pond filtration

Finding the right filter for your pond can be an extremely frustrating task. Sometimes, it’s a game of trial and error, which can get very expensive quickly. You know the importance of appropriate filtration, though. Keeping your fish and plants safe is top priority and maintaining good water quality is a key part of that. These reviews of the 10 best pond filters bring together some of the top filters on the market, all for an affordable price. Whether you have a few dollars or a few hundred dollars to spend, there’s a filter here for your pond.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

RatingImageProductDetails
Best Overall
Winner
SunSun Pressurized Pond Filter SunSun Pressurized Pond Filter
  • Can support a pond up to 8000 gallons
  • Includes UV light sterilizer
  • Filter controls are easy to access
  • Best Value
    Second place
    TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter
  • Best value
  • Can support a pond up to 500 gallons
  • Includes fine and coarse filter foam
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Lifegard Aquatics Trio Fish Pond Filter Lifegard Aquatics Trio Fish Pond Filter
  • Includes biological and mechanical filter media
  • Can support a pond up to 4000 gallons
  • Capable of filtering 2000 GPH
  • CNZ All In One Pond Filter with 13W Sterilizer CNZ All In One Pond Filter with 13W Sterilizer
  • Can support a pond up to 1200 gallons
  • Includes UV light sterilizer
  • Integrated pump and 32-foot electrical cord
  • SUN CPF-2500 Grech Pond Bio Pressure Filter SUN CPF-2500 Grech Pond Bio Pressure Filter
  • Can support a pond up to 1600 gallons
  • Includes biomechanical filter media
  • Includes UV light sterilizer
  • The 10 Best Pond Filters

    1. SunSun Pressurized Pond Filter – Best Overall

    SunSun Pressurized Pond Filter, 4227 GPH

    GPH Filtered4227
    Pond Size4,000-8,000 gallons
    Filtration StagesTwo stage
    LocationExternal

    The best overall pond filter is the SunSun Pressurized Pond Filter, which is capable of filtering 4,227 GPH. This filter can support a pond up to 8,000 gallons with mechanical and biological filtration. It features a UV light sterilizer that has separate controls from the filter controls. The controls are easy to access on top of the filter, which sits outside the pond for easy access. It measures 14.24” x 14.25” x 27.5”, so it’s compact enough to be easily hidden. It also has an integrated cleaning function, which allows you to clean the filter without having to open it. The only time you need to open it is to perform maintenance on parts or replace filter media.

    This filter does not include a pump, which is necessary for it to function. You can choose a variety of pump sizes, but the pump you choose should be capable of filtering up to 4,227 GPH. The UV light requires replacement every 6,000-8,000 hours to maintain functionality.

    Pros
    • Can support a pond up to 8000 gallons
    • Includes UV light sterilizer
    • Filter controls are easy to access
    • Pump is small enough to sit discreetly outside the pond
    • Integrated cleaning function makes cleaning easy
    • Includes mechanical and biological filter media
    Cons
    • Does not include a pump
    • Replace UV light every 6,000-8,000 hours

    2. TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter – Best Value

    TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter

    GPH Filtered200-2,000
    Pond Size500 gallons
    Filtration StagesTwo stage
    LocationInternal

    If you’re on a tight budget, the best pond filter for the money is the TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter. This product uses two stage filtration with fine and coarse filter pads to keep your water clear. It includes filter media and all tubing and connections to hook the filter up to a pump. It can support ponds up to 500 gallons and is capable of filtering 200-2,000 GPH.  This filter is fully submersible and it’s black, so it will blend in in the bottom of your pond. This filter measures 12.44” x 10.31” x 4.66” and since it is broad and flat, it should sit nicely on the bottom of the pond.

    The necessary pump is not included with this filter, so you will have to separately purchase a pump that can pump between 200-2,000 GPH. This filter does not include a UV light or any additional special features. The filter media does require routine cleaning to keep it from clogging.

    Pros
    • Best value
    • Can support a pond up to 500 gallons
    • Includes fine and coarse filter foam
    • Capable of filtering 200-2,000 GPH
    • Includes all tubing and connections to hook up to a pump
    • Fully submersible and blends into the pond bottom
    Cons
    • Does not include a pump
    • Filter media may clog without regular cleaning

    3. Lifegard Aquatics Trio Fish Pond Filter – Premium Choice

    Lifegard Aquatics Trio Pond Fish Pond Filter

    GPH Filtered2,000
    Pond Size4,000 gallons
    Filtration StagesTwo stage
    LocationInternal

    The premium pick for a pond filter is the Lifegard Aquatics Trio Fish Pond Filter. This underwater filter uses two stage filtration to keep your pond clean and includes biological and mechanical filter media. It is made specifically for ponds containing animals, so it is a safe pick for fish and amphibians, and it can support a pond up to 4,000 gallons. This filter includes an integrated pump, so you won’t have to purchase this separately. It also includes a fountain with spray attachments, which creates a lovely water feature in your pond. The electrical cord that powers this filter is 20 feet long, allowing you to limit your need for an extension cord.

