Evolution Aqua
Award Winning Koi Pond Filtration and Aquatic Equipment
Evolution Aqua is a multi award winning British manufacturer and one of the most recognised names in koi pond filtration and aquatic water treatment. Founded in 2001 and based in Wigan, Evolution Aqua began as a specialist koi filtration company and has grown into a globally respected brand supplying advanced filtration systems, pond equipment and water treatment products to pond keepers worldwide.
The company first gained recognition through the development of “The Answer”, a revolutionary self cleaning mechanical pre filter that helped transform pond filtration by reducing maintenance and improving water quality. This innovation laid the foundations for many of the technologies that Evolution Aqua is known for today.
Over the past two decades, Evolution Aqua has continued to lead the industry through products such as the Nexus filtration system, EazyPod range, K1 Media and advanced bead filtration technologies. Their equipment is trusted by hobbyists, professional pond builders and serious koi keepers throughout the UK and across the world.
For pond owners seeking proven reliability, innovative design and industry leading water clarity, Evolution Aqua remains at the forefront of aquatic filtration technology.
Industry Leading Koi Pond Filtration Systems
Evolution Aqua is best known for developing some of the most popular and effective koi pond filters available in the UK.
Nexus Pond Filters – The Nexus range combines mechanical and biological filtration using K1 media and moving bed technology. Models such as the Nexus 220+, Nexus 320+ and Nexus 220+ Ti and Nexus 320+ Ti are widely regarded as benchmark filtration systems for serious koi ponds.
EazyPod Filters – Compact yet powerful, the EazyPod range provides mechanical and biological filtration in a space efficient design. Ideal for small to medium koi ponds, quarantine systems and filter bays with limited space.
EazyPod Automatic – A fully automated version of the EazyPod, designed to reduce maintenance while maintaining exceptional water clarity and biological stability.
Advanced Bead Filters – Evolution Aqua’s Advanced Bead Filter range provides highly efficient mechanical and biological filtration in a compact pressurised unit. These filters are ideal for ponds where space is limited or where a traditional multi bay system is not practical. They deliver excellent water polishing and strong biological performance.
Tempest Filters – The Evolution Aqua Tempest is a pneumatic bead filter that uses air to clean the media, removing trapped debris quickly and efficiently. The air driven cleaning system reduces maintenance time while maintaining strong mechanical and biological filtration.
Surge Filters – The Evolution Aqua Surge Filter uses surge technology to provide powerful mechanical and UV filtration and enhanced biological performance. Designed for high efficiency waste removal, Surge filters are suitable for most garden ponds.
K1 Moving Bed Technology
One of Evolution Aqua’s most important innovations is K1 Moving Bed Media. Designed to provide a protected environment for beneficial bacteria, K1 Media continuously moves within the biological chamber, remaining clean and highly oxygenated.
This moving bed technology forms the foundation of the Nexus range and has become one of the most widely used biological filtration solutions in the koi pond industry.
Evolution Aqua also manufactures K1 Micro and K+ Media. These advanced media types provide increased protected surface area for bacterial colonisation and are widely used in bead filters, moving bed systems and high performance filtration installations.
Advanced Pumps, Air and UV Technology
Evolution Aqua also manufactures a wide range of high performance pond pumps, aeration systems and ultraviolet clarifiers to complete your filtration setup.
Varipump Variable Flow Pumps – Energy efficient, digitally controlled variable speed pond pumps designed to offer flexibility and reduced running costs.
Airtech Air Pumps – Reliable and powerful aeration pumps engineered for long term performance in koi ponds and moving bed filtration systems.
EvoUV Clarifiers – High output ultraviolet clarifiers designed to eliminate green water, control algae and improve overall water clarity in koi ponds and ornamental ponds.
Water Treatment and Biological Media
Evolution Aqua is also widely recognised for its water treatment innovations.
Pure Pond – Pure Pond contains live beneficial bacteria and enzymes designed to break down organic waste, improve water clarity and support healthy biological filtration. These treatments are particularly useful during pond start ups, after cleaning or when introducing new filtration systems.
Dechlorinators and Water Conditioners – Evolution Aqua manufactures high flow dechlorinators and water treatment products designed to neutralise chlorine and chloramine, making tap water safe for fish during pond top ups and water changes.
