Burtons Aquatics
Professional Koi Pond Filtration Systems Engineered in the UK
Burtons Aquatics is one of the most respected UK manufacturers of high performance koi pond filtration systems. With more than 40 years of experience in aquatic engineering, the brand has built a reputation for producing durable, reliable and highly efficient drum filtration systems designed specifically for serious koi keepers.
Manufactured in the United Kingdom, Burtons filtration equipment is built for long term performance, heavy fish loads and professional installations. The range includes BD Series drum filters, TF Series through flow drum filters, combi drum systems, biological chambers, Bakki showers and high output amalgam UV sterilisers.
For pond owners investing in premium koi pond filtration, Burtons delivers powerful mechanical and biological performance designed to maintain crystal clear water and stable conditions all year round.
Advanced Drum Filtration Technology
At the heart of the Burtons Aquatics range is fully automatic drum filter technology.
Water passes through a fine stainless steel mesh screen, typically around 60 microns, removing fish waste, uneaten food and suspended solids before they break down and affect water quality.
As debris builds up, the drum rotates and self cleans using high pressure spray bars. This maintains consistent flow rates while dramatically reducing manual maintenance compared to traditional filter systems.
For medium sized koi ponds, the Burtons BD 300 Combi Drum Filter provides integrated mechanical and biological filtration within a compact, efficient unit.
For larger ponds and higher flow requirements, the Burtons TF 700 Through Flow Drum Filter offers increased inlet capacity and greater waste handling capability, making it ideal for heavily stocked koi systems.
Mechanical, Biological and UV Filtration Working Together
Burtons systems are designed as complete, multi stage filtration solutions.
- Drum filters remove solid waste efficiently
- Biological chambers support beneficial bacteria that convert ammonia and nitrite
- Bakki showers enhance oxygenation and biological performance
- Amalgam UV systems eliminate green water and reduce harmful pathogens
By combining mechanical, biological and ultraviolet filtration, Burtons systems create stable water parameters that support long term koi health and growth.
Built for Demanding Koi Ponds
Burtons filtration systems are engineered for:
- Heavy duty stainless steel construction
- High flow gravity fed and pump fed installations
- Large volume and heavily stocked koi ponds
- Reduced maintenance through automatic cleaning
- Long term reliability in professional and enthusiast setups
Whether installed on a private koi collection or a large estate pond, Burtons drum filtration is built to cope with demanding conditions while maintaining exceptional water clarity.
Why Buy Burtons Aquatics from That Pond Guy?
We are based very close to Burtons Aquatics and have developed a strong working relationship with their team over the years. As one of the closest Burtons dealers to their UK manufacturing base, we offer expert product knowledge, reliable supply and direct communication with the manufacturer when required.
This close relationship gives you:
- Priority access to stock and new product releases
- Up to date technical guidance direct from the manufacturer
- Faster assistance with spare parts and servicing queries
- Confidence that you are purchasing genuine UK supplied equipment
As experienced pond builders and filtration specialists, we do not simply supply Burtons drum filters and combi systems. We install, commission and maintain them long term. That practical, hands on experience allows us to recommend the correct model for your pond size, fish load and filtration goals.
When you purchase Burtons Aquatics filtration through us, you benefit from both manufacturer level expertise and real world installation knowledge.
Explore the full Burtons Aquatics drum filter range today and choose the right filtration system for your koi pond.
Burtons Aquatics – Frequently Asked Questions
Below are detailed answers to common questions about Burtons Aquatics drum filters, combi drum filters, biological filtration systems, Bakki showers and UV sterilisers. This guide is designed to help koi pond owners understand how Burtons filtration works and which system is best suited to their pond.
Who are Burtons Aquatics and where are they based?
Burtons Aquatics is a long established UK manufacturer of koi pond filtration systems with more than 40 years of experience in the aquatic industry. They design and manufacture drum filters, combi drum filters, bio chambers, Bakki showers and UV sterilisers specifically for koi ponds and high performance aquatic systems.
Their products are engineered and manufactured in the United Kingdom and are widely used by koi hobbyists, professional pond builders and breeders who require reliable, heavy duty filtration.
What is a Burtons Aquatics drum filter and how does it work?
A Burtons drum filter is an automatic mechanical filtration system designed to remove solid waste from pond water before it can break down and pollute the system.
Water enters the filter and passes through a fine stainless steel mesh screen, typically around 60 microns. Solid waste such as fish waste, uneaten food and debris is trapped on the screen while clean water passes through.
When the screen becomes dirty, a sensor activates an automatic cleaning cycle. The drum rotates while high pressure spray nozzles wash the debris into a waste chute. This ensures continuous filtration, stable flow rates and minimal manual maintenance.
What micron screen do Burtons Aquatics drum filters use?
Burtons drum filters commonly use fine stainless steel mesh screens of approximately 60 microns. This allows them to remove very small suspended particles, improving water clarity and reducing strain on the biological filtration stage.
Fine mechanical filtration helps prevent waste from dissolving into harmful ammonia and nitrite.
What is the difference between the BD series and TF series drum filters?
Burtons Aquatics offers multiple drum filter ranges, including the BD series and TF series.
The BD series drum filters are compact and suitable for a wide range of koi ponds. Models such as the BD 300, BD 500 and BD 700 provide different flow capacities depending on pond size and fish load.
The TF series stands for Through Flow. These models are designed for higher flow rates and larger systems. They typically feature more inlets and outlets, making them ideal for larger koi ponds, multiple bottom drains or commercial installations.
