How is the Ultima II Different Than a Bead Filter?

Bead filter manufactures just take these inexpensive pellets and load them into a filter body as is. The wax based plastic and smooth shape encourages clumping which is an inherent problem in bead filters. Some bead filter owners have been forced to backwash every day to prevent this clumping. When the beads stick together, water and waste pass around the large mass making much of the beads surface inaccessible. This allows untreated ammonia and solids to pass right through and return to the pond.

Ultima Media is specifically designed to support aquatic life

Using non wax based plastic Aqua Ultraviolet extrudes a patented media with the highest surface area of any on the market. The small tubular design has ridges on the outside and a cross section on the inside increasing bio surface area and preventing clumping. The ridged design helps to create a dense bed for superior trapping of solids that is easily separated during the backwash.

How can the Ultima II filters be smaller than bead filters and handle more fish

The Ultima II patented media design has 800 square feet of surface area per square foot. This is the highest surface area of any product on the market. The high surface area means less volume of media is needed so the filter itself can be smaller. 

Bead Filter Backwash vs. Ultima Cyclonic Backwash

When you try to backwash a bead filter the biggest problem is large masses of beads stuck together by the waste material. Specialized blowers are often not enough to break them apart and remove the debris. It isn’t unusual to see the pond owner with the filter apart breaking up the clump with a stick. Bead filter manufacturers list ease of accessibility to the beads as a selling feature because this is often necessary.

Ultima II Backwash is easy, see for yourself

The Ultima II Filters are manufactured to make maintenance a snap. Using non wax based plastic Aqua Ultraviolet extrudes a patented media with the highest surface area of any on the market. The small tubular design has ridges on the outside and a cross section on the inside that prevents clumping and facilitates the removal of waste. The ridged design helps to create a dense bed for superior trapping of solids that is easily separated during the backwash. The Ultima II patented cyclonic backwash is aided by jets in the standpipe that lift the media bed and spin it easily separating the waste and flushing it out the waste line. 

Do Bead Filters or Ultima II's Begin Handling Ammonia First?

Independent laboratory tests show that the Ultima II is the first filter on the market to convert ammonia to safe compounds in 2-4 weeks from installation. Bead filters begin this process at 6 weeks. Both the Ultra Media’s superior biofilm area and the natural bacteria that is seeded in every new Ultima II Filter contribute to this significant advantage. 

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Filter Information

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Filter Dimensions

The Ultima II Difference

• Media will not "clump" together like common bead filters

• Minutes to Backwash

• Very Heavy Flow Rate

• Heavy Fish Loads

• Seeded with Natural Bacteria

• Compact Filter can be Buried

• Blower Not Needed for Backwashing

• Unique tubular design protects beneficial bacteria while dislodging unwanted debris

• Mechanical and Biological  

• No Channeling

The Ultima II 10,000,  20,000, 30,000, & 60,000 cannot be shipped thru UPS --- they would have to be shipped through a freight company.  We would need to call a freight company to get a quote on shipping.