A gravity-fed Vortex system provides the greatest effeciency with the least amount of mainenance. The filters are sutuated so the water level inside the filter is at the same level as the pond. The pond is connected to the system from the bottom drain using PVC pipe. After the clean water exits the final chamber, an external pump is used to return the water back to a UV sterilizer, Waterfall feature, etc. Additionally, the Vortex section of the filter never clogs, reducing the need for maintenance.

Vortex: The First Chamber is for removing large solids and debris coming from the Bottom Drain. The water enters this chamber tangentially allowing for the heavier particles to sink to the bottom and the clean fresh water to raise to the top and move on to the Brush Chamber. At the recommended flow rates, this chamber is 95% effective removing solids.

Brush: The Second Chamber is for removing tiny particles that were not removed in the Vortex Stage. This chamber is an "upflow" design to keep all particulates on the bottom of the brushes. The debris will settling in the bottom of this chamber, along with clinging to the brushes. Only fresh, particle free water will be able to move on to the Bio Chamber.

Bio: The Final Chamber is biologically active for breaking down dissolved toxins. This Chamber is the most customizable. It comes with two 2" thick white filter mats that fits the chamber. Also included is a bio-plate for adding other things to your Bio-Chamber. The plate comes with holes drilled in it for airstones and other media. We offer Circle Matala™ custom cartridges for this Chamber. After the water passes through the bio-media, it leaves the system from a 1.5"/2" drain (depending on the system) in the bottom. Most external pumps are 1.5" or 2" inputs so there is little to no additional adapters needed.