Oasis Biomate 6 Inch Pond Pump Pre-Filter Foam Cube

Oasis Biomate 6 Inch Pre-Filter Foam Cube

The Oasis Biomate 6 inch foam cube is a compact pre-filter for a compatible pond-pump intake arrangement. Its job is to intercept debris before that material reaches the pump. Choose it when your existing installation uses a foam pre-filter of this size and shape, rather than assuming that every pump needs an extra foam around its inlet.

This listing is for one 6 inch cube, approximately 152 x 152 x 152mm. The supplier reference is FL487. The foam is supplied on its own: a pump, intake fittings and any supporting components are not included. Check the dimensions and the way your old foam attaches before ordering a replacement.

Specification and contents

Product	Oasis Biomate pre-filter foam
Shape	Cube
Nominal dimensions	6 x 6 x 6 inches, approximately 152 x 152 x 152mm
Quantity	One foam cube
Supplier reference	FL487
Intended position	Compatible pond-pump pre-filter arrangement

Check the size before replacing your foam

Measure the old foam in all three directions, taking account of distortion or compression. A worn foam may no longer hold its original shape, so also check the space around the intake. There should be room to remove the replacement for cleaning without pulling on the pump cable or disturbing pipework.

The outside dimensions do not establish the size of the internal opening or guarantee compatibility with a particular pump. Compare the existing mounting arrangement as well as the cube itself. If you need a larger block, see our 8 inch pond-pump pre-filter foam cube. The two sizes are alternatives for different arrangements, rather than interchangeable versions of the same spare.

Decide whether pre-filter foam suits your pump

A foam pre-filter provides a barrier through which water passes before entering the intake. Material collected on that barrier can then be removed during maintenance. This is useful where the pump and installation are intended to work with a foam intake, but it also creates another component that needs regular attention.

Some filter pumps are designed to pass solids onwards to a separate filter. Adding foam to such a system can change where debris collects and increase the amount of cleaning needed at the pump. Follow the pump manufacturer’s instructions, and do not cover an intake with extra material simply because a foam block appears to fit nearby.

Fitting a replacement cube

Switch off and safely isolate the pump before working on its intake. Remove the old foam using its intended mounting arrangement, supporting any fittings rather than twisting or levering the pump housing. Clear loose debris from the surrounding area so that it does not immediately enter the intake when the foam is removed.

Inspect the exposed intake and the parts that hold the foam in place. Fit the replacement without forcing it against a sharp edge, stretching it excessively or blocking the intended water route. Keep the pump in the position and water depth specified by its manufacturer. Refit any original guards or retaining components that belong to the installation.

After restarting, observe the outlet, fountain or filter return. Compare the flow with normal operation and check that the foam remains correctly seated. Stop and investigate a marked loss of flow, unusual pump noise or movement of the foam. Do not leave a pump running with an obstructed inlet while waiting for the problem to clear itself.

Cleaning and maintenance

Base the cleaning interval on the amount of debris collecting in your own pond. Falling leaves, disturbed sediment and seasonal changes can alter how quickly a pre-filter loads up. Inspect a newly fitted cube more frequently at first; a routine that worked for a clean pond may be insufficient during a heavy leaf fall.

Remove trapped material gently and rinse the foam using a suitable method for the equipment. Where established biological media are being preserved, use water taken from the pond rather than applying household cleaners. Avoid twisting the foam hard enough to tear it. Check that the water can pass through the cleaned cube before returning it to service.

Replace a cube that is torn, permanently misshapen or no longer holds securely. A hole can let debris pass around the foam, while compressed or damaged material can restrict the intake. If cleaning does not restore normal flow, inspect the rest of the pump system rather than repeatedly squeezing the foam or assuming that every flow problem has the same cause.

Pre-filter foam, filter foam and filter wool

This cube is intended for a compatible pre-filter arrangement. It is not a complete pond filtration system and it does not replace the media specified for a separate filter. Match the replacement part to the component being serviced, particularly when a pond contains both an intake pre-filter and a multi-stage filter box.

For foam layers used inside suitable filter chambers, compare our pond filter foam sets. For a separate fine mechanical stage, our pond filter wool pads offer another type of media. Check the intended position and cleaning requirements of each; do not wrap fine wool around a pump intake in place of the correct pre-filter.