No—larger BioBalls are not recommended in an Aquascape UltraKlean filter.
The UltraKlean’s original BioBalls are specifically sized to:
- Pack together and form small channels that capture suspended debris.
- Provide adequate surface area for beneficial bacteria.
- Move and separate properly during the backwash cycle.
- Work with the filter’s internal cleaning paddles and water-flow pattern.
Larger BioBalls may leave wider gaps, allowing more debris to pass through. They may also reduce biological surface area, backwash unevenly, or interfere with the internal cleaning mechanism.
For replacement or additional media, use genuine Aquascape UltraKlean BioBalls. Aquascape supplies them in boxes of 250 and identifies them specifically for UltraKlean pond filters. Avoid standard BioFalls BioBalls, loose lava rock, gravel, ceramic media, or mixed media unless Aquascape approves it for your exact filter model.
If the filter is clogging too quickly, adding larger BioBalls is unlikely to solve the underlying problem. Check the pump flow, fish load, feeding rate, backwashing schedule, and whether the UltraKlean is properly sized for the pond.