OASE BioSmart 5000 Gravity Pond Filter System

⚠ Critical installation requirement — external placement only: The OASE BioSmart 5000 is an external gravity filter that sits OUTSIDE the pond. It must NOT be submerged. Position the filter on solid ground at or above pond water level with the outlet directed back to the pond by gravity. Plugging into a GFCI-protected outlet is required when using the optional Vitronic UV clarifier. ⚠ UV clarifier not included: The BioSmart 5000 is a mechanical and biological filter only — it has no built-in UV clarifier. For green water (suspended algae) control, the optional OASE Vitronic 18W UV Clarifier mounts directly to the filter inlet and must be purchased separately. Both the pump and Vitronic UV are required for OASE Clear Water Guarantee eligibility. The OASE BioSmart 5000 (SKU 56929) is a high-capacity external gravity pond filter rated for ponds up to 5,000 gallons, handling up to 2,700 GPH from a compatible pond pump. Positioned outside the pond at water level, filtered water returns by gravity — no return pump required. Three zones of high-surface-area filter foams (4 pads total: 1× Red, 2× Blue, 1× Green) provide multi-stage mechanical and biological filtration, converting harmful ammonia and nitrite to nitrate through established beneficial bacteria colonies. Built-in features include a cleaning indicator, water thermometer, squeeze-clean handles that clean foams without removal, and a 2" sludge drain for quick waste flushing. Venturi inlets allow optional aeration via the AquaOxy 450 pump. Backed by a 3-year warranty and eligible for the OASE Clear Water Guarantee when paired with a compatible pump and Vitronic UV clarifier. 2,700 GPH Max 5,000 Gal (no fish) 3" Outlet 22" × 22" × 16" External / Non-Submersible No UV — Gravity Only Built-in Thermometer 3-Year Warranty Pond Capacity Ratings Application Max Pond Volume Notes Decorative / No Fish 5,000 gallons Ornamental ponds, water gardens, pondless features Fish Stock (goldfish) 2,500 gallons Moderate stocking density Koi Pond 1,250 gallons Koi or heavily stocked ponds; add UV for best results Key Features & Benefits 🏔️ Flow-Through Gravity Return — No Return Pump Water is pumped UP into the filter from the pond and returns by gravity through the 3" outlet. The filter must be positioned at or slightly above pond water level. Once installed, gravity does all the return work — only the intake pump is needed, reducing system complexity and eliminating a second pump failure point. 🧽 4-Foam Multi-Density Filtration Four high-surface-area foam pads in three densities (1× Red coarse, 2× Blue medium, 1× Green fine) slow water through progressively finer zones, settling particulates and providing surface area for distinct beneficial bacterial colonies at each stage. This multi-zone design improves ammonia-to-nitrate conversion compared to single-density filter systems. 🧹 Squeeze-Clean Handles — No Foam Removal Pull up on the cleaning handles to compress the foam pads, squeezing trapped sludge into the filter base. Then open the 2" sludge drain to flush waste — the entire cleaning cycle takes under 5 minutes with no lid removal and no direct contact with filter media. The cleaning indicator tells you exactly when cleaning is needed without guesswork. 🌡️ Built-in Thermometer + Pollution Indicator The filter lid includes a water temperature gauge readable from outside the unit, letting you accurately time fish feeding starts and stops in spring and fall. The integrated pollution/contamination indicator shows bacteria activity levels and signals when cleaning is overdue — two monitoring functions typically requiring separate equipment on competing gravity filters. 🌊 Pre-Drilled Vitronic UV Inlet The BioSmart 5000 includes pre-drilled inlet ports specifically sized for the Vitronic UV clarifier (sold separately). The Vitronic mounts directly to the filter inlet before the foam zones, exposing all pond water to UV before mechanical filtration — the most effective UV placement for green water control. Required for OASE Clear Water Guarantee eligibility. 💨 Venturi Aeration Inlets Integrated Venturi inlets allow optional aeration via the OASE AquaOxy 450 aeration pump (adapter included). Increased dissolved oxygen in the filter body accelerates biological filtration by supporting the aerobic bacteria responsible for ammonia processing — particularly valuable in summer when warm water holds less oxygen and fish waste loads peak. Technical Specifications Specification Value SKU 56929 Max Flow Rate 2,700 GPH Min Recommended Flow 1,600 GPH Outlet Connection 3” (via included 3” Sch40 outlet adapter) Inlet Connection 1.5” threaded female (2 inlets) Intake Tubing Sizes 3/4”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5” (metric step fittings included) Sludge Drain 2” Filter Foams (4 total) 1× Red (coarse), 2× Blue (medium), 1× Green (fine) Dimensions (L × W × H) 22” × 22” × 16” Weight 12.1 lbs UV Clarifier NOT included — Vitronic UVC required separately Installation External, non-submersible — positioned outside/beside pond Built-in