Filtreau Excellent Combi Drum Filters

Filtreau Excellent Combi Drum Filters

Professional Drum and Biological Filtration Systems for Koi Ponds and Commercial Installations

The Filtreau Excellent Combi Drum range delivers high performance mechanical and biological filtration for serious koi ponds, estate lakes and commercial aquatic systems. Built around automatic stainless steel drum separation and large biological chambers, these systems provide exceptional water clarity, stability and low maintenance operation under heavy load.

From 25,000 litres through to 250,000 litres and beyond, the Excellent range scales from advanced hobbyist installations to full estate and commercial systems.

What Is a Filtreau Excellent Combi Drum Filter

A Filtreau Excellent Combi Drum combines precision mechanical drum filtration with a high capacity biological chamber in one professional grade unit.

Every model includes:

• 70 micron stainless steel drum screen
• Automatic float activated self cleaning cycle
• Industrial SPG drive motor
• Internal high pressure flushing pump
• Large integrated biological chamber
• Integrated UV sterilisation on selected models
• Optional automatic top up valve on certain versions

The stainless steel drum removes fine suspended solids before water reaches the biological stage. As a result, the bio media remains cleaner and more efficient, improving long term water stability and fish health.

Biological capacity varies by model, typically from around 150 litres on smaller units up to 500 litres on XXL versions. Most installations use Hel-X 13 moving bed media, often combined with Japanese matting for additional polishing and surface area.

Because mechanical separation happens first, the biological stage operates under reduced organic load. Therefore, overall system performance remains consistent even in heavily stocked ponds.

Understanding the Range

The Excellent series is divided into three clear capacity tiers.

Mid Range Models
25/30, 30/40, 30/45, 30/50
Typically suited for koi ponds between approximately 25,000 and 60,000 litres depending on stocking levels.

XL Series
50/65 XL, 60/80 XL
Designed for larger koi systems and estate ponds handling roughly 65,000 to 150,000 litres.

XXL Series
80/100 XXL
Flagship industrial models built for estate lakes and commercial facilities. These support flow rates up to 100,000 litres per hour and pond volumes up to approximately 250,000 litres.

Gravity Fed or Pump Fed

Filtreau Excellent filters are available in both configurations.

Gravity Fed
Water flows from bottom drains into the drum at pond level. The pump sits after the filter. This layout suits new builds and dedicated filtration bays.

Pump Fed
A pond pump pushes water into the drum filter, which sits above pond level. Clean water then returns to the pond by gravity. This layout suits raised ponds and retrofit installations.

When correctly sized, both configurations deliver the same level of mechanical separation and biological performance.

Inline Models Explained

Inline versions feature an elongated chassis rather than a wider footprint. They are ideal where:

• Filter bays are narrow
• Installation runs alongside a wall
• Space width is restricted
• Straight through plumbing layout is preferred

Performance remains comparable to standard chassis models. The difference is installation layout and footprint.

Why Buy Your Filtreau Drum Filter From Us

Choosing the correct drum filter is about more than pond volume. Flow rates, pipework layout, stocking density and available space all influence performance.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Real world installation experience
• Honest advice on correct model sizing
• Guidance on gravity vs pump fed layouts
• Support on inline vs standard chassis selection
• Advice on aeration and biological media configuration
• UK based support

We install and maintain high capacity filtration systems ourselves. Therefore, we understand how these filters perform under genuine heavy load conditions, not just on paper.

If you are unsure which model suits your pond, contact us with your pond volume, plumbing layout and stocking level and we will recommend the correct system.

Filtreau Excellent Combi Drum Filter – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Filtreau Excellent Combi Drum Filter

A Filtreau Excellent Combi Drum filter combines automatic mechanical drum filtration with a large biological chamber in one unit. The stainless steel drum removes fine solids before water reaches the bio section, keeping media cleaner and more efficient. This results in improved clarity, reduced maintenance and greater long term stability compared to traditional foam or multi chamber systems.

How does the self cleaning drum work

Water flows through a 70 micron stainless steel screen where waste collects on the outside. As the screen loads up, a float switch detects reduced flow and triggers a cleaning cycle. The drum rotates while high pressure spray jets rinse debris into a waste channel before filtration resumes automatically.

