Biological Filter
Koi Pond: Filter Vs. Fish
There are many different types of filters available today for koi ponds which require regular cleaning. The decaying fish waste and pond debris need to be removed from the filter, flushed and cleaned with a garden hose – a labor intensive, stinky, filthy, disgusting job if there ever was one!
Biological filters are designed to filter out particulate and organic substances. By utilizing anaerobic bacteria-laden filter media, a bio-filter breaks down harmful toxic substances into harmless by-products. Busy koi ponds without a bio-filter will develop an environment harmful to its inhabitants as a result of the build-up of fish waste, decaying pond creatures and leaves and other debris that have settled to the bottom.
The size of the bio-filter used in a koi pond is in direct proportion to the number of fish per gallon. The more fish, the more waste and the bigger the filter that is needed. Do you really need a filter? Not necessarily on the small ones — not if you follow nature’s guidelines. Natural lakes and ponds don’t have mechanical bio-filters and they are home to many healthy fish.
If, however, the koi fish begin to overpopulate the lake and start running out of food, they would thin out naturally until the population was small enough to be sustainable by their environment. Such a hypothetical overpopulation would cause an imbalance in the nitrogen cycle by producing too much nitrite from the koi fish waste. Then the increased pH of the water would create an algae bloom that could fill the lake and choke off the koi fish.
Man-made koi ponds can be controlled mechanically and chemically to allow for larger numbers of koi fish per gallon than would be found in nature. Many formulas exist for dictating the proper number of koi fish a pond can hold, whether you calculate koi fish per square surface foot, koi fish per cubic foot, koi fish per gallon, pounds per gallon, or pounds per cubic foot. The bottom line here is: healthy water equals healthy koi fish. If your water is fish-friendly, the number is insignificant, within reason.
If the air were pure, and if you had plenty of food and water, and a healthy way to eliminate, you could live in a small house with 30 other people and stay reasonably healthy, were it not for one thing: stress. Koi fish are like humans in that respect. If it gets too crowded, the koi fish will try to leave the koi pond and some actually do, but they do not get far. If koi fish are jumping out of a koi pond, it is not because they have an exploring nature; the koi pond is either too crowded or the quality of the water is less than desirable.
FILTER TECHNOLOGY
Man-made devices stretch the natural parameters set by nature, allowing the koi pond to support more life than it normally would. The biological filtering system is the best way to accomplish this. The more advanced the technology, the more effective its ability to treat water. There are as many different types and configurations of filters as there are people wanting to get rich off manufacturing and marketing their own filters. Almost every koi pond or water gardening magazine contains more advertisements for filters than any other product. Which one is the best? First, let’s discuss the various types that are available.
The most common filters are the up-flow, down-flow, submersible, recycling and pressurized types. The most common problem plaguing the operation of any filter is channeling. Water will always take the path of least resistance. Filters use a variety of filter media or material for the water to pass through. Pond water contains a large amount of suspended matter that collects in this filter media, eventually blocking or plugging the spaces between the material. As this occurs, the water will divert to another available path until it, too, clogs. Eventually, the water flow will find a permanent channel, avoiding the filtration process altogether until the media is removed, cleaned and replaced.
In the case of a down-flow filter, it operates on the principle of gravity, as opposed to pressure or up-flow. So when the media begin to clog, gravity is not sufficient to force the water through the available channel at the same rate that water is being pumped through, so it spills out the overflow drain back into the koi pond, unfiltered.
The most efficient and maintenance-free filters are pressurized filters that have a backwash feature. A bio-filter contains filter media on which nitrifying bacteria reside, and which break down the toxic nitrites into less toxic nitrates that can be used by the water plants. Consequently, the more surfaces that are available per square centimeter of material, the more effective the filter.
Recent technology developed by Aqua Ultraviolet produces special hexagonal beads for their pressurized filters, which possess the greatest maximum available surface area of all existing filter media. They are tapered so that the beads are less likely to group together. Back washing forces water through the filter in the opposite direction, breaking loose solid material and flushing it free down the drain outlet. Or, with the use of a flexible ribbed hose, it will direct the nitrogen-rich waste-water onto the lawn, trees or flowers. Maintenance involves a simple turn of handle for about one to two minutes.
Down-flow or upflow and submersible filters require disassembling and washing of all enclosed media, and then returning it to the filter — a very messy and dirty process. Unfortunately, pressurized back-washable filters are costly and are designed for larger projects for use with out-of-pond pumps which are needed to adequately back-wash the filter. Thus, it is necessary to settle for the high maintenance, less effective down-flow or up-flow filters for smaller koi ponds of up to 300 gallons. If you are one of those people who now have, or are thinking about building a small koi pond, I have great news for you! Twenty-five years ago when I started in this business, there were few small pond filters available. However, with the advent of the liner pond in the early nineties, everybody and his brother-in-law started manufacturing down-flow filters in their garage. With no marketing plan, capital, or quality craftsmanship, most all the fly-by-night-by-the-seat-of their-pants back alley filter hopefuls faded out.