Why Evolution Aqua Became One of the UK’s Leading Pond Brands
Evolution Aqua’s success has been built on practical innovation. Products such as The Answer, Nexus, EazyPod and K1 Media introduced simpler and more effective ways to maintain healthy pond water while reducing maintenance.
Their continued focus on filtration technology, water quality and user friendly design has made Evolution Aqua one of the most trusted names among koi keepers and pond professionals.
Why Choose Evolution Aqua?
- UK designed and manufactured products
- Award winning filtration technology
- Trusted by koi keepers worldwide
- Proven K1 moving bed innovation
- Advanced bead filtration technology
- Energy efficient pumps and aeration systems
- High output UV clarification
Evolution Aqua products are widely regarded as reliable, well engineered and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for both new pond builds and filtration upgrades.
Why We Use Evolution Aqua
As pond builders and filtration specialists, we have installed Evolution Aqua equipment on countless pond projects over the years. Products such as the Nexus range, EazyPod filters, Airtech air pumps, EvoUV clarifiers and K+ Advanced Bead Filters have consistently proven reliable, easy to maintain and highly effective in real world pond environments.
We regularly recommend Evolution Aqua filtration systems for both new pond builds and filtration upgrades due to their excellent biological performance, straightforward maintenance and long term reliability.
Why Buy Evolution Aqua from That Pond Guy?
As experienced pond builders and filtration specialists, we supply, install and maintain Evolution Aqua filtration systems across a wide range of koi pond projects.
We have supplied and installed Evolution Aqua equipment across hundreds of pond projects, from small garden ponds through to large koi pond filtration upgrades.
We can advise on:
- Correct Nexus or EazyPod sizing
- Choosing between moving bed and bead filtration
- Pump and UV pairing
- Gravity fed versus pump fed installations
- Full filtration upgrades
- Replacement parts and K1 media
When purchasing Evolution Aqua equipment through us, you benefit from real world installation experience alongside genuine UK supplied products and expert technical guidance.
Explore the full Evolution Aqua range today and choose the right filtration solution for your koi pond.
Evolution Aqua – Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find detailed answers to common questions about Evolution Aqua filtration systems, pumps, UV clarifiers, bead filters and water treatment products. This guide is designed to help koi pond owners understand which Evolution Aqua system is right for their pond.
Who are Evolution Aqua and where are they based?
Evolution Aqua is a UK manufacturer of koi pond filtration and aquatic equipment based in Wigan. Established over 20 years ago, the company began as a specialist koi filtration brand and has grown into one of the most recognised aquatic equipment manufacturers in the UK and worldwide.
They design and manufacture filtration systems, pumps, UV clarifiers, air pumps, bead filters and biological media for ponds, aquariums and commercial aquatic systems.
What products does Evolution Aqua manufacture?
Evolution Aqua produces a wide range of pond and aquatic equipment, including:
- Nexus 220 and Nexus 320 moving bed filters
- EazyPod and EazyPod Automatic filters
- Advanced Bead Filters
- Tempest pneumatic bead filters
- Surge filters
- Varipump variable flow pond pumps
- Airtech air pumps
- EvoUV ultraviolet clarifiers
- K1 and K1 Micro biological media
- Pure Pond beneficial bacteria
- Dechlorinators and water conditioners
Their product range covers everything required for a complete koi pond filtration system.
What makes Evolution Aqua filtration systems different?
Evolution Aqua pioneered moving bed filtration using K1 media. Their systems focus on:
- High efficiency mechanical filtration
- Powerful biological conversion of ammonia and nitrite
- Ease of maintenance
- Long term reliability
- Energy efficient operation
The combination of mechanical and biological performance makes Evolution Aqua systems particularly popular for koi ponds.
How does the Nexus Pond Filter work?
The Nexus filter uses a two stage filtration process.
Water first enters the mechanical stage where solids are removed. It then passes into a moving bed chamber filled with K1 media.
The K1 media moves constantly when aerated, keeping the biological surface clean and highly oxygenated. This allows efficient conversion of ammonia into nitrite and nitrite into nitrate.
The Nexus 220 is suited for small to medium koi ponds.
The Nexus 320 provides greater biological capacity for larger or heavily stocked ponds.
What is the difference between Nexus 220 and Nexus 320?
