Oase ScreenMatic Pond Filters – Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions we receive about Oase ScreenMatic pond filters. These answers are based on real world installation and maintenance experience across koi ponds and large ornamental systems.
What is an Oase ScreenMatic pond filter?
An Oase ScreenMatic pond filter is a flow through filtration system that combines automated mechanical pre filtration with multi stage biological filtration.
The key feature is the 300 micron automated belt screen, which removes solid debris before it reaches the biological foams. This helps prevent clogging, improves efficiency and reduces manual cleaning compared to traditional box filters.
How does the Oase ScreenMatic cleaning belt work?
Water flows across a fine 300 micron screen at the inlet stage. As debris collects, a sensor detects restriction and activates the motorised cleaning belt.
The belt transports waste into a collection tray, keeping the biological chamber cleaner and maintaining steady flow. This system reduces the need to open the filter frequently to rinse dirty foams.
Is the Oase ScreenMatic suitable for koi ponds?
Yes, particularly medium to large koi ponds with moderate to heavy stocking levels.
The pre filtration stage removes solid waste efficiently, while the biological foam chambers support beneficial bacteria for ammonia and nitrite conversion. For very heavily stocked koi systems, some pond owners may opt for drum filtration, but ScreenMatic filters offer an excellent balance between performance and cost.
What pond size can the ScreenMatic filters handle?
The ScreenMatic range includes models rated from 40000 litres up to 145000 litres, depending on fish stocking density.
Sizing should always consider:
- Total pond volume
- Fish load
- Feeding rate
- Pump flow rate
Heavily stocked koi ponds should be sized more conservatively than lightly stocked ornamental ponds.
What is the difference between ScreenMatic 40000, 60000, 90000 and 145000?
The difference lies in chamber size, biological capacity and maximum recommended pond volume.
Smaller models such as the 40000 are suited to medium ornamental ponds, while the 90000 and 145000 models are designed for larger koi ponds or higher waste loads.
Choosing the correct model prevents under filtration and reduces long term maintenance.
Is the Oase ScreenMatic better than a traditional multi bay filter?
In many cases, yes.
Traditional box filters allow debris to accumulate inside the foam chambers, which can reduce biological efficiency over time.
The ScreenMatic pre filter removes solids before they enter the foam stage, keeping the biological media cleaner and maintaining more consistent performance.
Does the ScreenMatic filter remove green water?
The filter itself removes solid debris, but green water caused by suspended algae requires UV clarification.
Most ScreenMatic systems are designed to work with external UV clarifiers. Pairing the filter with a correctly sized UV unit is essential for full algae control.
Can I use a ScreenMatic filter without a UV clarifier?
Yes, but for clear water results, especially in koi ponds, a UV clarifier is strongly recommended.
Without UV, the filter will manage solid waste and biological processing, but it will not eliminate single cell algae that cause green water.
How often does the ScreenMatic belt activate?
Cleaning frequency depends on:
- Fish stocking levels
- Feeding intensity
- Seasonal debris such as leaves
- Blanketweed or organic build up
Heavily stocked ponds in summer may trigger more frequent cleaning cycles.
Does the ScreenMatic reduce maintenance?
Yes. The automated pre filter significantly reduces manual foam cleaning compared to traditional box filters.
However, periodic inspection and occasional foam rinsing are still recommended to maintain peak biological performance.
Can the ScreenMatic be used in a gravity fed system?
ScreenMatic filters are typically installed in pump fed configurations.
Water is pumped into the filter and then returned to the pond via gravity. They are not designed in the same way as gravity fed drum systems connected directly to bottom drains.
What pump should I use with a ScreenMatic filter?
Pump choice should match the recommended flow rate of the specific model.
Factors to consider include:
- Head height
- Pipe diameter
- Distance from pump to filter
- Desired turnover rate
Incorrect pump sizing can either overload the filter or reduce circulation efficiency.
Is the Oase ScreenMatic energy efficient?
Yes, particularly when paired with modern energy efficient pond pumps.
The belt motor activates only when necessary, and the flow through design keeps resistance relatively low compared to heavily clogged foam filters.
Can the ScreenMatic filter cope with blanketweed?
It can remove loose blanketweed fragments but does not directly treat algae growth.
Proper nutrient control, UV clarification and seasonal pond management are important to prevent recurring algae issues.
When should I upgrade my ScreenMatic filter?
You may need to upgrade if:
- Fish stock increases significantly
- Water clarity becomes difficult to maintain
- Cleaning frequency becomes excessive
- Pond volume is extended
Upgrading to a larger ScreenMatic model or moving to a drum filter system may be appropriate in heavily stocked koi ponds.
Is the Oase ScreenMatic suitable for wildlife ponds?
It can be used in wildlife ponds, but in many natural setups lower intervention systems may be preferred.
ScreenMatic filters are most commonly installed in ornamental and koi ponds where clear water is the primary goal.
Why is correct sizing important with ScreenMatic filters?
Under sizing leads to excessive cleaning cycles, poor clarity and unstable water parameters.
Over sizing increases cost and may reduce flow efficiency if pump rates are not matched correctly.
We regularly size and install these filters in real pond systems, ensuring correct flow rates and balanced biological capacity.
Is the Oase ScreenMatic right for my pond?
If you want:
- Reduced manual cleaning
- Reliable flow through filtration
- Improved biological stability
- A step up from traditional box filters
Then ScreenMatic is often an excellent choice.
If you are unsure which model suits your pond, we can help specify the correct size based on real world installation experience.