If you are running multiple 110 mm bottom drains and require high turnover rates, a TF series drum filter is often the better option.
What is a Burtons Aquatics combi drum filter?
A combi drum filter combines mechanical and biological filtration in one unit.
The drum section removes solid waste automatically, while the biological chamber contains media designed to support beneficial bacteria growth. These bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite and nitrite into nitrate, maintaining safe water parameters.
The advantages of a combi drum filter include:
- Compact all in one design
- Reduced plumbing complexity
- Efficient waste removal and bio processing
- Ideal for medium to large koi ponds
Do Burtons drum filters work on gravity fed and pump fed systems?
Yes. Burtons Aquatics drum filters are available in both gravity fed and pump fed configurations.
Gravity fed drum filters are installed at water level and receive water directly from bottom drains and skimmers. This is common in purpose built koi ponds.
Pump fed drum filters are positioned above water level and receive water via a pump. This makes them suitable for retrofitting to existing ponds without major excavation.
Can Burtons drum filters handle multiple bottom drains?
Yes. Many Burtons drum filters, particularly in the TF series, are designed to accommodate multiple 110 mm inlets and outlets. This makes them suitable for larger koi ponds operating two or more bottom drains plus skimmers.
Selecting a model with adequate inlet capacity is essential for proper performance.
Are Burtons Aquatics drum filters suitable for heavily stocked koi ponds?
Yes. Burtons drum filters are designed for high stocking densities and large koi ponds.
The automatic removal of solid waste reduces ammonia spikes and helps stabilise water quality. When combined with adequate biological filtration and UV clarification, they provide a stable environment for koi health and growth.
Are Burtons drum filters better than bead filters?
Drum filters remove solid waste automatically before it breaks down. Bead filters trap waste but require manual cleaning and can allow fines to accumulate.
In heavily stocked koi ponds, drum filtration generally provides:
- Improved water clarity
- Reduced maintenance
- Better waste removal efficiency
- Greater flow capacity
For serious koi keepers, drum filters are considered a more advanced mechanical filtration solution.
What is the purpose of a Burtons Aquatics bio tank or biological chamber?
A bio tank provides dedicated biological filtration. It contains high surface area media that supports beneficial bacteria colonies.
These bacteria convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate. Bio tanks are often paired with drum filters to create a complete multi stage filtration system.
How do Burtons Bakki showers improve water quality?
Burtons Bakki showers use a trickle filtration method where water flows over specialist media in open air trays.
This process increases oxygen levels, improves gas exchange and enhances biological activity. Bakki showers are popular with experienced koi keepers seeking improved water quality and koi vitality.
What are Burtons Aquatics amalgam UV systems?
Amalgam UV sterilisers are high output ultraviolet clarification systems designed for larger ponds and higher flow rates.
Compared to standard UV units, amalgam systems offer:
- Higher UV intensity
- Greater efficiency
- Longer lamp life
- More consistent performance
They are used to eliminate green water caused by free floating algae and help reduce harmful pathogens.
Do Burtons drum filters include UV clarification?
Some Burtons systems allow integrated UV installation, while others require a separate in line UV unit.
For larger ponds, amalgam UV systems are commonly paired with drum filters to maximise water clarity and algae control.
How often do Burtons Aquatics drum filters require maintenance?
Burtons drum filters are self cleaning. The cleaning cycle activates only when debris builds up on the screen.
Routine maintenance typically involves:
- Checking spray nozzles
- Inspecting sensors
- Ensuring waste discharge is clear
Compared to traditional multi bay systems, maintenance time is significantly reduced.
How much electricity does a Burtons drum filter use?
Electricity usage mainly comes from the control panel, rinse pump and any integrated UV.
Because the cleaning cycle only activates when required, overall power consumption is generally efficient. Running costs depend largely on the pump paired with the system.
Can I retrofit a Burtons drum filter to an existing koi pond?
Yes. Many pond owners upgrade from bead filters or multi bay filters to Burtons drum filtration.
Pump fed models are often easier to retrofit. Gravity fed systems may require plumbing adjustments but provide excellent long term performance.
Professional advice is recommended before upgrading.
How long do Burtons drum filters last?
Burtons drum filters are constructed using heavy duty stainless steel components and robust control systems. With correct installation and periodic maintenance, they are designed for long term reliability.
Are Burtons Aquatics filters suitable for winter use?
Yes. Burtons filtration systems operate year round. Feeding levels typically reduce in winter, meaning fewer cleaning cycles.
Proper frost protection and installation depth are important for gravity fed systems.
What size Burtons drum filter do I need for my koi pond?
Choosing the correct size depends on:
- Total pond volume
- Number and size of koi
- Plumbing layout
- Desired turnover rate
It is recommended to select a drum filter rated comfortably above your pond volume to ensure stable performance and future proofing.
Are spare parts available for Burtons Aquatics drum filters?
Yes. Spare parts typically include:
- Replacement screens
- Motors
- Spray bars
- Control components
- Seals and fittings
- UV lamps
Purchasing through an authorised dealer ensures continued access to genuine parts and support.
Is Burtons Aquatics suitable for commercial or estate ponds?
Yes. The higher capacity TF series drum filters are suitable for large private collections, estate ponds and commercial aquatic systems where high flow and heavy fish loads are present.
Can Burtons filtration be combined with Bakki showers?
Yes. Many advanced koi keepers combine a Burtons drum filter for mechanical waste removal with a Bakki shower for enhanced biological performance and oxygenation.
This multi stage setup provides exceptional clarity and water stability.