    This pump measures 16” x 16” x 11”, making it one of the larger underwater filters on the list. The filter uses triangular filter foam that is made specifically for this filter. If you need to replace the foam, it may be difficult to find replacements.

    Pros
    • Includes biological and mechanical filter media
    • Can support a pond up to 4,000 gallons
    • Made specifically for ponds with animals
    • Capable of filtering 2,000 GPH
    • Integrated pump and 20-foot electrical cord
    • Includes fountain with spray attachments
    Cons
    • Large filter
    • Filter foam is an unusual size and shape
    • Premium price

    4. CNZ All In One Pond Filter with 13W Sterilizer

    CNZ ALL IN ONE Pond Filter System with 13W Sterilizer

    GPH Filtered660
    Pond Size1,200 gallons
    Filtration StagesTwo stage
    LocationInternal

    The CNZ All In One Pond Filter with 13W Sterilizer is a two-stage filtration system that includes a large piece of filter foam for mechanical filtration and three baskets of biological filtration media. It features a 13-watt UV sterilizer for added water clarity. It is capable of supporting ponds up to 1,200 gallons and includes a built-in pump. The electrical cord is 32 feet long and it has a fountain tube that can be extended from 9.66” to 15.77”. The water flow can also be diverted to a waterfall or separate water feature. This submersible pump measures 14.98” x 10.56” x 5.36”.

    Performing cleaning and maintenance of the filter pump and the UV light do require a screwdriver to remove the parts from their housing. This filter says it is intended for ponds that don’t have significant algae growth, so the UV filter is intended more for prevention than taking care of a current algae problem. The UV light cannot be turned off and runs all the time if the pump is running.

    Pros
    • Can support a pond up to 1,200 gallons
    • Includes mechanical and three baskets of biological filter media
    • Includes UV light sterilizer
    • Integrated pump and 32-foot electrical cord
    • Use fountain tube up to 15.77” or divert flow to a water feature
    Cons
    • Cleaning and maintenance require a screwdriver
    • Not intended for ponds with significant algae growth
    • UV light cannot be turned off

    5. SUN CPF-2500 Grech Pond Bio Pressure Filter

    SUN CPF-2500 Grech Pond Bio Pressure Filter

    GPH Filtered1,600
    Pond Size1,600 gallons
    Filtration StagesTwo stage
    LocationExternal

    The SUN CPF-2500 Grech Pond Bio Pressure Filter is an external filter that can run up to 1,600 GPH. It uses two stage bio-mechanical filtration with included filter media. It features a built-in UV sterilizer and easy to access hose connections. It can be used to divert water to waterfalls and other water features. As a bonus, this filter is made to produce enough pressure to send water to higher locations, like elevated waterfalls. It measures 12” x 16” x 12”, making it perfect for small water garden areas.

    This filter does not include a pump, so you will have to make that purchase separately. It does not include the hoses needed to divert flow to and from a pump or water feature. Also, the UV light cannot be turned off in this filter, so it does stay on as long as the filter is running.

    Pros
    • Can support a pond up to 1,600 gallons
    • Includes biomechanical filter media
    • Includes UV light sterilizer
    • Produces enough pressure to send water to higher levels
    • Pump is small enough to sit discreetly outside the pond
    Cons
    • Does not include a pump
    • Hoses to divert water flow are not included
    • UV light cannot be turned off

    6. TotalPond Complete Pond Filter with UV Clarifier

    TotalPond Complete Pond Filter with UV Clarifier

    GPH Filtered560-1,300
    Pond Size1,200
    Filtration StagesTwo stage
    LocationExternal

    The TotalPond Complete Pond Filter with UV Clarifier uses two stage filtration and includes bio-balls, coarse filter foam, and fine filter foam. These filtration stages combined with the UV light water clarifier will help keep your pond clean and clear of algae blooms. This filter is pressurized, so it is able to push water to higher levels for waterfalls. This pressure also ensures water keeps moving, not allowing silt and waste to settle on the bottom of the pond. This filter can help maintain ponds up to 1,200 gallons and measures 9.6” x 16” x 13”.

