Children of the Sun Koi » Koi Pond Filters » GC Tek Plus System

The AquaBead/AlphaONE PLUS System(tm) is completely assembled, plumbed and mounted on a durable, all weather pad that is ready to install when you receive it. Now, that's easy. How easy, as easy as hooking up an AquaBead/AlphaONE filter by itself.

Hook up is simple, we've done the hard part for you. Here's all you do: Hook up the upper outlet on the AquaSieve2 Solids Separator Pre-filter(tm) to the line coming in from your pond. Hook up the upper outlet on the Zapp Pure UV to the line returning to the pond. Run the waste line from the multi port valve and you're done. In a space of 36" X 48" for the 3 smaller units and a space of 48" X 72" for the 2 larger units you can have a filtration system that can take care of your entire pond. You have everything that you need on this system: Pre-filtration, Filtration, Pump and UV all in one.

Notice that all connections are made with Quick Disconnect Unions. Why is this important? Ask us in a few years if you need to make changes or repairs. With these unions, you won't have to get out the hacksaw and start cutting. Just loosen the unions by hand and then retighten by hand. You'll be glad you chose the AquaBead/AlphaONE Plus System(tm). We want you to be happy with your purchase, not only immediately, but down the road, too.

We are always conscious of getting maximum flow out of our systems for energy dollars spent to move water. That is why you will find we have used sweep fittings on all water pathways throughout the system. This results in less restriction and allows the use of energy efficient pumps to be used on all of our systems. Less restriction means higher flow through and the use of more efficient pumps means dollars saved on energy usage.

All of the electrical components come with plug in cords, so just plug and play.

Sounds expensive doesn't it? Sit down. It's only an extra 250.00 dollars above the price of the equipment. You'll spend close to that in parts alone doing it yourself. Tell us you want more info., or give us a call and we'll be happy to explain it to you. 
 

Clear water does not necessarily mean clean water, it may contain colorless impurities, such as ammonia and nitrite, that are harmful and can kill Koi. Koi excrete urine and produce feces, and ammonia is excreted through the gill membranes. Also debris collects in ponds.

It is the job of the filtration system to remove waste which in the wild would be diluted by the large volumes of water or washed away by moving water.
There are three types of filtration: Mechanical, Biological and Chemical.

Mechanical pond filtration.

Most filter media have a mechanical function. Settlement chambers allow gravity to drag the solid waste out of the water by slowing the water flow. Such chambers usually come first in a filter. A vortex unit provides greater settlement, the water moves in a circular movement allowing solids to gather in the center where they can be removed. In addition to baffle plates which slow the incoming water, brushes or matting can be used to strain the water.

Biological pond filtration.

This relies on specific bacteria to break down toxic waste products to less harmful substances. There are two stages in the breakdown of ammonia, each stage involving different types of bacteria. The first stage is the breakdown of ammonia to nitrite by nitrifying bacteria, most important of which is Nitrosomonas. The second stage is the conversion of nitrite to nitrate by Nitrobacter.

Chemical filtration.

Activated carbon removes ammonia and other organic waste products by adsorption, this means that the waste substances become linked to the surface of the carbon. When the surface is 'full up' it has to be replaced.

Zeolite removes ammonia and nitrite from the water. A good feature of Zeolite is that it can be cleaned by soaking in salt water (6g per litter) for 24 hours and then reused.

If a large biological filter is present chemical filtration should not be needed, but it is good to use while the biological filter is maturing or isn't big enough for the pond.

Sand (Glass) filter. Some Koi keepers use a sand, or glass, filter as a final stage to 'polish' the water. The water is passed under high pressure through sand and comes out very clear, bacterial activity also takes place in the sand filter. Sand filters are expensive though, and you can't make one yourself because of the high pressure involved.