The Nexus 220 is ideal for moderate stocking levels and smaller koi ponds.
The Nexus 320 has a larger biological chamber, higher flow capacity and is better suited to heavily stocked or larger ponds.
Correct sizing depends on pond volume, fish load and turnover rate.
What is the difference between Nexus and EazyPod?
Nexus systems are designed for larger koi ponds and provide significantly higher biological capacity.
EazyPod filters are compact standalone units suitable for small ponds, quarantine systems or as supplementary filtration.
Both use K1 media, but the Nexus is intended for higher demand systems.
Is Evolution Aqua Nexus better than a drum filter?
Nexus filters use moving bed biological filtration combined with mechanical settlement.
Drum filters provide automatic fine mechanical filtration down to around 60 microns.
Drum filters remove solids more aggressively, while Nexus systems offer proven biological stability and simplicity.
Many advanced koi ponds combine drum filtration with moving bed biological chambers for maximum performance.
What is K1 and K1 Micro media?
K1 is Evolution Aqua’s moving bed biological media designed to provide protected surface area for beneficial bacteria.
As air circulates through the chamber, K1 moves continuously, preventing clogging and maintaining high biological efficiency.
K1 Micro is smaller and designed for finer mechanical capture in specific filtration setups.
Is K1 media better than traditional filter foam?
K1 media provides significantly higher protected surface area than standard foam.
Because it moves constantly in a moving bed system, it resists clogging and maintains consistent performance. Foam filters can block over time and restrict flow.
What is the Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter?
The Tempest Filter is a pneumatic bead filter that uses air to clean the bead media.
Air agitation dislodges trapped debris quickly and efficiently, reducing maintenance time.
Tempest filters provide both mechanical and biological filtration in a compact pressurised unit, making them suitable where space is limited.
What is the Evolution Aqua Surge Filter?
The Surge Filter uses surge technology to improve mechanical waste capture and enhance biological performance.
It is designed for koi ponds requiring advanced solids removal and stable water management.
Are Evolution Aqua bead filters suitable for koi ponds?
Yes. Evolution Aqua Advanced Bead Filters provide effective mechanical polishing and biological support.
They are ideal for pump fed systems or situations where a pressurised unit is required.
For heavily stocked ponds, moving bed systems such as the Nexus often provide greater biological capacity.
How do EvoUV clarifiers work?
EvoUV clarifiers use ultraviolet light to destroy free floating algae cells that cause green water.
As water passes through the UV chamber, algae cells are disrupted and clump together, allowing them to be removed by the filter.
Correct sizing is essential for effective performance.
What size EvoUV do I need?
UV sizing depends on:
- Pond volume
- Flow rate
- Stocking level
- Sun exposure
Undersized UV units are a common cause of persistent green water.
How energy efficient are Evolution Aqua Varipumps?
Varipumps are digitally controlled variable speed pumps.
Users can adjust flow rates to match seasonal requirements, reducing electricity consumption and running costs compared to fixed speed pumps.
What are the benefits of Evolution Aqua Airtech air pumps?
Airtech air pumps increase oxygen levels in ponds and filtration chambers.
Higher oxygen improves fish health, supports biological filtration and prevents stagnant areas within the pond.
Can Evolution Aqua systems be used on gravity fed and pump fed ponds?
Yes.
Nexus systems are commonly used in gravity fed installations.
EazyPod, Tempest and Advanced Bead Filters are often used in pump fed systems.
Correct configuration depends on pond design and plumbing layout.
Are Evolution Aqua products suitable for heavily stocked koi ponds?
Yes, particularly Nexus 320 systems or multi stage filtration setups.
For heavily stocked ponds, adequate mechanical pre filtration, strong biological capacity and correctly sized UV are essential.
Can I upgrade my existing pond to an Evolution Aqua system?
Yes. Many pond owners upgrade from multi bay filters or older pressurised filters to Nexus or bead systems.
Upgrading can improve water clarity, biological stability and ease of maintenance.
How often does a Nexus filter need cleaning?
The mechanical section requires periodic cleaning depending on feeding and stocking levels.
The biological moving bed chamber does not require routine cleaning because the K1 media is self cleaning.
How long does K1 media last?
K1 media is extremely durable and designed for long term use.
Under normal conditions it lasts many years and does not degrade.
Why is my pond still green after installing a UV clarifier?