A filter for a 250 gallon koi pond will range from $160-$200; for a 1000 gallon koi pond, $300-$400; and for a 2000 gallon koi pond filter from $500-$600.
Now for the good news. I’ll give you the diagram on how to build an up-flow bio-filter for up to a 2000 gallon pond for less than $65 using common items that can be purchased at your local Home Depot. I had one in my koi pond for years until I got sick and tired of cleaning it. Download parts list and instructions at: homepage.mac.com/doughoover/
Happy koi, peace & joy.
About the Author
Fluval Biological Filter
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Fish Tank Ceramic Biological Filter Media $7.99 |
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Aquarium Tank Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black $11.34 |
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Laguna PowerFlo Max Biological Pond Filter – PT505 $98.44 |
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Pond Filter Media Bag for Biological Media 24″x36″ 2pcs (Black w/ Tie String) $28.95 |
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Fish Tank Ceramic Rings Biological Filter Media and 30 Bio Balls For Filtration $8.49 |
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Pond Filter Media Bag for Biological Media 24″x36″ 2pcs $19.95 |
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Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black for Tank Aquarium $12.90 |
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Aquarium Tank Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black $11.33 |
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Duetto 50 Biological Filter Pad Sponge DJ-50 (20 Pack) $5.95 |
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Duetto 50 Biological Filter Pad Sponge DJ-50 (300 Pack) $29.95 |
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Duetto 100 Biological Filter Pad Sponge DJ-100 – 6 Pack $6.95 |
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15 Duetto 100 Biological Filters Pad Sponge DJ-100 $9.95 |
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Neoterik NP8000 NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) Canister Gas Filter Cartridge $49.99 |
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Aquarium Weighted Base Biological 10 Layer Sponge Corner Filter $20.90 |
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Fish Tank Plastic 32mm Dia Biological Ball Filter 5 Pcs $4.25 |
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Aquarium Black Weighted Base Biological Sponge Corner Filter $6.56 |
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HAGEN LAGUNA POWERFLO MAX~BIOLOGICAL UNDERWATER FILTER~OPEN BOX $35.99 |
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PENTAIR ALL-IN-ONE REPLACEMENT BIOLOGICAL FILTER MEDIA $21.95 |
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7300 Pond Filter UV Sterilizer Biological 24w BIO NEW $295.95 |
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Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black for Tank Aquarium $12.67 |
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Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black for Tank Aquarium $12.05 |
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Aquarium Tank Plastic Base Filtration Biological Sponge Filter $14.57 |
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Fish Tank Plastic 32mm Dia Biological Ball Filter 5 Pcs $3.76 |
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2000 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media-biological-pond-koi $134.50 |
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Duetto Biological Filter Pad (fits duetto 50) $0.99 |
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750 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media -pond-biological-koi $58.75 |
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Biological Pond & Waterfall Filter-1500 gallon/bio-filter tank/box/fish/spillway $228.50 |
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Biological-Mechanical (Bio-Mech 900) Pond-Water-Filter $74.85 |
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Bio-Fiber Biological Filter Fresh or Salt Water Durable Bonded Fiber Materail $3.75 |
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Black Weighted Base Biological Sponge Corner Filter for Aquarium $7.30 |
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20 Pcs Aquarium Tank Filter Black 18mm Biological Bio Balls $8.48 |
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Black Weighted Base Biological Sponge Corner Filter for Aquarium $7.27 |
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Aquarium Tank Plastic Base Filtration Biological Sponge Filter $12.10 |
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BRAND NEW IN BOX “GARDEN TREASURES” PRESSURIZED BIOLOGICAL POND FILTER $39.99 |
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New 2831 Double Sponge Biological Filter for Shrimp and Fry CRS RCS $7.99 |
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5000 “Pond Filter” 36 WATT UV STERILIZER 3200 GAL PUMP INCLUDED BIOLOGICAL NEW $299.99 |
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Aquarium Tank Plastic Base Filtration Biological Sponge Filter $12.90 |
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BIG Bio Ceramic Rings Biological filter media $25.00 |
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7800 Gallon Pond Filter UV Sterilizer 3150 GPH PUMP NEW BIOBALLS BIOLOGICAL $299.98 |
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SAWYER COMPLETE BIOLOGICAL CAMP WATER TREATMENT FILTER SYSTEM 4L 1 GALLON SP184 $99.95 |
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GAS MASK WITH FILTER MODEL: M-10M NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL $20.00 |
