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PRE-FILTERS

We highly recommend using a pre-filter or skimmer in every pond. By removing much of the solid matter from pond water before it reaches the pump and filter, they significantly reduce the frequency of pump maintenance and filter cleaning.
GENERAL-PURPOSE PRE-FILTERS: We offer two types of inexpensive pre-filters, both consisting of a cylinder of high-quality filter matting surrounded by a nylon-mesh drawstring bag (8" x 8" x 8"):

Cylindrical pre-filters have a hollow plastic base with an outlet that can be connected to an in-line pump. Water is drawn through the nylon mesh and filter matting, down through the hollow base, and into the pump. The maximum recommended flow rate through a cylindrical pre-fillter is 700 GPH. Cylindrical pre-filters can be filled with ceramic filter rock to make an inexpensive pre-filter/filter combination for ponds with very low fish populations.

Pump socks omit the plastic base and serve simply as an enclosure for a pump. The maximum recommended flow rate through a cylindrical pre-fillter is 2500 GPH.

Cylindrical Pre-Filter, $24.00
Pump Sock, $24.00
Ceramic Filter Rock, 8 lbs, $12.00

cylindrical pre-filter

pump sock
VORTEX PRE-FILTERS: Vortex pre-filters are molded plastic cylindrical tanks (29" x 29" x 41") used to separate solids from pond water. Water enters through the lower 4" inlet and spins around, creating a center vortex that conveys solid matter to the conical bottom of the tank. Clearer water flows out through the upper 4" outlet to be conveyed to a pump or filter: a filter that follows a vortex will have fewer solids to treat and consequently will perform better and require less-frequent cleaning. The accumulated solids are occasionally flushed through a 2" drain at the bottom.

Vortex pre-filters are normally installed in an underground pit and fed by gravity with water drawn through a pond bottom drain, but they can also be used above ground and pump fed to improve the performance of existing above-ground filters. For optimum performance, flow rates should not exceed 3500 GPH. For larger flow rates, use multiple vortex units with multiple bottom drains.

Vortex Pre-Filter, $396.00

vortex pre-filter
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