    The pump is not included with this filter, so you’ll have to purchase one separately. The power cord is 16 feet long, which may not be long enough to use the filter without an extension cord. You will need to purchase the hoses needed to run this filter separately.

    Pros
    • Can support a pond up to 1,200 gallons
    • Includes bio-balls and coarse and fine filter foam
    • Includes UV light sterilizer
    • Produces enough pressure to send water to higher levels
    • Doesn’t allow waste to settle in the pond
    Cons
    • Does not include a pump
    • Power cord is only 16 feet long
    • Hoses are sold separately

    7. Danner 02211 PM1000 Mechanical Pond Filter

    Danner 02211 PM1000 12-Inch by 12-Inch Mechanical Pond Filter

    GPH Filtered350-2,400
    Pond Size1,000 gallons
    Filtration StagesThree stage
    LocationInternal

    The Danner 02211 PM1000 Mechanical Pond Filter is an internal box filter that offers three stage filtration and includes coarse filter foam and an activated carbon filter cartridge to get you started. This filter is low profile, making it perfect for sitting flat on the bottom of a pond. It can support a pond that is approximately 1,000 gallons and can be used with pumps that can process 350-2,400 GPH. There is a built-in handle on top of the filter box to allow for ease of removal from the bottom of the pond for cleaning and maintenance. It measures 12” x 12” x 4”.

    This filter does not include a pump and the housing can be difficult to remove. To unclog the filter or replace filter media, you will have to remove the filter housing. Since this filter includes activated carbon filter media, you will have to replace this to maintain its efficacy.

    Pros
    • Three stage filtration
    • Includes all filter media to get started
    • Low profile and sits flat on the bottom of the pond
    • Supports a pond up to 1,000 gallons
    • Built-in handle on top of the housing
    Cons
    • Does not include a pump
    • External housing is difficult to remove
    • Housing must be removed for cleaning and maintenance
    • Activated carbon filter cartridge will need routine replacement

    8. Aquascape UltraKlean Biological Pressure Filter with UV Sterilizer

    Aquascape 95053 UltraKlean 2000 Gallon Biological Pressure Filter

    GPH Filtered2,700
    Pond Size2,000 gallons
    Filtration StagesTwo stage
    LocationExternal

    The Aquascape UltraKlean Biological Pressure Filter with UV Sterilizer is an external filter that can service ponds up to 2,000 gallons. It comes with bio-balls that function as biological and mechanical filtration. It features a UV light sterilizer and easy to access controls on top of the filter. The UV light has its own on/off switch and can be controlled separately from the pump. This filter has a backwash feature that makes cleaning the filter easy.

    This filter does not include the pump needed to use it. There is a kit you can purchase that does include a pump, but it may not be the most cost-effective option. It does not include the hoses needed to connect it to the pump. Even though filter media is included, only bio-balls are included, which are not the most efficient option for mechanical filtration.

    Pros
    • Supports a pond up to 2,000 gallons
    • Includes bio-ball filter media
    • Includes UV light with its own on/off switch
    • Backwash feature makes cleaning easy
    Cons
    • Does not include a pump
    • Does not include necessary hoses
    • Kit with pump is not the most cost-effective pump option
    • Only bio-balls are included for filter media

    9. OASE BioSmart Pond Filter

    OASE BioSmart 5000 Pond Filter

    GPH Filtered5,000, 10,000
    Pond Size5,000 gallons, 10,000 gallons
    Filtration StagesTwo stage
    LocationExternal

    The OASE BioSmart Pond Filter is a large external filter that is available in sizes that can filter a 5,000-gallon pond and a 10,000-gallon pond. It uses two-stage filtration and includes coarse and fine filter foam, as well as a UV sterilizer light. This filter is intended for ponds with animals in them, so it is safe for most fish and amphibians. It includes a sludge drain to make removing large waste easy and it also has a cleaning indicator to let you know when cleaning is necessary and a temperature gauge. The 5,000-gallon pump measures 23” x 16” x 19” and the 10,000-gallon pump is 31” x 23” x 18”.

    This filter does not include the needed pump or hoses to make it function. The filter outtake has a flimsy fitting that is prone to disconnecting, so it may need to be replaced with a sturdier option. Many people also report the O-ring not fitting properly. The included instructions are poor and don’t go into enough detail to make setting this filter up easy for most people.