Possible causes include:
- Incorrect UV size
- Excessive flow rate
- Expired UV lamp
- Poor mechanical filtration
- High nutrient levels
Correct installation and maintenance are crucial for UV performance.
How do I know if my pump is correctly sized?
Pump selection should consider:
- Maximum filter flow rate
- Desired pond turnover
- Pipework resistance
- Head height
Oversized pumps can reduce filtration efficiency. Undersized pumps can reduce circulation.
Are Evolution Aqua filters suitable for swim ponds?
Some components, particularly biological systems, can be used in swim pond designs. However, swim ponds often require additional regeneration zones and plant filtration.
Do Evolution Aqua products come with warranties?
Evolution Aqua products typically include manufacturer warranties covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty length varies by product type.
Can Evolution Aqua filters be installed indoors?
Yes. Many systems are installed in filter bays, sheds or plant rooms.
Proper drainage and ventilation are important.
Are Evolution Aqua products suitable for commercial systems?
Yes. Evolution Aqua equipment is used in aquaculture, fish farms and public aquariums. Correct sizing and system design are essential.
How do Evolution Aqua products compare to Oase filtration systems?
Evolution Aqua focuses heavily on koi specific moving bed and bead filtration.
Oase offers a broader ornamental pond and integrated filtration range.
The best choice depends on pond design, fish load and maintenance preference.
Is Evolution Aqua a good brand for koi ponds?
Yes. Evolution Aqua is widely regarded as one of the most trusted UK brands for koi pond filtration.
Their Nexus systems and K1 media technology are particularly popular among serious koi keepers.
Where can I buy genuine Evolution Aqua products in the UK?
Evolution Aqua products are available through authorised UK dealers.
As experienced pond builders and filtration specialists, we supply, install and maintain Evolution Aqua systems and can advise on correct sizing and installation.
What is Evolution Aqua best known for?
Evolution Aqua is best known for developing the Nexus filtration system and K1 Moving Bed Media. These products helped popularise moving bed biological filtration and remain some of the most widely used filtration technologies in the koi pond industry today.
Why is K1 Media so popular?
K1 Media provides an enormous protected surface area for beneficial bacteria while remaining self cleaning through constant movement within the filter. This allows efficient biological filtration with minimal maintenance, making it one of the most trusted biological media types available.
What is the difference between a Tempest Filter and an Advanced Bead Filter?
Both systems provide mechanical and biological filtration using bead media, but the Tempest uses an air driven cleaning system to agitate and clean the media more efficiently. Advanced Bead Filters use a more traditional cleaning process. The choice depends on pond size, maintenance preferences and installation requirements.
Does the Evolution Aqua Surge Filter include a UV clarifier?
Yes. Unlike many traditional filtration systems, the Surge Filter incorporates ultraviolet clarification alongside mechanical and biological filtration, helping to control green water while reducing maintenance requirements.
What is the Evolution Aqua Cetus Sieve used for?
The Cetus Sieve is a mechanical pre filter designed to remove larger solids before they reach the main filtration system. By removing waste at an early stage, the Cetus helps improve water clarity and reduces the workload placed on biological filtration.
Can I use K1 Media in other filtration systems?
Yes. Although K1 Media was developed by Evolution Aqua and is used extensively in the Nexus range, it can also be used in many other moving bed and biological filtration systems.
Which Evolution Aqua filter is best for a heavily stocked koi pond?
For heavily stocked koi ponds, the Nexus 320 is often one of the most popular choices due to its larger biological capacity. Larger ponds may also benefit from combining mechanical pre filtration with additional biological filtration and correctly sized UV clarification.
Which Evolution Aqua products help with green water?
Evolution Aqua offers several products that help combat green water, including EvoUV clarifiers, Surge Filters with integrated UV technology and correctly sized filtration systems. Combining mechanical filtration, biological filtration and UV clarification generally provides the best results.
Is the EazyPod suitable for koi ponds?
Yes. The EazyPod is suitable for smaller koi ponds, quarantine systems and grow on ponds. For larger koi ponds with heavier stocking levels, a Nexus system may be more appropriate.
Should I choose a Nexus 220 or Nexus 320?
The Nexus 220 is generally suited to smaller koi ponds and moderate stocking levels. The Nexus 320 offers greater biological capacity and is often recommended for larger ponds or ponds with a higher fish load.
