Chamber filters for garden ponds

⚙️ HOW CHAMBER FILTERS WORK
1️⃣ Filtration mechanism

Water is guided through multiple chambers with different types of filter media.

First chamber: mechanical filtration - captures larger impurities, leaves, manure and feed residues.

Second chamber: fine mechanical filtration - foam, sponges or textile inserts, capture smaller particles.

Third and subsequent chambers: biological filtration - ceramic rings, bio-cubes or sponges support nitrifying bacteria, which convert ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrates.

2️⃣ Biological filtration

Nitrifying bacteria in the filter media ensure a stable biological balance.

Filters may also contain a UV sterilizer to reduce algae and pathogens.

3️⃣ Operating principle

Filters are often gravity (water flows through the chambers under its own gravity) or pressure (connected to a pump).

They allow for high water volume and long-term stability of water quality.

🏠 CLAIMS OF CHAMBER FILTERS
💧 Water

Chamber filters handle a higher load of fish and dirt, suitable for Koi, crucian carp or grass carp.

Water temperature: approx. 5–30 °C, biological filtration is most effective at temperatures above 15 °C.

⚙️ Maintenance

Regular flushing of mechanical media

The biological media is cleaned only rarely so as not to destroy the nitrifying bacteria

Check seals and water flow

🌞 Location

Outdoor or semi-submerged, easily accessible for maintenance

It is recommended to place it below the pond level for gravity drainage

🧠 "NATURE" OF CHAMBER FILTERS

Stable, robust and flexible systems suitable for larger ponds

Suitable for owners who want long-term biological balance and clean water

Require regular checking of mechanical media, but the biology is stable

🧱 TYPES OF CHAMBER FILTERS
1️⃣ Mechanical-biological chamber filters

Water gradually passes through all chambers

Mechanical medium in the first chamber, biological medium in the second and third chambers

Beneficial for Koi ponds and larger garden ponds ponds

2️⃣ Chamber filters with UV sterilizer

Integrated UV-C sterilizer reduces algae and pathogens in the water

Ideal for bright sunny conditions and higher water temperatures

3️⃣ Modified or combined chamber filters

Some systems allow connection to waterfalls or fountains

Allow a combination of gravity and pressure filtration

🩺 IMPACT ON POND HEALTH

POSITIVE

✔️ high water purity
✔️ healthy fish and plants
✔️ stable levels of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates
✔️ reduced algae

NEGATIVE / FREQUENT PROBLEMS

❌ mechanical chamber clogging → reduced efficiency
❌ incorrect sizing → filter overload
❌ excessive cleaning of the biological medium → destruction of nitrifying bacteria
❌ frost during outdoor installation → risk of filter damage

⚖️ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
👍 ADVANTAGES

✅ high efficiency mechanical and biological filtration
✅ suitable for medium and large ponds
✅ support of stable biological balance
✅ some models with UV-C sterilization
✅ flexible connection to the ornamental circuit

👎 DISADVANTAGES

❌ higher initial investment
❌ regular inspection of mechanical media
❌ inappropriately selected filter → efficiency problem
❌ external filters can be sensitive to frost

🛒 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE

Pond size and number of fish - the filter must be sized for volume and load

Type of chamber filter - mechanical-biological or with UV sterilizer

Maintenance - availability of space for chamber inspection and media flushing

Integration into the ornamental circuit - fountains, waterfalls or flow stones

Material quality - resistance to UV radiation, corrosion and weather conditions

📌 Tip: for ponds over 5 m³ and more than 5–10 Koi, chamber filters are ideal because they ensure long-term stability of water quality and fish health.

🧭 PRACTICAL TIPS

Always choose a filter with a power reserve - you will avoid overloading and clouding

When cleaning the biological chamber, never remove the entire medium at once

Protect external filters from frost and excessive UV radiation

Regularly check the water flow and seals

📌 SUMMARY

Chamber filters are the best solution for medium and large ponds where high filtration efficiency and a stable biological balance are required.

High cleanliness and fish health

Flexible solution for ornamental pond circuits

Robust, efficient and suitable for owners who want long-term water stability