Jebao1000 Gallon Pressured Pond Bio Filter w/ 13W UVC Clarifier

This little thing is awesome, especially at this price point! The replacement parts and occasional maintenance are well worth it. I *DO* replace the filters, gasket, bio-balls (switching to Aquaneat ceramic this year), and light bulb every year, and *DO NOT* run it in the freezing months. When I put it out the second spring, I didn't realize the bulb was dead, but putting in a new one fixed the problem instantly! It seems like the UV bulb does as much work as the filters, if not more. This little gadget does such a great job of keeping the pond clear that we only need to use algae killer once or twice a season, if that.It DOES need to be cleaned often (daily when it's extra sunny and hot), but the fish poo and algae are amazing fertilizer! I just dump the green goo in the garden, hose off the filters, and pop it back together. Sometimes the gasket ring is a little annoying to put back on and the clips don't want to stay latched, but that's more a problem of physics and water pressure than product design. It DOES leak occasionally when the latches aren't clipped correctly, but I have it set on a ramp so the water can flow back to the pond instead of into the ground. (Not buried... that part makes no sense to me since I have to bring it in during winter. I just cover it with a reflective bag when it's crazy hot.) Usually popping it apart and putting the gasket back on straight is all it takes to stop the leak. The cord is extra-long so we can plug it in to a power strip in the shed along with the pump and everything else we need for long summer days.I just noticed that the price has dropped about $30 since I bought mine... I might order a backup at this price, even though I'm pretty sure I won't need it for at least a couple more years! (Unless we do get around to enlarging the pond, in which case I'll happily run 2!)Our fish, frogs, and I 100% recommend this filtration system, but only to anyone WILLING and ABLE to maintain it properly! The majority of negative reviews seem to be from people who expected a maintenance-free miracle. Sorry friends, but that's not how aquatic systems work... however, I promise the reward of a thriving little ecosystem in your yard is worth the effort!PARTS LIST/ LINKS:*FILTERS: Replace annually. Jebao brand, exact fit. I hate how brittle the blue one feels after a couple months, but it still works perfectly. (It doesn't break or flake or anything, it just feels weird when I'm cleaning it.) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OS92DI6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1*GASKET RING: Replace every year, or maybe every 2 years in cooler climates. This is a bit thicker than the one that comes with the original product, and might require a bit of stretching and shoving the lid down to fit at first. Just use it like an exercise band for a couple minutes on a warm day and wiggle the lid til it fits! An extra set of strong hands helps when pushing the lid down to clamp the latches. It will fit better as it warms and stretches over time. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTT2JVI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1*13W UV BULB: Replace as needed. (about annually for us) You should be able to see the light in the little window if it's working. 3 pack is worth it, especially if you're running it 24/7. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EIXHEGM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1*PLASTIC BIO-BALLS: Replace annually or bi-annually, depending on your algae growth. You should only need about half of these at a time, and I HIGHLY recommend leaving them in the bag for easier cleaning. (I made the mistake of stealing the mesh bags for delicate laundry items, LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES! Or not, both are good, actually. Just depends on if you'd rather have 'free' laundry bags for your bras or chase little plastic balls all over your yard. *shrug*) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYW94XB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1*CERAMIC RING FILTER MEDIA: Again, this is about 2x what you need to fill the lower reservoir, and I recommend leaving them in the bag for easier cleanup. I haven't had a chance to try them out yet because our pump died right after I got them so I can't 100% say they're better or worse than the plastic ones. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07233FQ9P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1*WATER CLARIFIER/ ALGAE KILLER: There are thousands of brands out there, but I can personally testify that this one is 100% safe for fish, frogs, and other wildlife when used properly. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! (Mix a capful into a gallon of pond water and STIR WELL as you dump it in slowly. A strong hose and an extra set of hands are very helpful.) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D0Y9RG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1*HAPPINESS: Link yourself to a lovely little ecosystem in your own back yard!

I am very disappointed in this pond filter. The large "leak guard" O ring seal that goes around the top is not quite large enough to stay in its place. When you put the lid back on it falls out of place and then the top of the lid leaks out. You have to try and stretch it enough to go around the bottom part and hope that when you place the lid back on gingerly you do it absolutely straight or the O seal ring gets easily pushed out of place and leaks all over the place. I wanted to return this filter since it is so expensive and does not work properly but it would cost me to mail it. Very upset. Since I am stuck with it I ended up having to place it IN my pond so when it leaks at least the water goes back into the pond. This filter is ridiculous and not easy to clean because you have to open the lid again and deal with the O seal that was not made to fit and start all over again with trying to lock it shut. You will know when the O seal moves out place because the lid won't latch properly. Do not buy this product.

Got the 13 watt version of this and installed it on a 350 gallon IBC tank based system last night and my water was finally clear enough for the first time that I could see clear to the bottom of the tank. As with all Jebao products, their instructions are limited and contain broken English. However, considering that this isn't a high-tech product and the unit itself is clearly labeled, anybody can install it correctly without even needing instructions. Even though it will work with tubing down to 1/2", you really need at least 1" between your pump and the input connection and preferably as well on your output. As the product name says, this is a pressure filter, you won't be able to deliver enough pressure to force your water through it if you are using small diameter tubing. Cleaning is a breeze, just press the gray lever over to the "clean" position to back-flush it until the water runs clear coming out of it. Then press the other gray level to put it back into operation mode.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:All in all, I think it’s a good product. The UV is fixed every problem that I have. It was a little leaky at First so I only have it set up so I can dismantle it if I need to as I’m still in the testing phase, but generally, I think it works pretty well. The seals can be a little tricky, and the buckles that hold the lid on like to pop off on their own, I’m assuming from pressure within the canister so it needs to be checked periodically but I like the product so far. UV is exactly what I needed to clear up my algae blooms and now my pond is crystal clear.