Features Water thermometer + pollution/cleaning indicator + Venturi aeration inlets Not Approved For Swimming pools or saltwater; NOT submersible Recommended Pump AquaMax Eco Classic 1900 or Eco Premium 2500 (any pump 1,600–2,700 GPH) Clear Water Guarantee Eligible with proper pump + Vitronic UV clarifier Warranty 3 years 💡 Complete system recommendation: For Clear Water Guarantee eligibility and optimal algae control, pair the BioSmart 5000 with the AquaMax Eco Classic 1900 or AquaMax Eco Premium 2500 pump and the Vitronic 18W UV Clarifier. All three components are available from Pond Pro Direct. OASE BioSmart Family Model SKU Max Flow No-Fish Cap. Koi Cap. Dimensions BioSmart 5000 ← This 56929 2,700 GPH 5,000 gal 1,250 gal 22”×22”×16” BioSmart 10000 56930 4,000 GPH 10,000 gal 2,500 gal 26”×26”×22” Frequently Asked Questions What is the maximum pond capacity for the OASE BioSmart 5000? The OASE BioSmart 5000 (SKU 56929) is rated for: Decorative ponds (no fish): up to 5,000 gallons Fish stock (goldfish): up to 2,500 gallons Koi ponds: up to 1,250 gallons These ratings assume continuous 24-hour operation with minimum 18-inch pond depth and maximum recommended flow circulated through the filter. For ponds above these capacities, step up to the BioSmart 10000 (SKU 56930). How do the cleaning handles and indicator simplify maintenance? The BioSmart 5000 includes a built-in cleaning indicator that monitors debris levels inside the filter and signals when it’s time to clean. When maintenance is required: Pull up on the cleaning handles to compress all four foam pads simultaneously, squeezing trapped sludge into the filter base chamber Open the 2” sludge drain to flush accumulated waste out without opening the filter lid or touching the foams Replace the lid, close the drain, and resume normal operation The entire process takes under 5 minutes with no tools and no contact with dirty filter media. Annual deeper cleaning is also possible by removing the lid using the quick-release clips. Which pump and UV are compatible with the BioSmart 5000? For optimal performance and Clear Water Guarantee eligibility, OASE recommends: Pump: AquaMax Eco Classic 1900 or AquaMax Eco Premium 2500 — any pump in the 1,600–2,700 GPH range at your installation head height UV Clarifier: Vitronic 18W UVC Clarifier (sold separately) — mounts directly to the filter inlet for maximum algae-control efficiency The Vitronic UV clarifier is required for green water (suspended algae) control and for OASE Clear Water Guarantee eligibility. Without UV, the BioSmart 5000 provides excellent biological and mechanical filtration but will not eliminate suspended algae from green-water conditions. Why are there different colors of filter foams? The BioSmart 5000 includes four foam pads in three densities: 1× Red foam (coarse) — first zone; traps large debris and particulates, slowing water velocity for initial settling 2× Blue foam (medium) — middle zones; provides high-surface-area colonization for nitrifying bacteria converting ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate 1× Green foam (fine) — final zone; polishing stage trapping fine particulates, supporting a diverse bacterial community Each density zone creates a different microenvironment that supports specific bacteria populations responsible for different stages of the nitrogen cycle. Replacement foams are available separately: Blue #40975, Green #40976, Red #40974. Can the BioSmart 5000 be partially buried for better concealment? The BioSmart 5000’s lower canister can be recessed into the ground for a more discreet installation, provided these critical requirements are met: The outlet must remain higher than the pond water surface at all times — gravity return only works when filtered water exits above the pond level The cleaning handles, indicator windows, and thermometer must remain accessible without excavation The sludge drain must be reachable for periodic waste flushing Plan burial depth carefully to preserve full maintenance access. Unlike the OASE BioPress pressurized filters, the BioSmart cannot be fully buried or pressurized. Does this filter include a thermometer and water level indicator? Yes. The OASE BioSmart 5000 includes two built-in monitoring features directly on the filter body: Water temperature gauge — reads the actual water temperature flowing through the filter, allowing you to accurately determine when to start spring feeding (above 50°F/10°C) and stop fall feeding (below 50°F) Pollution / cleaning indicator — monitors filter load and signals when foams need cleaning, removing guesswork from your maintenance schedule Both indicators are readable from outside the filter without opening the lid or interrupting filtration. Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct? Authentic OASE products with full 3-year warranty Expert filtration system guidance — call or text (765) 508-4352, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm EST Free shipping on all orders Price match guarantee on identical products Trusted by pond professionals and homeowners