Pond Filtration » EconoBead & UltraBead

UltraBead Filters

UltraBead Filters are closed (pressure vessel) filter systems, which are filled with millions of plastic balls (Beads). Because the Beads float in the water, it's functions are both mechanical and biological filtration.  

Mechanical Filtration:

Mechanical filtration or clarification is the process of removing suspended solids from water. BeadFilters remove solids from the water by different mechanisms, physical straining is the most dominant mechanism removing larger particles over 50 microns. Finer particles of less than 20 microns are removed at a lower rate by a process called 'bio absorption'. These particles are captured by a bacterial bio film on the surface of the beads.

Biological Filtration:

Bead filters accomplish two goals, one being water polishing (solids capture) and the other being bio filtration. The beads within the Beadfilter provide a home with an immense surface area for the beneficial bacteria to grow. When the bacteria are given the proper environment to grow, they grow into a thin bio film all over the surface of each bead. One cubic foot contains about 600,000 beads. This is one of the secrets to the BeadFilter's success. 

Beadfilter Operation:

Water enters into the tank (A) under pressure from the pump. This water, by means of the unique design of the Ultrabead, spins, separating the heavier solids and forcing them to the centre of the tank. The solids are collecting in the centre of the filter, waiting to be hydraulically purged out under pressure from the pump by opening the swirl separation valve (B). This can be done whilst the filter is in it's normal operational mode with the pump running. Heavier solids therefore are evacuated in a couple of seconds.

The water in the filter is then slowly forced upward in the vessel through zillions of beads about the size of BBs. On these beads are billions of nitrifying bacteria and it is these bacteria that consume vast amounts of ammonia, nitrites, etc. whilst performing  what is known as the 'nitrification process'. It is due to the work of these minute organisms that we have clean and healthy water for our fish. Water continues to flow upwards through the beads and exits out of the vessel via the spray bar (C). This water then continues through the multi port valve (filter), and depending on the setting the water then continues to the pond

Ultra Trust Blower (D):

The UltraBead series have another unique feature: the Ultra Trust Blower(D). This blower is mounted on a special air check valve.It is important for the valve to be in the rinse position for the blower agitation of the beads. When the blower is active the beads and debris are dispersed throughout the interior of the filter. This breaks up the beads and releases the trapped particles. This debris then can be easily backwashed out to waste through the spray bar (C)

After the RINSE cycle with air we perform a backwash in which the water enters at (C) and leaves at (A). After the backwash there will be another RINSE cycle but with water instead of air. This takes any remaining debris and sends it to waste (from A to C), instead of sending a cloud of dirt back to the pond.

All models are equipped as standard with a 2 way multi-port valve, a transparent access cap and a powerful blower.

UltraBead filters are constructed from high quality fibreglass conforming to drinking water standards so they are completely safe for your fish.

Important Note on Prefilters

The Inlet and Outlet of BeadFilters have lateral slots to keep the beads within the filter. It is essential that large particles from either the bottom drain or the pump, such as leaves and fish waste, are prevented from entering the BeadFilter as in severe cases they could cause a blockage. It is therefore strongly recommended that a good prefilter is used to separate out all the larger particles.

You will find some useful links below to prefilters we would recommend.

UltraBead FIlters come with a 10 year warranty on the Filter Tank and the Filter Material.

UltraBead Filters come with  a 5 year warranty on the Valve and Pipe System.