Drum filters for garden ponds

⚙️ HOW DRUM FILTERS WORK
1️⃣ Drum filter

Water is pumped from the pond into a rotating drum, which is covered with a filter net.

Mechanical filtration: the net captures all solid particles - leaves, manure, fish feces.

The drum filter cleans itself automatically, as solid impurities are washed out of the drum into a container or sewer.

2️⃣ Drum filter with biochamber

Combines mechanical drum filtration and biological filtration in a biochamber.

The biochamber contains a filter medium (e.g. bio-cubes, sponges, ceramic rings) for nitrifying bacteria, which convert ammonia and nitrites into less harmful nitrates.

The water after the drum is therefore not only clean of mechanical impurities, but also biologically treated.

🏠 DRUM FILTERS CLAIMS
💧 Water

Drum filters handle high flow rates and high fish loads

Works at temperatures from 10°C to 30°C, ideal for Koi and large ponds

⚙️ Maintenance

Drum filters clean themselves automatically, but you need to:

check the cleaning mechanism (motors, nets)

rinse the biochamber occasionally

check the water flow

🌞 Location

Outdoor placement is best – easy access, less problems with frost and UV radiation.

🧠 "NATURE" OF FILTERS

Passive and active combination: mechanical filtration + biological filtration

Automated cleaning - only requires occasional inspection

Robust and durable systems suitable for large ponds with high load

🧱 TYPES OF DRUM FILTERS
🌊 Stand-alone drum filters

They are used only for mechanical filtration

They remove most solid impurities, but biological filtration must be addressed separately (e.g. biofilter or plants).

Advantageous for ponds where biological filtration is handled by another system

🌿 Drum filters with biochamber

Combine mechanical and biological filtration

Ideal for ponds with a large number of fish (Koi, carp, grass carp)

The biochamber can contain various media:

bio-cubes

ceramic rings

sponges

heliX

🩺 IMPACT ON THE HEALTH OF THE POND
POSITIVE

✔️ clean water without sludge
✔️ healthy fish - reduced stress and diseases
✔️ stable ammonia and nitrite levels
✔️ less algae and odor

NEGATIVE / FREQUENT PROBLEMS

❌ clogging of the drum or biochamber under excessive load
❌ automatic cleaning failure → accumulation of dirt
❌ wrong filter size → insufficient filtration
❌ frost or frozen external filters → damage to the drum

⚖️ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
👍 ADVANTAGES

✅ automatic mechanical filtration
✅ combination with biological filtration in the model with a biochamber
✅ suitable for large ponds and high fish load
✅ reduce maintenance and keep the water clean

👎 DISADVANTAGES

❌ high initial investment
❌ require regular inspection and maintenance of mechanisms
❌ poor filter sizing → reduced efficiency
❌ 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 the volume of water and fish load

Filter type - separate drum or with a biochamber (a combined system is more advantageous)

Cleaning automation - for large ponds significantly facilitates maintenance

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

Maintenance - do you have the time and desire to check the mechanism, or do you prefer a fully automated system

📌 Tip: for ponds with Koi fish or more than 5–10 fish per m³ of water, drum filters with a bio chamber are practically essential.

🧭 PRACTICAL TIPS

Ensure the correct water flow rate - the filter must handle the entire volume of the pond in 1–2 hours

Do not exceed the filter capacity - clogging and reduced efficiency

Never clean the bio chamber all at once - preserve the nitrifying bacteria

Protect external filters from frost and UV radiation

📌 SUMMARY

Drum filters and filters with a bio chamber are the most effective systems for large and Koi ponds.

They ensure clean and biologically balanced water

Automated cleaning makes maintenance easier

The combination of mechanical and biological filtration minimizes the risk of disease in fish and plants

Investing in a quality drum filter is worth it for a healthy, beautiful and long-lasting pond