Choosing the Right Sized Pond Filter

There are many factors to consider when selecting the pond filter size, including all sorts of pond information, and intended fish and plant stock. The calculations can be complex. Read on for a general guide.

Gather Some Basic Information

All measurements should be in feet.

Pond volume (see calculation below) =
Gallons per hour of pump =
Do you want a pressure filter or gravity filter =
Do you want UVC or non-UVC =
Goldfish or Koi and how many of each =
Full sun or part shade =
Tubing diameter =

What to do With all this Info

The volume is crucial in determining the filter size (L x W x AvD = cubic feet. Multiply this by 6.9 (for an irregular pond shape; 7.48 for a square or rectangle; or 6.9 for a circle or oval)
The pump size is crucial for matching to a filter
A pressure filter is partly buried in the ground and water is pumped into it and out of it. A gravity filter sits higher that the water discharge and water is pumped in but flows out via gravity
UVC guarantees clear water
Goldfish and koi have different waste loads
Full sun generates more algae
The tubing diameter must match the filters input, output and backwash adapters

An Example

Pond size is 8ft x 7ft x 2.5ft. Shape is irregular. Tubing diameter is 1-1/2in. Waterfall height is 3ft. A UVC pressure filter is wanted. Two koi and a few goldfish. Pond is in sun.

The Math Looks Like This

Pond volume is ~960 US gal
Pump size for this example is: 1,500gph. This pump can run a filter 3000 or larger
Given the koi and goldfish load, multiply the volume by 4 and that is the equivalent filter size required (3,840gal). For goldfish alone, the multiplier is 2 (1,920gal)
The pressure filter required could be either a Pondmax 3600 or 4800. The 3600 filter is acceptable even though it is smaller than the calculation (3,840), because the fish load is small. For large koi, the 4800 filter is the better choice.