Filtreau Excellent Leaf Catcher B High-Flow Pond Pre-Filter

Filtreau Excellent Leaf Catcher B

A dedicated first stage for leaves and larger pond debris

The Excellent Leaf Catcher B provides a dedicated debris stage ahead of a gravity-fed drum filter. It is worth considering where a larger pond receives heavy leaf fall or where twigs and other bulky material repeatedly obstruct the drum’s waste channel.

Rather than asking the drum to deal with every piece of incoming debris, the Leaf Catcher gives you an accessible first point for interception and removal. It supports the rest of the filtration system; it does not replace mechanical drum cleaning, biological media or UV-C.

Where a high-flow pre-filter helps

The maximum throughput is 100,000 litres/hour. That can suit a larger multi-branch filtration design, provided the pond supply, operating level and downstream equipment are all matched. The pre-filter’s flow figure does not increase the capacity of a smaller drum fitted after it.

The screen uses polypropylene with stainless-steel mesh. Collected material needs to be removed regularly, particularly in autumn, so leave clear access above the housing. The aim is to keep bulky waste easy to reach rather than move the blockage into another inaccessible box.

Planning the physical installation

The Leaf Catcher belongs in a gravity-fed circuit ahead of the drum. Agree the exact body dimensions, connection positions and working level before building permanent supports or cutting a manifold. A high-flow installation should be planned from the actual unit and pipe layout, not a photograph alone.

Provide suitable isolation and a practical cleaning-water discharge. Keep unused connections closed appropriately and avoid unnecessary restrictions that create draw-down before water reaches the drum.

Key specification

A practical comparison

The Leaf Catcher S is the lower-flow alternative and may be sufficient where the pond’s required circulation is smaller. Choosing the B only makes sense when its role, space and maintenance access suit the complete system.

Inspect the collection area through the season and remove leaves before they break down. A change in flow should prompt a check of the screen, waste route and branch lines rather than simply a higher pump setting. Good access is one of the main benefits of adding this stage, so preserve it in the finished filter area.

Related equipment and advice

• Waterco MultiCyclone 12 Pond Pre-Filter
• Waterco MultiCyclone 16 Gen2 Pond Pre-Filter
• Filtreau filters, media and spares guide
• Compare drum filters
• Plan the biological filtration stage