We bought this as a second biological filter for our koi pond. The media inside our waterfall is our original (and primary) bio filter. However, the small koi that we stocked the pond with years ago have now grown to about 2 feet long. They eat a ton and "pollute" the water like crazy so we decided to add a bit more mechanical and biological filtration. We bought a second pump (Laguna MaxFlo 3000GPH) along with this Laguna bio filter. This new pump is in bottom of deepest part of pond (3.5') and circulates water through separate above-ground UV sterilizer and then to this Laguna bio filter which then empties back into pond. As another viewer noted, it was a hassle to find hosing that would fit the output connections of this filter. Seems to be an odd or irregular size. Regular pond hosing didn't fit so had to spend a lot of time and MUCH more $$$ than should be necessary to get hose that would fit and survive the elements.
As far as the actual performance of this bio filter...I have to say I'm unimpressed. The cost of it is low compared to others that I considered which is why I gave it a 2 instead of a 1.
What I like?
The price
Easy enough to clean. Bottom plug removes in order to drain. Lift-out compartments can be quickly hosed off.
Some other bio filters are set up for easy flushing and cleaning, but cost considerably more.
What I don't like?
It's sort of flimsy (we laid some flat concrete pads behind the landscaping in order to level filter box and give it some stability)
I don't like the filtering media provided (it keeps disappearing through the output hoses). Will replace with better option.
Lid doesn't fit snugly enough.
If you aren't careful in making sure that the two output flows are removing water from the filter at a rate equal to (or greater than) water coming in, the excess water will just spill out from under lid...and drain your pond.
The already mentioned problem with finding output hosing to fit. I ended up having to spend $40 for 4.5' of output hosing.
I feel that the engineering of the filter input/output and compartments is not optimal. If I don't clean it out at least once a week, too much dead algae and other gunk settles in the bottom. I generally only clean out our other biological filter (BioFalls) no more than 2-3 times a year. In order to keep the good bacteria operating at peak, the media needs water/oxygen circulating over it constantly. If water circulates too fast, the bacteria doesn't have enough time to do its stuff. But in the case of this bio filter, it appears to me that there is too much lower area in the box where the water doesn't circulate or move the water. As a result, the dead algae (from the UV sterilizer) and other small debris just settles in the bottom and slowly decays.
I am very pleased with this product. My 1,000 gallon pond was a murky green before i installed this filter. in less than two days it is crystal clear. I hooked it up to a laguna clear flo 900 gph pond pump. I think that was important as this particular pump was capable of handling larger particles. The only reason I did not give it five stars is that the water outflow nozzle is larger than a 1.25 inch and smaller than a 1.5 inch. I had to buy and fit a specialty hose so I could run an outflow line and not use the unit as a waterfall. I have a separate pump and hose for the waterfall. Also, it comes with the filter pad and the lava rock, but it would not have taken much to also include the plastic biological media which goes in the third stage. I had to buy that separately also. overall, the filter works very well, I would definitely recommend.
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We have used this model of pond filter for several years and had to replace it recently due to minor part breakage. The price is reasonable and the function is fine. I would like a stronger bottom plug design and water supply connector.
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I have had this for a few months now. I must say, it does work with a little help with beneficial bacteria. I have this running on the Laguna 600 pump, it's feeding into the external filter. The bacteria can grow on its own, or you can buy products to start the biological process. I would not use this with anything larger than 1000 gallons. It is a bit smaller, with a little added bio-media added such as ceramic rings, a few lava rocks, plastic scrub pads, and a few small air conditioner filter pads (not included) this things works great to grow bacteria. Only mods I would suggest, adding a air pump with air stones in the media, so the bacteria will grow. I have done this by drilling a hole and adding a air pump to media. Also the parts made are a little cheaply made but do the job.
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These are pretty nice. You get three small bags of carbon. I should have figured out how much 330G was because they are kind of small for the Fluval FX5. I put two in my filter and I could still fit two more if I wanted. Next time I am going to buy the filter bags and just fill them up with carbon. This is cheaper then you will find at local pet stores, but I think I should be able to get more for my money if I fill my own filter bag.
