Burtons BD 500 Pond Drum Filter

Burtons BD 500 Pond Drum Filter

High Capacity Self Cleaning Drum Filter for Koi Ponds

The Burtons BD 500 Pond Drum Filter is a high performance self cleaning mechanical filtration system designed for large koi ponds and heavily stocked ornamental ponds. Built in the UK by Burtons Aquatics, the BD 500 uses a precision 60 micron stainless steel screen to remove fine debris before it can break down and pollute pond water.

As a larger model in the Burtons BD drum filter range, the BD 500 delivers significantly higher flow capacity while maintaining the same reliable automated cleaning technology. This makes it an excellent choice for medium to large koi pond systems that require consistent mechanical filtration with minimal maintenance.

Unlike traditional pond filters that require regular manual cleaning, the BD 500 operates using a fully automated self cleaning drum system. As debris builds up on the screen, the water level inside the drum chamber rises. A float switch detects this change and automatically activates the cleaning cycle.

The drum rotates while a high pressure wash pump sprays the screen clean, flushing waste into a waste tray and out to drain. As a result, the filter continues to operate efficiently while maintaining excellent water clarity.

How the Burtons BD500 Drum Filter Works

Pond water enters the drum filter through three large 110 mm inlets before passing through the rotating stainless steel drum screen. The 60 micron mesh captures fine debris such as fish waste, uneaten food, blanketweed and suspended solids.

As debris accumulates on the screen, the water level inside the drum chamber slowly rises. The internal float switch monitors this level and triggers the automatic cleaning cycle when required. During the cycle, the drum rotates while spray nozzles clean the screen using pressurised water. The system then flushes the waste through the discharge outlet.

Because the drum cleans itself automatically, filtration continues without interruption. This protects downstream biological filters and keeps pond water clear.

The BD 500 is designed for both gravity fed and pump fed filtration systems, making it suitable for a wide range of koi pond installations. The BD range also has internal UV clarifiers which keep the water clear and the screen clear of bio film.

Why Choose a Drum Filter for a Koi Pond

Drum filters are widely considered one of the most effective forms of mechanical filtration for koi ponds. First, they remove solid waste before it can break down in the water. This greatly improves water clarity and reduces the load placed on biological filters.

Traditional sponge or bead filters often allow fine debris to pass through the system. They also require frequent manual cleaning. In contrast, a drum filter removes debris automatically as it collects on the screen.

As a result, filtration remains consistent while maintenance requirements are dramatically reduced.

For heavily stocked koi ponds with large feeding regimes, drum filters provide reliable and efficient filtration that helps maintain stable water quality.

Gravity Fed vs Pump Fed Installation

The Burtons BD 500 can operate in both gravity fed and pump fed pond filtration systems.

In a gravity fed system, water flows directly from the pond into the drum filter through bottom drains and skimmers. This setup allows the drum to remove debris before the water reaches the pump. Consequently, pumps and biological filters remain protected. In gravity installations the BD500 can handle flow rates up to 55,000 litres per hour.

Alternatively, the BD-500 can be installed in pump fed systems. In this configuration, the pond pump sends water directly into the drum filter. This approach works well for ponds that were not originally built with bottom drains. In pump fed installations the BD 500 can handle flow rates up to 40,000 litres per hour.

Please note that stock levels can change quickly on Burtons drum filters, particularly during busy periods. If your chosen model is not immediately available from stock, a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible with an estimated delivery timeframe.

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Key Features

• Automatic self cleaning drum filtration system
• 60 micron stainless steel drum screen for fine mechanical filtration
• Suitable for gravity fed or pump fed pond filtration systems
• Handles flow rates up to 55,000 litres per hour gravity fed
• Handles flow rates up to 40,000 litres per hour pump fed
• 3 x 110 mm inlets and 3 x 110 mm outlets for high flow circulation
• Low energy wash pump included and pre fitted
• Weatherproof digital control box with integrated socket panel
• Compatible with up to 2 x 30 watt Burtons Standard Submersible UV or Burtons Amalgam Submersible UV
• If adding Uvs to this unit you will need 1 stainless steel Uv fitting per Uv
• Safety cover switch cuts power when lid is removed
• Designed and manufactured in the UK by Burtons Aquatics

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Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer Burtons Aquatics
• Screen size 60 micron stainless steel mesh
• Maximum flow rate gravity fed 55,000 litres per hour
• Maximum flow rate pump fed 40,000 litres per hour
• Standby power consumption 1.3 watts
• Cleaning cycle power consumption 150 watts
• Number of spray tips 7
• Inlets 3 x 110 mm
• Outlets 3 x 110 mm
• Dimensions 658 x 740 x 990 mm
• Installation height above water level 25 cm

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Other Burtons Drum Filters in the Range

Burtons Aquatics manufacture a wide range of professional drum filters designed for koi ponds and large ornamental ponds. Each model offers the same reliable self cleaning mechanical filtration while supporting different pond sizes, flow rates and installation types.

If you are comparing drum filters for your pond, the following models are also available within the Burtons range:

Combi Drum Filters

Burtons BD 150 Combi Drum Filter
A compact drum filter with integrated biological filtration, designed for smaller koi ponds and installations where space is limited.

Burtons BD 300 Combi Drum Filter
A drum filter with integrated moving bed biological filtration, providing a compact all in one filtration solution for koi ponds.

Drum Filters

Burtons BD 300 Pond Drum Filter
A high performance self cleaning drum filter designed for medium sized koi ponds with flow rates up to 35,000 litres per hour.

Burtons BD 500 Pond Drum Filter
A larger capacity drum filter suitable for heavily stocked koi ponds requiring flow rates up to 55,000 litres per hour.

Burtons BD 700 Pond Drum Filter
A high capacity drum filter designed for large koi ponds and demanding filtration systems requiring high water turnover.

High Through Flow Drum Filters

Burtons TF 500 Drum Filter
A through flow drum filter designed for high flow koi pond systems with multiple inlet connections and efficient mechanical filtration.

Burtons TF 700 Drum Filter
A large capacity through flow drum filter suitable for larger koi ponds and professional pond filtration installations.

Burtons TF 1000 Drum Filter
The largest drum filter in the Burtons range, designed for very large koi ponds, lakes and commercial aquatic filtration systems.