100-Gal Preformed Pond: Filter Clogs Daily

New koi pond, 8 fish, 100-gal preformed, waterfall. Underwater filter pad clogs daily, slows waterfall. Will move fish indoors fall. Asks for better filter system with UV.

Filter Setup Is Wrong

Correct flow: Pond → Pre-filter (solids) → Biofilter → UV → Pump → Waterfall

Current: Pump → pad only. No pre-filter → biofilter clogs → daily cleaning kills bacteria → 6-month re-cycle.

Upgrade Path

1. Add pre-filter: Sieve, vortex, or settlement chamber. Clean every 2–7 days.
2. Biofilter: Chamber, bead, shower, trickle. Flush weekly with pond water.
3. UV after biofilter.
4. Cost higher, result 100× better.

For 100 gal, a pressurized bead filter with built-in UV is compact and effective.