Are Evolution Aqua products manufactured in the UK?
Yes. Evolution Aqua is a British company based in Wigan and many of its products are designed and manufactured in the UK. The company has become one of the most recognised names in koi pond filtration worldwide.
Why do professional koi keepers use Evolution Aqua?
Evolution Aqua products are trusted by professional koi keepers because they offer reliable biological filtration, proven water quality performance and straightforward maintenance. Products such as the Nexus filter and K1 Media have become industry standards within the koi hobby.
What was The Answer filter and why was it important?
The Answer was one of Evolution Aqua’s first major innovations and helped establish the company within the koi industry. It was a self cleaning mechanical pre filter designed to reduce maintenance compared to traditional multi bay filter systems. The technology helped pave the way for many of Evolution Aqua’s later filtration developments.
What is K+ Media?
K+ Media is an advanced biological filtration media developed by Evolution Aqua. It provides a larger protected surface area than traditional K1 Media and is designed to support faster bacterial colonisation and improved biological performance.
What is the difference between K1 Media, K1 Micro and K+ Media?
K1 Media is primarily designed for moving bed biological filtration.
K1 Micro has a smaller profile and is often used where finer mechanical filtration and increased surface area are required.
K+ Media offers enhanced biological performance and increased protected surface area compared to standard K1.
What is the difference between a Nexus filter and a multi bay filter?
A Nexus filter uses moving bed biological filtration and modern mechanical filtration principles, whereas traditional multi bay systems rely on static foams and filter brushes.
Many pond keepers choose Nexus systems because they are easier to maintain and generally provide more efficient biological filtration.
What is the difference between a Nexus filter and a bead filter?
Nexus filters focus on moving bed biological filtration, while bead filters combine mechanical and biological filtration using specialised bead media.
Both systems are effective, but the best choice depends on pond size, fish load, available space and maintenance preferences.
Can I add a drum filter to a Nexus system?
Yes. Many koi keepers install a drum filter before a Nexus filter.
The drum removes fine solids mechanically, while the Nexus provides highly effective biological filtration. This combination is often regarded as one of the best filtration setups for heavily stocked koi ponds.
Is K1 Media self cleaning?
Yes. K1 Media is designed to move continuously within the filtration chamber.
The constant movement helps remove dead bacterial films and prevents clogging, allowing new bacteria to colonise the media efficiently.
What is New Pond Syndrome and how can Evolution Aqua help?
New Pond Syndrome occurs when biological filtration has not fully matured and cannot process fish waste efficiently.
Products such as Pure Pond and PURE+ Filter Start Gel can help establish beneficial bacteria and support filter maturation during the early stages of a pond’s life.
Which Evolution Aqua products are best for new pond setups?
Many new pond owners choose:
• EazyPod filters
• Nexus filters
• EvoUV clarifiers
• Pure Pond bacteria
• Airtech air pumps
These products help establish biological filtration and maintain stable water quality during the early months.
How long does it take a Nexus filter to mature?
The maturation process depends on fish load, water temperature and feeding levels.
A new Nexus filter typically takes several weeks to several months to fully establish a mature biological colony. Using products such as Pure Pond or PURE+ Filter Start Gel may help support the process.
Can I add a drum filter to a Nexus system?
Yes. Many koi keepers install a drum filter before a Nexus 220+ or Nexus 320+ to create a multi stage filtration system. The drum filter removes fine solids and waste before they reach the Nexus, while the Nexus provides powerful biological filtration using K1 Media. This combination can improve water clarity, reduce maintenance and provide excellent water quality for heavily stocked koi ponds.
Who Are Evolution Aqua Products Suitable For?
Evolution Aqua products are suitable for:
• Ornamental ponds
• Wildlife ponds
• Koi ponds
• Quarantine systems
• Grow on ponds
• Large estate ponds
• Professional aquatic installations
Whether you are keeping a handful of goldfish or a heavily stocked koi collection, Evolution Aqua offers filtration solutions to suit a wide range of applications.
What is the best Evolution Aqua filter for beginners?
For many pond owners, the EazyPod is one of the most popular entry points into Evolution Aqua filtration. It combines mechanical and biological filtration in a compact design while remaining straightforward to install and maintain.
