Do I need to add any additional bacteria to my pond or my filter?
No, but it can help speed up the process. You can see the beneficial bacteria we have to offer here. 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? (Click here for Ultima II sizing chart information)
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. Check out our external pump page.

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.