Sizing Chart

How it works

• Bio-Mechanical filtration depends on the establishment of a colony of bacteria on the surface of the media that converts dissolved toxic nitrogenous waste to harmless compounds.

• When the bacteria are given the proper environment, they grow in a thin biofilm on the surface of each piece of media. The larger the surface area, the larger the bacterial colony. Our media surpasses the competition in this area with four to seven times the surface area of any other media available.

• Biological and mechanical filtration are essential to every pond. The bacterial bed that builds on filter media will nitrify any ammonia in your pond making it a healthier environment for your aquatic life. Mechanical filtration picks up any debris in the pond, keeping your pond healthier and your fish happier.

Ultima II Aqua Filter Series – To support aquatic life whether at an aquaculture facility, backyard pond or large aquarium system it is essential to remove both ammonia and accumulated debris. The most efficient way to accomplish this is by installing an Ultima II Biological Aqua Filter. The patented media has the highest biofilm surface for bacterial growth, these beneficial bacteria convert ammonia into harmless compounds. The dense bed of ridged media traps solids without clumping. Internal jets in the filter are activated during the backwash separating the waste from the media and sending it out the waste line.

The Ultima II Aqua Filter is available in four standard models suitable for ponds from 1,000 to 20,000 gallons capacity takes only minutes to backwash and can handle heavy fish and feed loads. Equipped with ‘cyclonic’ backwashing, Ultima II features Bio-Tube Aqua Media. These media are of tubular design, which aims to protect bacteria while dislodging unwanted debris. Also, lightweight in designed for very high flow rates.

The ‘Y’ shape and the inside wings on the outside affords a protective surface under the backwashing and the company’s patent-pending backwash system will keep the media from clogging. The same properties have been added to this media in three different sizes with random lengths and diameters to avoid stacking, one cubic foot of Ultima II Media is equal to 750 sqft of surface area. Cleaning the filter is done by internal jets. The Ultima II Aqua Filter tested and used by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) has outperformed the competition. Tested side-by-side against all bead filters on the market the Ultima II filters have been found to be “by far, the best,” claims the company.

The Ultima II Aqua Filter, which is seeded with bacteria, works like a centrifuge. The valve is rotated to backwash will set the filter into cyclonic motion. A valve located inside the filter closes, which then diverts the water through the jets sending the media spinning out to the walls of the filter, while dislodging the waste, causes it to separate and be sent out through the waste outlet.

The Ultima II Aqua Filter will work with any pump appropriate for the pond in question. The Ultima II’s Bio-Media with its patent-pending design is light enough so that the water from the pond will completely and quickly backwash the filter. Filters can be buried up to the valve top.

Do I need to add any additional bacteria to my pond or my filter?
No, your Ultima II filter comes pre-seeded with natural bacteria to help the filter establish itself. For the first 4-6 weeks that your filter is installed do not backwash, this allows the beneficial bacteria to establish.

Do I need to add additional biological or mechanical filtration to my pond?
Not unless your pond has a lot of large debris (i.e. leaves, pine needles, string algae). If you have large debris in your pond a leaf basket or other pre-filtration system is recommended.

Can I bury my filter?
Yes, you can bury the filter up to the valve head. Please keep in mind that if you need to drain your filter for winter the drain valve will be buried and other means may be necessary to drain the filter.

How often do I have to Backwash?
For the first 4-6 weeks that your filter is installed do not backwash, this allows the beneficial bacteria to establish.

It is recommended to backwash your filter once a week; however, depending on your fish load and feed rate it may be necessary to backwash more or less often. After a few weeks you will begin to notice how often it is necessary for your own pond.

How often do I have to replace the media?
Never, the media does not have to be replaced.

How often do I need to drain out the sludge?
Never, due to the exceptional backwashing system exclusive to our filters, all the waste is expelled through the waste line, and thoroughly cleans the filter eliminating the need for a sludge valve.

Can I medicate while the filter is running?
No, due to the non-specific nature of most medications on the market any medication designed to eliminate harmful bacteria in your pond would also destroy any beneficial bacteria inside your filter. If you need to medicate for any reason, you may set the valve to recirculate which will bypass the filter entirely and run through the valve only.

What is the maximum flow rate through my filter? 
75 GPM on 1-1/2″ Models and 125 GPM on 2″ Models.

What size pump should I use?
Your pump will need to be an external direct drive pump. Go to the Ultima product page for information on theUltima II Filter size you have.

What’s the flow loss through the filter?
The filter flow loss ranges from 3-8ft of head, depending on how dirty the filter is.

Do I need to oversize my filter?
No, our filters were designed to handle heavy fish loads and heavy feed rates.

What should the reading on my pressure gauge be?
Pressure readings vary depending upon setup, pump, etc. It is normal to have no readings at all on a new filter.

Do I really need to turn off the pump before changing the valve settings?
Yes, if the valve is rotated when the pump is on it can cause damage to the O-rings and seals that is not covered under warranty.

Why is my pond still green?
The algae that turns your pond green is a microscopic living organism. The best and safest way to eliminate green water is to install a UV Sterilizer after your filter.

Is the Ultima a sand filter?
No, The Ultima II series filter utilize a patented bio media that traps solids and grows bacteria that nitrify fish waste. Sand filters are designed to polish water. Never add sand to your Ultima filter; it was not designed for it and may cause damage to the filter that is not covered under warranty.

Is the Ultima II a bead filter?
No, bead filters use raw plastic pellets that tend to clump and channel making them difficult to backwash and may require a blower. The Ultima uses a patented bio media that efficiently traps solids, nitrifies fish waste and has a cyclonic backwash for ease of use.

Do I need a blower?
No, the cyclonic backwashing action in the Ultima efficiently cleans the filter without a blower.

Do I need to add bacteria to the Ultima in the spring?
No, there is no need to add bacteria to the Ultima at any time. The bacteria will re-establish itself once the Ultima filter is running and the water gets warmer.