Drum Filter

Drum Filter — helps with waste buildup, ammonia spikes.

Solves: Waste buildup, ammonia spikes
Best for: Koi ponds, commercial farms
Price range: $300–$3000

Recommended for these conditions

Stable water is disease-resistant water. Drum Filter keeps the parameters that pathogens love to exploit firmly under control.

Where it really pays for itself is waste buildup, ammonia spikes. That is the exact failure point behind several of the conditions in our library, so addressing it directly shortens treatment time and cuts re-infection.

How to use it well

Removes solid waste mechanically before it breaks down. Treat it as part of a protocol rather than a magic bullet — it works best alongside good husbandry and the medications matched to your specific diagnosis.

Conditions it helps with

On our disease pages you’ll see this equipment recommended for conditions such as:

Aeromonas
Columnaris
Furunculosis

Who it’s for

Best suited to koi ponds, commercial farms. Typical units run in the $300–$3000 range, depending on capacity and features. Use the inquiry form below to ask about a specific model, request a recommendation for your system size, or get notified when stock and pricing are confirmed.

Care & Usage Tips

Installation & Commissioning

Size the drum to your peak feed load, not your normal daily feed
Drum filters are rated in solids-handling capacity, which scales with feeding rate. During holidays, shows, or heavy treatment periods, feed rates spike. Size the filter for your maximum expected daily feed rate × 1.5 as a safety margin.
Position inlet above the drum screen level
Gravity-fed drum filters require inlet water to enter above the screen level to allow solids to accumulate on the screen surface for backwash removal. If the inlet is below screen level, the filter operates submerged and backwash efficiency drops significantly.
Commission with clean water before introducing fish waste
Run clean water through the drum for 24 hours before fish waste enters the system. This allows the spray nozzles and backwash system to reach operating equilibrium, identifies pump or seal failures, and flushes manufacturing residues from the drum screen material.
Set the backwash trigger based on head differential, not a fixed timer
A fixed-interval backwash cycle runs the drum clean even when it doesn’t need it (wasting water) or fails to clean it when waste load spikes. A differential pressure sensor that triggers backwash when the head differential exceeds 2–4 cm is the most efficient setup.
Ensure backwash discharge goes to a waste sump — not directly to drain
Drum filter backwash contains concentrated solids, pathogens, and water with medication residues. This waste should go to a holding sump for settling and treatment before discharge to comply with local environmental regulations.

Routine Maintenance

Inspect spray nozzles for blockages weekly
Mineral scale and biofilm clog drum filter spray nozzles over time, creating uneven backwash coverage and leaving sections of screen that don’t clean properly. Remove and soak nozzles in white vinegar monthly; replace any that show visible obstruction.
Deep-clean the drum screen monthly with a high-pressure rinse
Automatic backwash removes surface solids but not embedded biofilm or fine particulate from the screen mesh. A monthly manual high-pressure rinse (30–40 psi) removes accumulated material that reduces filter flow capacity.
Check and lubricate drum bearings every 90 days
The rotating drum operates in a wet, waste-laden environment that degrades bearing lubrication rapidly. Use the manufacturer’s recommended waterproof grease and inspect for wear or roughness in rotation at each service.
Replace the drum screen if open area falls below 60% of new
Screen mesh progressively blocks from mineral encrustation and embedded fine solids even with regular cleaning. Test flow capacity against the manufacturer’s rated capacity annually; if throughput has dropped more than 40%, the screen needs replacement.
Maintain a spare spray nozzle set and drive belt on site
A drum filter failure in a commercial system creates a rapid solids backup that can cause a water quality crisis within hours. Keep at minimum a full set of spray nozzles, a drive belt or chain, and a spare control relay on site for same-day repairs.

Frequently asked questions

What does Drum Filter do?

The Drum Filter helps control waste buildup, ammonia spikes — common triggers behind fish disease.

What conditions does Drum Filter help with?

Drum Filter is recommended for conditions such as Bacterial Diseases in Koi & Goldfish, Edwardsiellosis, and Motile Aeromonad Septicemia (Ulcer Disease). Each linked disease page lists the full set of gear that helps.

Who is Drum Filter for?

Drum Filter is a good fit for koi ponds, commercial farms. It works for both prevention and active treatment.

How much does Drum Filter cost?

Drum Filter typically costs in the $300–$3000 range, depending on capacity, build quality, and features. Use the inquiry form on this page for a recommendation and current pricing.

How do you use Drum Filter?

What should you know about Installation & Commissioning?

Size the drum to your peak feed load, not your normal daily feedDrum filters are rated in solids-handling capacity, which scales with feeding rate. During holidays, shows, or heavy treatment periods, feed rates spike. Size the filter for your maximum expected daily feed rate × 1.5 as a safety margin.