    Pros
    • Can support 5,000- or 10,000-gallon ponds
    • Includes coarse and fine filter foam
    • Includes UV sterilizer light
    • Intended for ponds with animals in them
    • Easy cleaning with sludge drain
    • Cleaning indicator and temperature gauge are built in
    Cons
    • Does not include a pump
    • Does not include necessary hoses
    • Filter outtake fitting is flimsy and disconnects
    • O-ring may not fit correctly
    • Instructions are poor so setup is difficult

    10. Jebao Easy Clean Bio-Pressure CF-10 UV Sterilizer Pond Filter

    Jebao Easy Clean Bio-Pressure CF-10 UV Sterilizer Pond Filter

    GPH Filtered250-1,000 GPH
    Pond Size500-1,000 gallons
    Filtration StagesTwo-stage
    LocationExternal

    The Jebao Easy Clean Bio-Pressure CF-10 UV Sterilizer Pond Filter uses two stage filtration and includes bio-balls and filter media foam for chemical and mechanical filtration. It has a dual filtration system that allows high efficiency, as well as a UV light. It can support a 1,000-gallon pond with low bioload fish, and a 500-gallon pond for heavy bioload fish, like koi. It has a backwash feature and a cleaning indicator to limit the necessity of opening the filter up for cleaning and maintenance. It measures 15” x  8” x  8.75”.

    This filter doesn’t include the pump or hoses needed for it to function. To adjust the flow, you must replace or move the filter foam to slow the flow. The flow is otherwise not adjustable. To function, this filter builds pressure inside. If the power is disconnected, the pressure dissipates, and the latches may open. This means that when the power is restarted, the filter may leak pond water instead of sending it back into the pond.

    Pros
    • Supports ponds from 500-1,000 gallons
    • Includes bio-balls and filter foam
    • Includes a UV light
    • Includes a backwash feature and cleaning indicator

    Cons
    • Does not include a pump
    • Does not include necessary hoses
    • Flow is only adjustable by replacing or moving filter foam
    • Latches may open if pressure is released
    • May leak instead of pumping water back to pond after power outage

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Pond Filters

    Why Use a Filter Instead of Just a Pump for Your Pond?

    A pond pump is an effective tool to keep water moving in your pond, helping to aerate the water and keep waste and silt from settling on the bottom of the pond. However, a pump on its own doesn’t capture any of the waste in the water, so it continues to circulate until it clogs the pump. A filter will capture a large amount of circulating waste and silt in the water.

    The biggest benefit of using a filter in your pond is that filters create the perfect environment to colonize and support beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria are necessary for eliminating the chemical waste products ammonia and nitrites. These waste products get into the water through fish and other animals, so ponds without animals don’t necessarily need a filter for this purpose, but it will help maintain water cleanliness and quality.

    Choosing the Right Filter for Your Pond

    Pond Size

    The size of your pond is going to partially determine the size of the filter needed. Some filters do not come with a pump, though. In this case, you’ll need to choose a filter that is appropriately sized for the gallons per hour you need your pump to filter.

    Gallons Per Hour

    The gallons per hour for your pond should be approximately half the size or the whole size of your pond. This means that a 1,000-gallon pond will likely need a filter and pump that can process 500-1,000 gallons of water per hour. Some people intentionally over-filter their pond to enhance oxygen content or better control waste. Over-filtering your pond will almost never be a problem, but under-filtering your pond can lead to waste build up and water stagnation.

    Stocking

    How you stock your pond with animals is a major determining factor in the filter you choose. The amount of waste produced by a handful of minnows is significantly less than what is produced by large fish, like koi, or amphibians or reptiles, like turtles. The filter will need to be powerful enough to filter the waste being produced to reduce the risk of the build up of deadly waste products.

    koi garden pond
    Image Credit: Ravi Mohan, Pixabay

    Ground Leveling

    How level the ground in and around your pond is should also be considered. If you have a pond with a waterfall, then you will need a filter that is capable of pushing water upwards. Otherwise, the filter will back up and water will not flow properly. How flat the bottom of your pond is also determines what filter you should choose. If you’re picking a submerged filter, you’ll need to choose one that is an appropriate shape and height for your pond.

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    Conclusion

    The best overall pond filter is the SunSun Pressurized Pond Filter because of its powerful filtration and affordable price. If you’re on a tight budget, your best option is the TetraPond Submersible Flat Box Filter, which provides great filtration and beneficial bacteria colonization. Lifegard Aquatics Trio Fish Pond Filter is the best pick if you’re interested in a premium product that will last.

    Picking the right filter for your pond doesn’t have to be frustrating and full of failed products! Using these reviews and information, determine what type and size of filtration your pond needs. That will help you narrow down the options to choose the best filter for your pond.


    Featured Image Credit: Pixabay