AlphaONE - More than a Bead Filter!

The AlphaONE was first conceived over 18 years ago. About 17 years ago we enlisted about 60 willing participants, which consisted of dealers and pond owners, to help us with our testing and give us feed back. In two years of testing we received "0" negative comments. This surpassed even our greatest expectations. Some of these were new pond owners and many were previous owners of different types of bead filters.

GC Tek has been leading the industry in 3" technology. With the need to move vast amounts of water as inexpensively as possible 3" piping makes sound dollar sense. GC Tek now has complete 3" systems including Prefilters (AquaSieve SS3.3), Pumps (Artesian Pro 3"), Filters (AquaBead 10.3 and AlphaONE 10.3) and UV lights (Zapp Pure ZP40.3, 80.3 and MegaZapp). This is an industry First that we are proud of. The use of 3" piping and filtration equipment greatly helps you filter large amounts of water easily without the use of energy hawg pumps saving you lots of Green at the electric meter. Filter ponds up to 30,000 gallons through 9 cu. ft. of the industry's most popular media, the AlphaBioONE media.

The Multiport valve on this filter is huge and boasting true 3" ports at every opening. You can also have this filter on our new complete AlphaONE 10.3 PLUS System which includes the AlphaONE 10.3 Mega filter, ArtesianPro 3" pump and our Zapp Pure ZP40.3 stainless steel High Intensity UV all preplumbed together on all weather pads. Stainless steel AquaSieve SS3.3 prefilter is available as an option.

The responses were unanimous "We Love It"

• What makes it different from a bead filter and so loveable?
• What we are hearing from others is that: It can go for greatly extended times before flow slows down.

We have had reports of people going for a month (with only a 2.5 model) with no slow down in flow or rise in pressure of the AlphaONE unit, while still giving nice clear water. (we do not advocate going for a month before backwashing, the best thing for your fish and your water quality is to backwash the filter often and remove the debris before it breaks down biologically.)

How does it do this?

1. To answer this we have to understand the difference between bead filters and how they trap solids and how the AlphaONE accomplishes this task. Bead filters trap solids in the first few inches of the bead pac(causing clogging, flow disruption and pressure rises in the vessel) while the AlphaONE with its uniquely designed AlphaBioONE media stops the debris evenly through out the pac (resulting in greater flow, less head or back pressure, less maintenance.) The polishing ability of the filter is one it's most desirable features, based upon comments that into us from the field.
2. The AlphaBioONE media was specially designed for this filter and this filter only. It is not something borrowed from another industry and used in the filter. Its design is unique in that it was not designed with "cross hairs" as some other specialty types of media use. We left those out because in a static bed the "cross hairs" can collect and hold debris until it becomes anaerobic.
3. With the AlphaBioONE media there are no hidden areas for anaerobic bacteria, to harbor and stagnate, only beneficial bacteria.

FAQs:

Q: What makes the AlphaONE filter different from other bead filters?

A: The AlphaONE filter stands apart due to its innovative design and the unique AlphaBioONE media. Unlike traditional bead filters, which trap solids in the first few inches of the media and can cause clogging, the AlphaONE evenly distributes debris throughout the media. This results in better flow, less pressure rise, and extended maintenance intervals.

Q: How long can the AlphaONE filter operate before needing maintenance?

A: Many users report running the AlphaONE filter for up to a month without experiencing any flow reduction or pressure increase. However, regular backwashing is still recommended for optimal water quality and fish health, though the AlphaONE's design allows for longer periods between cleanings compared to traditional bead filters.

Q: How does the AlphaONE maintain consistent flow without clogging?

A: The AlphaONE uses a unique AlphaBioONE media, specifically designed to prevent clogging by stopping debris evenly throughout the media. Unlike other bead filters that trap solids in the first few inches, this even distribution ensures better flow, less back pressure, and more efficient filtration.

Q: What is the maximum pond size the AlphaONE filter can handle?

A: The AlphaONE 10.3 model can filter ponds up to 30,000 gallons. It boasts a high flow rate of up to 180 gallons per minute (GPM), making it suitable for large pond systems with substantial fish loads.

Q: Why is the AlphaBioONE media so important for the AlphaONE filter?

A: The AlphaBioONE media is exclusive to the AlphaONE filter and is designed to provide maximum surface area for beneficial bacteria to thrive, improving the biological filtration process. Its unique design eliminates “cross-hairs” found in some other media, preventing debris buildup and anaerobic bacteria formation, ensuring healthier water and better filtration.

Q: What kind of maintenance does the AlphaONE filter require?

A: The AlphaONE filter is low-maintenance compared to traditional bead filters. While regular backwashing is recommended to maintain water clarity and filtration efficiency, the AlphaONE design allows for longer intervals between cleanings without sacrificing performance.

Q: What additional features come with the AlphaONE 10.3 PLUS System?

A: The AlphaONE 10.3 PLUS System includes the AlphaONE 10.3 Mega filter, an ArtesianPro 3” pump, and a Zapp Pure ZP40.3 stainless steel UV light—all preplumbed and mounted on weatherproof pads for easy installation. Optionally, a stainless steel AquaSieve SS3.3 prefilter is also available.

Q: How does the use of 3” piping benefit the AlphaONE filter system?

A: The 3” piping and filtration system, which includes the AquaSieve SS3.3 prefilter, ArtesianPro 3” pump, and AlphaONE 10.3 filter, allows for efficient water flow without the need for large, energy-consuming pumps. This setup significantly reduces electricity costs, making it a cost-effective solution for large ponds.

If you have any more questions or need assistance in selecting the right AlphaONE filter for your pond, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you achieve the best filtration solution for your water garden.

Take a look at the AlphaBioONE media and you'll see for yourself.