Filtreau Excellent Trickle Shower Add On

Filtreau Excellent Trickle Shower Add On

High Performance Biological Upgrade for Serious Koi Systems

The Filtreau Excellent Trickle Shower Add On is a premium biological filtration upgrade designed to enhance oxygenation, improve nitrification efficiency and support high stocking levels in demanding koi ponds.

Installed after mechanical filtration, the trickle shower allows water to cascade over specialist media in open air. As a result, oxygen saturation increases dramatically. This significantly improves ammonia and nitrite conversion while helping to reduce nitrate accumulation over time.

For serious koi keepers running drum filtration systems, a trickle shower provides the next level of biological stability and water clarity.

How a Trickle Shower Improves Water Quality

Unlike submerged biological chambers, a trickle shower operates in open air. Water is pumped to the top of the unit and distributed evenly across layered media trays. It then trickles down through high surface area media before returning to the pond.

Because the media is constantly exposed to air, oxygen exchange is maximised. Consequently, beneficial bacteria operate in highly aerobic conditions. This increases nitrification efficiency and improves overall system stability.

In addition, trickle showers help strip dissolved gases from the water. This can improve redox potential and overall pond clarity, particularly in heavily stocked koi systems.

Designed for Integration with Filtreau Excellent Systems

The Filtreau Excellent Trickle Shower Add On is engineered to integrate with compatible Filtreau filtration setups. It is typically installed after drum filtration, ensuring that solids are removed before water enters the shower media.

This sequencing is critical. Clean water flowing over the media prevents clogging and allows the biological stage to operate at peak efficiency.

Constructed from durable materials and designed for long term outdoor use, the unit provides a compact yet powerful biological upgrade without significantly increasing footprint.

When Should You Add a Trickle Shower?

A trickle shower add on is particularly beneficial when:

• Stocking levels are high
• Feeding rates increase seasonally
• Water parameters fluctuate under load
• Nitrate levels begin to climb
• You want improved oxygen saturation

For many advanced koi ponds, a trickle shower acts as a performance enhancer rather than a replacement filter. It strengthens biological resilience and provides additional stability during peak feeding periods.

Why Buy Your Filtreau Excellent Trickle Shower From Us

Correct sizing and positioning are essential for trickle shower performance. Flow rate, pump selection and return positioning all influence results.

We regularly specify and install advanced filtration systems, including drum and shower combinations. Therefore, we can advise on correct pump sizing, turnover rates and integration with your existing setup.

We supply genuine Filtreau Excellent equipment with full manufacturer backing. In addition, we offer installation support and long term servicing advice to ensure your system performs reliably.

If you are upgrading an already high quality filtration system, the Filtreau Excellent Trickle Shower Add On provides a serious biological boost and long term performance gains.

Filtreau Excellent Trickle Shower Add On – Frequently Asked Questions

What does a trickle shower filter actually do?

A trickle shower provides highly oxygenated biological filtration. Water is pumped to the top of the unit and allowed to cascade over specialist media in open air before returning to the pond.

Because the media is constantly exposed to oxygen, beneficial bacteria operate in ideal aerobic conditions. As a result, ammonia and nitrite are converted more efficiently than in many submerged biological chambers.

In addition, trickle showers help strip dissolved gases from the water, improving overall water clarity and system stability.

Is a trickle shower better than a moving bed filter?

A trickle shower is not a replacement for mechanical filtration. Instead, it acts as a high performance biological upgrade.

Moving bed filters provide excellent submerged biological conversion. However, a trickle shower operates in open air and typically achieves higher oxygen transfer rates. Consequently, nitrification efficiency can increase, particularly under heavy feeding conditions.

Many advanced koi systems run both drum filtration and a trickle shower together for maximum performance.

Can I install a trickle shower after my drum filter?

Yes. In fact, this is the correct way to install it.

The trickle shower should always receive mechanically filtered water. Installing it after a drum filter ensures solids have already been removed. This prevents media clogging and allows the biological stage to operate efficiently.

A drum and shower combination is considered one of the most stable filtration setups for serious koi ponds.

Does a trickle shower reduce nitrate?

A trickle shower primarily improves ammonia and nitrite conversion. However, because it increases oxygen levels and overall biological efficiency, many pond keepers notice improved nitrate control.

It does not directly remove nitrate like a denitrification system. However, by improving overall biological balance and gas exchange, nitrate levels may stabilise more effectively.

How much flow does a trickle shower need?

Flow rate depends on pond volume and stocking levels. In general, the shower should receive enough flow to ensure even distribution across the trays without flooding the media.

Too little flow reduces oxygen exchange. Too much flow can reduce contact time.

Correct pump sizing is essential. We can advise on ideal flow rates based on your existing drum system and pond turnover.

Does a trickle shower increase oxygen levels in the pond?

Yes. Because water cascades in open air, oxygen transfer is significantly increased before it returns to the pond.

This higher dissolved oxygen level benefits koi health, improves bacterial efficiency and supports higher feeding levels. In heavily stocked ponds, this added oxygenation can noticeably improve fish vitality.

Will a trickle shower cool the pond water?

In some cases, yes.

Because water is exposed to air, minor cooling can occur, particularly in colder months or windy conditions. However, the effect is usually moderate and depends on installation height and return design.

If temperature stability is critical, this can be considered during system design.

Is a trickle shower noisy?

When correctly installed, noise is minimal.

The water should return smoothly into the pond or into a concealed return chamber. Splash noise can be reduced with proper tray alignment and return positioning.

We always advise planning the return route carefully to avoid unnecessary sound.

What media is used inside a trickle shower?

High surface area, highly porous media is typically used. This allows maximum bacterial colonisation and efficient oxygen exposure.

The correct media choice influences performance. Specialist shower media often provides better results than standard submerged bio media.

Do I need to upgrade my pump to run a trickle shower?

Possibly.

Because the shower is elevated, the pump must be capable of delivering sufficient flow at the required head height. If your current system is already running near its maximum output, a pump upgrade may be required.

We can assess this based on your existing setup.

Is a trickle shower only for large koi ponds?

While most commonly used on serious koi systems, trickle showers can benefit any pond that requires increased biological performance.

They are particularly valuable where:

• Feeding rates are high
• Stocking density is heavy
• Water parameters fluctuate under load
• Additional biological support is needed

For advanced systems, a trickle shower acts as a performance stabiliser rather than a basic filter.