BioSmart 5000 Pond Filter, Black

We were on the point of giving up. Our pond water was totally green every summer, and we could only see the fish when they were within the top foot or two of water. We tried different filters, barley, and algicides. Nothing worked. Our pond is 8'X10', with half of it 2 feet deep, and half 4 feet deep, so there's a lot of water in it. Previously we had an Aquaviolet filter, but it just didn't do the job. We were going to give our fish away and fill in the pond. Purchase of this filter was a last attempt. The results have been amazing. The water is crystal clear, and we can see right to the bottom of the pond. We used to have to pull the pump out every second day to wash the algae off the mesh bag protecting it, and we changed the pond water every second week. UV lights, different filters, nothing seemed to work. That's all changed now. It was difficult to pipe in. I used 1.5 inch plastic hose with spiral re-enforcing. It has nearly impossible to find connectors for it. I had to purchase things for toilets and use steel hose clamps. I used a splitter to get the full volume of water pumped up to the two inlets on top of the filter. My initial impressions were that it looked flimsy and I was disappointed to see that the filter media was only a few sponges. That all changed as we began to see how effective it is. Clean out of it is really easy and quick. I just shift the filter a bit so that they clean-out port is over the edge and let it drain. With the larger diameter piping that it's designed for, we can run much more volume through it than anything we have had previously. The water is so clean now that we only need to even clean the mesh bag over the pump about once a week. I only changed the water once during this whole season. The sponge filters only need to be squeezed about every couple of weeks. I highly recommned this product.

Allow me to set the scene: I have four rescued pet ducks who have taken up residence in a large run I’ve coined “Duckingham Palace”. Like any palace, it is equipped with a large pool (aka a 300 gallon stock tank). As one may imagine, the ducks absolutely love spending time in their pond. However, ducks are quite messy and poo quite literally every two to three minutes. This can make keeping their pool clean quite challenging. Enter this filter! I purchased the filter in combination with the corresponding 18v UV light attachment, a high efficiency pump (Little Giant 566407 WGP-95-PW, 4280 GPH) and an aeration system (Aquascape Pro Air 20). With my prior filtration system (an all in one pump and filter), within 5-6 days, their pool would need to be drained, power washed, and refilled. Their filters were replaced weekly because of how gross they were (they otherwise required hand washing - no thank you!). We are one week out and the water is still running crystal clear and I can still clearly see the bottom of the pond. I also have not noticed any algea, likely due to the UV light attachment. I have cleaned the filters every couple of days, even though the gauge doesn’t always indicate I need to do so. I just do it as part of my chores now to ensure the cleanest possible water. I do have advice for those that purchased this though! Some users noted that they experienced leaks or connections that didn’t fit tightly. The key for me, was the incorporation flexible PVC couplings from Lowes (shown in picturespictures). The first is a 3”-2” coupling that goes to the front. The 3” side attaches to the filter, the 2” side to the 2” PVC pipe that returns water to the pond. The other is a 1.5”-1.25” coupling. The 1.5” side attaches to the sludge drain insert, the 1.25” end attaches to my tubing. The tubing I used for my pump and sludge drain is from the Star Water Systems plastic kit sold at Lowes. It’s important to ensure your hose clamps are as tight as possible too! My setup is leak free and did not require any PVC cement to work. Another tip: this filter is gravity dependent - your tubing needs a downward gradient to work. My filter is raised and on a table, the PVC pipe is slanted slightly downward. The return hose is zip tied to the duck run at a downward slope, with the end in my garden bed - this allows drained water/sludge to filter out there and naturally fertilize my plants. I’ll update this review if my opinion changes, but so far, I do highly recommend this system. My next investment may be a pond hose to vacuum up debris at the bottom in between fillings, but I’m waiting to see if it will truly be needed.

I've had to take over for my mom caring for the outdoor pond. She used to clean the filter bi-weekly and had two filters running (3000 galfilters) Problem is we have goldfish and Koi in our 2500-3000gal pond... so we needed 6000-9000 (no fish) gallons to keep it clear. Me and my dad said screw it and went 50/50 in on this filter and a 3500GPH pump and in ONE DAY you could see the difference. However... that is our issue, the filter is overkill for my pond and is just doing it's job, so for the stress test it passed with flying colors. Onto the cleaning, I will say the sludge drain is leaky and requires a LOT of force to get it to a drip... I ordered more tube clamps since the filter only came with two... so my drain hose can be on permanently, but lead back into the pond when not in use. This is your best option to save your wrists ever time you clean the filter, just secure the drain pipe and move it when you drain. The other suggestion I have is a 3" flexible rubber gasket instead of gluing the output as instructed, the rubber gasket will let your output sag slightly for good flow and can be removed in the winter easily if necessary. TL;DR Pros: Works very well Easy to clean... once setup Cons: OOW MY WRIST Needs more Hardware for proper installation No UV Expensive I do recommend this filter because it is so simple but works so well, no pressurized chambers, no bio balls, it's just sponges with handles to wring them out... Which just makes it more annoying that it's so expensive and they dont even give you a few extra clamps and gaskets. I will probably add the UV attachment in the future, maybe next spring since my wallet has been lightened. It isnt necessary though, coming from a really dirty start this filter does the work.

Did the job and solved the filtration problem I was having

Excelente sistema de filtración, fácil de instalar y el uso

JUST bought and installed June 2020, BUT! It has worked VERY WELL so far! Our pond went from looking like a MUD HOLE to being so clear I can see the bottom! In just a matter of days. The fish are much more active and happy; there are now a ton of frogs/toads and snakes...a very thriving pond, thanks to the filter. It seems very well made. I've already done a thorough clean and backwash (and used the backwash to feed/water surrounding plants, trees, shrubs...they love it). I did the cleaning before it was indicated, just to see what it was like. It is easy to install, easy to maintain...perfect for elderly pond owners or those not wanting much filter maintenance. Hints/tip: drain/backwash prior to trying to lift the sponge filters out. I tried before draining and they are extremely heavy...and our filter is elevated. Also, I added beneficial bacteria and some hornwort plants. Already had lilies and hyacinths in the pond I will update again end of summer and next year if this product fails or doesn't perform as well but in all honesty, it seems like a MONEY WELL SPENT! Great value and a healthy, crystal clear pond in no time! Highly recommend (NOTE: local pond retailer has several of these filters and swears by them; and has had their filters for YEARS, FYI...so the product likely lasts).

BUYER BEWARE: the outlets for dirty discharge and back to pond are metric sizes. DM70 relates to 2&3/4 inches. no adapters available but same unit sold in US has 3" Imperial outlets. For the price of this great filter you would think they could at least supply a proper adapter. Had to use glue, gorilla tape and hose clamps. A short term fix at best. Apart from above unit works great. Couldn't see my fish before but next day almost completely clear. Hard to believe after the state the pond was in before.

works great pond is clear