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GAS MASK WITH FILTER MODEL: M-10M NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL $20.00 |
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Aquarium Tank Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black $11.13 |
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Aquarium Tank Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black $10.63 |
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Sawyer Water Filters bottle with biological kit $95.00 |
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10 x Fish Tank Plastic 26mm Dia Biological Ball Filters $4.83 |
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Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black for Tank Aquarium $12.64 |
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10 x Fish Tank Plastic 26mm Dia Biological Ball Filters $4.85 |
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Hagen BioMax Biological Filter Media, 11.5 oz. $17.49 |
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Lees Aquarium Sponge Biological Filter Round $9.85 |
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BIO-FIBER BIOLOGICAL FILTER FRESH /SALT WATER Durable Bonded Fiber Materail $3.75 |
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Bio-Fiber Biological Filter Fresh or Salt Water Durable Bonded Fiber Materail $3.75 |
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BIO-FIBER BIOLOGICAL Filter Fresh or Salt Water Durable Poly Fiber Materail $3.75 |
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10 x Fish Tank Plastic 26mm Dia Biological Ball Filters $4.27 |
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Atlantic BF1000 Biological Waterfall Filter 2500 Flow $136.23 |
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Atlantic BF1500 Biological Waterfall Filter 4000 Flow $224.53 |
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Pentair Lifegard Bio-Mate Solid Biological Filter Media – 1 1/2″ $9.99 |
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Cyclone Bak-Pak Dual Protein Skimmer and Biological Aquarium Filter Salt 100Gal $219.99 |
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Aquarium Tank Plastic Base Filtration Biological Sponge Filter $12.10 |
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Atlantic BF1600 Biological Waterfall Filter 3000 Flow $238.00 |
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Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black for Tank Aquarium $12.08 |
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4500 GALLON PRESSURE UV STERILIZER POND FILTER W/ PUMP BIOLOGICAL MECHANICAL NEW $199.76 |
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Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black for Tank Aquarium $12.93 |
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10 x Fish Tank Plastic 26mm Dia Biological Ball Filters $4.65 |
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Aquarium Tank Plastic Base Filtration Biological Sponge Filter $12.90 |
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3 PK Hagen AquaClear Bio-Max 500 110 Biological Filter $27.99 |
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Biological Aquarium Filter Media 1L QUARTZ BALL net bag $19.99 |
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Fish Mate Supra Biological Filter Media 500Grams /1.2 lb $8.49 |
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Aquarium Tank Plastic Base Filtration Biological Sponge Filter $12.88 |
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Biological Grid for Aqueon Quiet Flow 55 / 75 Aquarium Filter $9.99 |
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Biological Cartridge Holder for Aqueon Quiet Flow 55 / 75 Aquarium Filter $9.99 |
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3 PK Hagen AquaClear Bio-Max 300 & 70 Biological Filter $15.99 |
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Biological-Mechanical (Bio-Mech 900) Pond-Water-Filter $74.85 |
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Aquarium Tank Plastic Base Filtration Biological Sponge Filter $12.68 |
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Fish Tank Plastic 32mm Dia Biological Ball Filter 5 Pcs $4.25 |
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Aquarium Tank Black Weighted Base Biological Sponge Corner Filter $14.51 |
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BECKETT BIOLOGICAL FILTER KIT $65.00 |
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3M BIOLOGICAL REDUCTION CARTRIDGE B3 15,000 GAL FILTER for WV-B3 $125.00 |
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Weighted Base Biological Sponge Filter Black for Tank Aquarium $12.65 |
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Marineland Duetto Biological Filter Pad Fits Duetto 50 $5.89 |
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Aquarium Tank Black Weighted Base Biological Sponge Corner Filter $14.75 |
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20 Pcs Aquarium Tank Filter Black 18mm Biological Bio Balls $4.75 |
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Laguna Powerflo 5000 WaterFall / Skimmer Filter Pads , skimmer filter $24.90 |
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(3)16″x 13″ Pond Filter Biological Media bag (2mm) $8.99 |
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20 Pcs Aquarium Tank Filter Black 18mm Biological Bio Balls $8.49 |
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Pondmaster Pro Biological Filter/Waterfall Filter 3000 $128.33 |
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Aquarium Weighted Base Biological 10 Layer Sponge Corner Filter $20.90 |
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Aquarium Tank Black Weighted Base Biological Sponge Corner Filter $14.50 |
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2000 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media-biological-pond-koi $134.50 |