What does 70 micron mean

70 micron refers to the screen mesh size that captures fine suspended solids. This level of filtration is ideal for most koi ponds because it removes fines effectively without triggering excessive cleaning cycles. It provides an excellent balance between clarity and efficiency.

What is the difference between gravity fed and pump fed

Gravity fed systems allow pond water to flow into the filter directly from bottom drains and skimmers at pond water level. The pump is positioned after the filter and returns clean water to the pond.

Pump fed systems use a pump inside the pond to push water up into the filter, which usually sits above pond water level. Clean water then returns to the pond via gravity.

Which is better, gravity fed or pump fed

Gravity fed is generally preferred for new builds and larger koi ponds because it offers stable water levels inside the drum and efficient hydraulics. Pump fed is ideal for raised ponds, retrofits or where bottom drain pipework is not possible. The best choice depends on your pond layout and installation constraints.

What does inline mean on Filtreau Excellent filters

Inline models feature a long, narrow chassis instead of a wider footprint. This allows installation in narrow filter bays or alongside walls where width is limited. Internal filtration performance remains comparable to standard body models, but the footprint suits certain installations better.

Do Filtreau Excellent Combi Drum Filters include media

Most models are supplied without Hel X or Japanese matting. This allows you to configure the biological chamber according to stocking levels and feeding rates. Media is selected and added separately.

What biological media should I use

Hel X 13 moving bed media is widely used because it provides high protected surface area and tumbles efficiently when aerated. Many installations also include Japanese matting in a static section to provide additional polishing and varied bacterial surface structure.

How much Hel X do I need

The correct volume depends on the model and biological chamber size. Moving bed chambers should not be filled completely. Leaving void space allows media to tumble properly and remain self cleaning. Media volume should match stocking density and feeding intensity.

Why is aeration so important

Moving bed filtration relies on high oxygen levels. Aeration keeps media in motion and prevents dead zones where low oxygen bacteria can develop. Proper airflow supports nitrifying bacteria and ensures stable ammonia and nitrite breakdown.

What air pump should I use

Air pump sizing depends on model size and media volume. As a guide:

25/30 models: Charles Austen ET80
30/40 models: Charles Austen ET120
50/65 XL models: Charles Austen ET150 or ET200
80/100 XXL models: Charles Austen ET300

Correct aeration is critical for stable biological performance.

Do these filters include UV

Many models include integrated high output stainless steel immersion UV units. Larger models may use dual UV systems. Always check the specific product specification because UV configuration varies by model.

How often will the drum clean

Cleaning frequency depends on fish load, feeding rate, pollen levels and season. In summer with heavy feeding, the drum will clean more frequently. In winter, cleaning cycles typically reduce significantly.

Where does the waste water go

During each rinse cycle, waste water exits through the waste outlet to a drain or suitable discharge point. Planning waste routing is important before installation.

Can I retrofit a Filtreau drum to an existing pond

Yes. Pump fed models are commonly used for retrofits because the filter can sit above pond water level and connect to an existing pump. Inline models are also helpful where width is limited in existing bays.

How do I size the correct model

Sizing should consider actual koi stocking level, target turnover rate, pipework diameter and available installation space. Manufacturer litre ratings vary depending on whether the pond is ornamental or heavily stocked with koi.

What flow rate should I aim for

Many koi ponds aim to turn the full pond volume over once every 1 to 2 hours. However, pipework limitations and bottom drain layout must also be considered when calculating realistic flow rates.

Do I need a variable flow pump

Variable flow pumps allow you to adjust turnover seasonally and fine tune system balance. They are not essential but can offer greater flexibility and efficiency.

How much maintenance do these filters require

Routine maintenance typically involves checking spray nozzles, inspecting seals, cleaning the UV quartz sleeve periodically and ensuring the waste outlet remains clear. Compared to traditional foam systems, manual cleaning is greatly reduced.

Are Filtreau Excellent filters suitable for wildlife ponds

They can be used on large formal wildlife ponds, but they are generally designed for koi systems and high load environments. For natural ponds with minimal fish, simpler filtration may be sufficient.

What should I check before purchasing

Measure your filter bay dimensions, confirm gravity or pump fed configuration, plan waste discharge, ensure adequate electrical supply and confirm available airflow for the biological chamber.