Helix Life Support Bio-Mechanical Reactor Premium Pond Filter
The Helix Bio-Mechanical Reactor is like no other standalone filter you have ever seen! It is revolutionary in its combined types of filtration for incredible effectiveness. This filter addresses biological filtration and mechanical filtration, which can handle all aspects of pond filtration -- even in ponds with very high fish populations. This filter uses lava rock or similar media (not included) on the bottom half of the filter for significant mechanical filtration; it uses dynamically-aerated, highly-porous biological media in the top half of the filter for highly effective biological filtration. The mechanical portion is back-washed while adding air agitation from a standard wet/dry vacuum exhaust hose. The biological half of the filter is maintenance free, allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive in dense populations for effective breakdown of ammonia, nitrate, and nitrites FAST! Together these two half provide the best of both worlds - biological and mechanical filtration in a meaningful capacity.
Features of the Bio-Mechanical Reactor
- Self-cleaning back-flush feature for mechanical filter media
- Biological media can convert the digested waste for 3 pounds of fish food each day!
- Use with an air pump (Not included) for increased dissolved oxygen levels
- Heavy-duty rotomolded HDPE construction is easy to hide in the landscape
- Stainless steel hardware and high quality plumbing parts extend the filter life
- Includes 5" radial air diffuser, 2" inlet bulkhead, and 2" suction strainer at inlet
- Includes (2) check valves and separator screen for optimum flow
- Includes 3/4" outlet bulkhead and (2) knife valves to open drains for cleaning
- Made in America
Optional Aeration Kit includes Blue Diamond air pump, 10' of 3/4" braided tubing, and necessary adapters, allowing you to agitate the biological media for optimal beneficial bacteria cultivation.
Model | Dimensions | Max Flow Rate | Max Pond Size | Included Biological Media | Recommended Add'l Media (Not Included) |
Compatible Faux Stone (Not Included) |
Small |
18" x 18" x 35" | 4000gph | 1000-2000 gallons | 15 Liters | 35 pounds of 3/4" lava rock or similar |
Atlantic Water Gardens RL30 |
Large | 32" x 32" x 32" | 4500gph | 3000-4000 gallons | 50 Liters | 100 pounds of 3/4" lava rock or similar |
Atlantic Water Gardens RL70 |
NOTE: Compare the Helix Bio-Mechanical Reactor to the Moving Bed Waterfall Filter. They are related filters with one significant difference: the Moving Bed is 100% biological, with no particle or mechanical filtration at all. It is also virtually maintenance-free, but it is not a stand-alone filter. Every pond needs some form of filtration that traps or removes particulates. That is where the Bio-Mechanical Reactor takes over. In addition to significant aeration-assisted biological filtration, it has mechanical filtration (and therefore requires flushing out trapped particulates).
For best results, use the Bio-Mechanical Reactor wherever total filtration is needed. This filter, coupled with a skimmer, will provide everything you need for high-quality pond filtration with reasonable regular maintenance that is easily accessible outside the pond. For ponds that already have a bog, bead filter, undergravel filter grid or other mechanical filtration, the Moving Bed Waterfall Filter adds amazing biological capability without adding anything to your maintenance routine.
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