Koi Filters - Why some designs stand above others

It is important to note that some Kio filters are better then others. Though most modern designs will do the job, some are designed to better produce efficient retention times, adequate flow-rates and sufficient filer areas for biofilm growth and the breakdown of ammonia into nitrate. Among other issues, it is desirable to get the combination of things right within Koi filters to have the best possible result of pond water filtration.

The balance between getting the pond water filtered, preferably as fast as the Koi are producing waste, and giving the microorganisms living within the biofilm of the filter media sufficient time to breakdown toxic compounds before the water leaves the filter back into the pond is a delicate one.

Also to take into consideration is the shape and design of the water transfer between chambers in Koi filters. The whole purpose of filtration is to give the biological bacteria as much surface media to cultivate while providing enough void area within the filter media to allow maximum water flow over the biofilm for optimum filtration and breakdown of toxic dissolved pollutants.

Koi filters should be designed to promote water flow evenly through all filtration media. Not just through the centre or only at one end of the water transfers or filter chambers. Transfer ports also need to be the full width of the chamber to allow water flow to cross to the next chamber covering the full width of the chamber, not just through the middle leaving dead spots within the chamber. A filter with a bottom-drain for each chamber is also ideal.

Cylindrical shaped Koi filters are becoming favoured as they provide most, if not all of these combinations within the units, along with being designed for ease of cleaning and maintenance.