Introduction to Bead Filtration

 

What is the theory behind bead filter operation?

Bead filters accomplish two goals, one being water polishing (solids capture) and the other being bio filtration. Other filtration systems accomplish these goals, but are much larger and more difficult to clean. The advantage of the bead filter is that it provides a home for beneficial bacteria with high surface area for a large colony per cubic foot and fine particulate straining all within the same vessel. The other big advantage the bead filters have over other types of filters is that they are much easier to clean. This makes the hobby of KOI or pond keeping much more enjoyable, with less work involved in maintaining a healthy environment for the fish.

 

How does a bead filter perform Mechanical Filtration?

Mechanical filtration or clarification is the process of removing suspended solids from water. Suspended solids in a recirculating system are generally small particles of undigested food, bacteria, and algae. These solids tend to reduce the clarity of water and cause problems in consuming tremendous amounts of oxygen, also needed by our beloved fish. Bead filters remove solids from water by different mechanisms. Physical straining is probably the most dominant mechanism removing larger particles (>50 microns). Finer particles (<20 microns) are removed at a lower rate by a process called bio absorption. The particles are captured by bacterial bio film on the surface of the bead. Studies show that bead filters capture 100% of particles >50 microns and 48% of particles in the 5-10 micron range per pass. The more passes the more solids captured. **Important** in order for the bead filter to perform FINE micron straining it MUST be fully colonized with bacteria. Depending on the temperature this can take up to 4-6 weeks, at temps. above 60-65 degrees F.

 

How does a bead filter perform Bio filtration?

Bio filtration depends on the establishment of a colony of bacteria on the surface of the beads large enough to convert dissolved toxic nitrogenous waste to harmless compounds. When the bacteria are given the proper environment, they grow in a thin bio film on the surface of each bead. Each cubic foot of beads contain about 600,000 beads. This is one of the secrets of the bead filters success--high surface area per cubic foot for a large bacterial colony per cubic foot of filter media. The two most common types of bacteria are, Nitrosomonas which is responsible for the break down of ammonia in the system. The next is Nitrobacter, which is responsible for the breakdown of nitrite into relatively harmless nitrate. **Important** in order for the bead filter to perform Bio filtration the beads must be colonized with a large enough colony to handle the load of dissolved ammonia presented to it. This may take up to 4-6 weeks at temps. above 60-65 degrees F. Until the colony has grown large enough, the pond owner MUST be responsible for monitoring the levels of ammonia and nitrites in the pond water and taking appropriate measures to correct dangerously high levels.

The EconoBead filters have a strong quality polypropylene vessel and are standard equipped with:

 

• Bottom drain to remove the sludge from the bottom.

• 6-way valve.

• An extremely reliable blower!

 

The blower is also equipped with a silencer.

 

Available in 5 sizes for ponds up to 12m³, 20m³ 36m³, 55m³, and 95m³. The filter comes with a big lid for easy access.

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Bypass Kit

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Installing this bypass allows the use of more economical pumps. Due to a very compact bypass-system, the multi-way valve is completely unused during filtering as the water flows directly into the filter and also leaves the filter in a direct line. This action results in at least 30% less pressure loss (depending on the type of pump). The bypass system is very easy to install on all EconoBead models, using the unions supplied.

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Econobead Complete Systems

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Aquaforte also provide a complete 'all in one' filter systems, delivered to your door complete, for simple connection to your pond

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Comes with appropriate EB bead Filter with by pass, Forza 15,000 pump, 40 Watt UV T5, Midi Sieve.

 

It only needs 3 connections to the pond system: inlet from bottom drain/skimmer (110mm), return to pond (63mm) and waste outlet (50mm).The sets are fully mounted with all fittings, pipework, checkvalve and includes the polymer pallet!  

 

Pallet size: 100 x 120 cm.