more expensive than non-pressurized filters.
What Size Of Pump Do I Need With My Koi Filter?
It is highly recommended to acquire a large filter that can handle all the water in your koi pond every hour.
For instance, if you have got a 2000 capacity pond, you should utilize a 2000 capacity pump or larger than that. Getting a bigger pump is always better.
But if you have a bead filter, you should ensure that you use the right pump as the pump’s flow rate will have an impact on the pressure in the filtration system.
After What Period Should I Clean My Bead Filter?
There is no specified time for cleaning your bead filter. However, you should keep an eye on the outflow from the system.
Also, having a bead filter is advantageous as you don’t have to worry about running past the required cleaning time. All you have to do is backflowing the bead filter from time to time.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what the best bead filters are, you should get a pressurized filter that meets your needs.
Different people have different demands, so we’ve included different bead filters to suit all of you.
A koi filtration system is as important as the food you feed the koi. So, get the best bead filtration system for your pond so that you don’t have to worry about clean water anymore.
Also, the right bead filter will ensure that water flows smoothly and the chemistry in the pond is properly balanced for your koi fish to live healthy and joyful.
Take your time and go through the pros and cons before choosing. All the best as you select the next koi bead filter for your beautiful koi pond!