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Syphon Filter PS1 PS2 PLAYSTATION combat terrorists war biological weapons game! $1.99 |
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Fish Tank Plastic 32mm Dia Biological Ball Filter 5 Pcs $3.74 |
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Fish Tank Plastic 32mm Dia Biological Ball Filter 5 Pcs $4.27 |
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sera Siporax Biological Aquarium Filter Media 10 ozs $16.29 |
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Savio LivingPond Waterfall Pond Filter Biological with 22″ Weir, 5000 Gal Ponds $429.99 |
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FLUVAL U2 ~ Submergible internal 3 stage Carbon polyester pad biological filter $1.56 |
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Aquarium Tank Plastic Base Filtration Biological Sponge Filter $12.66 |
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Fish Mate Supra Biological Filter Media 500Gram/1.1 lb $9.95 |
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20 Pcs Aquarium Tank Filter Black 18mm Biological Bio Balls $5.34 |
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Avon FM53 Gas Mask Medium Nuclear, Chemical, Biological, NIB w/ Sealed Filter $980.00 |
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AquaClear Power Filter 50 Gallons Ul Listed Includes Carbon Biological 110 V NEW $65.99 |
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Danner 02482 Proline Pro3000 Biological Filter and Falls with Debris Filter $114.75 Pro 3000 biological filter and falls with foam. Extra wide spillway for greater water aeration. Open swirl chamber for even and efficient water flow through the filter media. Mechanical and biological filtering for super clean water. High Density Polyethy… |
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3 each: Pur Ultimate Replacement Filter (CRF-950Z) $32.49 Sold as 3 UNITS at $12.22 per unit. (1 unit = each.) 1 filter. Fits Pur Ultimate pitcher (SKU # 6138549). Removes micro-biological cysts, cryptosporidium 99.9% giardia 99.9%. Monitor tracks filter usage. Boxed . Manufacturer number: CRF-950Z. SKU #: 6138556. Country of origin: (TBA). Distributed by Pur Drinking Water Sys…. |
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Countertop Distiller Filter Cartridge $82.00 Countertop distiller produces high-quality water by steam distillation. Ordinary tap water is heated to 212degrees F, killing any bacteria or virus present. Effectively removes contaminants such as bacteria, particles, dissolved solids, and gases. Produces 1 gal of distilled water every 6 hours. Automatic shutoff after 1-gal cycle. Storage bottle included. Compact, 15″ H x 9″ diam; wt, 6.3 lb. 120… |
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Israeli Civilian Gas Mask w/ Nato Filter $89.99 This is the gas mask issued to Israeli civilians when threatened with chemical attack by Saddam’s Iraq. It has full NBC (neuclear, biological, chemical) protection, and comes with one sealed filter. Mask is new, unissued cond. and has hydration port (comes with drinking straw but not canteen cap) Also good to have around for protection against smoke, paint spray, grinding dust, etc. These are the … |
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Pondmaster PMK1250 Pond Filter with 250gph Pump and Bonus Fountain Head $81.95 For ponds up to 600 gallons, 250 gph flow, pumps seven feet high. The complete garden pond filter system includes Pondmaster 1000 with 12″ x 12″ dual filter elements, Supreme Mag-Drive Pump, two free Fountain Kits, and all the connectors, fittings, and filter media. Mag-Drive Pump draws water through the filter and creates fountain effects…. |
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Beckett 7078510 Bio Filter without Pump $22.99 Provides mechanical and biological filtration. Encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria to naturally balance pond. For ponds up to 400 gallons. Use 200 – 400 gph pump…. |
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Heliocare Oil Free Compact SPF 50 light $24.51 Ultra-smooth, easy-apply facial make-up sunscreens. Providing advanced UV protection with skin tone enhancement and correction. The creamy smooth make-up enables daily use and is ideal when applied after aesthetic procedures or on areas of uneven skin tone where make-up cover is required. They are available in light and brown shades for different skin tones. Heliocare Oil Free Compact has a mattif… |
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Readi Mask – Child Mask w/ Eye Shield $6.99 The patented Readi Mask is the only mask specifically designed to provide easy-to-use protection to individuals who might find themselves in an emergency situation where airborne contaminants could be harmful if not fatal. The patented Readi Mask is a multi-purpose mask that helps protect against airborne particles such as bacteria and viruses, mold, smoke particles, anthrax, pepper spray and rad… |
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Heliocare SPF 50 Gel 200 Ml. $39.95 Oil-free, easy-apply, light to the touch formulation, with an elegance that encourages daily use. UVA/UVB filters: Ultraadvanced mineral filters and non-mineral filters expertly combined to provide high level UVA/UVB protection with an elegant skin-feel & look. |
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Pro Biological Filter Falls Replacement Filter Pro5000 Competitively-priced, professional waterfall and pond filtration system Biological filter media house beneficial bacteria for healthy pond water Use as the return system for a pond skimmer or “pond-less” water feature Professional waterfall filtration system at a great price. Connect to a water pump or a skimmer filter system to create a beautiful waterfall – with minimum effort. Large media capac… |