Description
Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter – K+Media Polishing Filter
The Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter is a compact pond polishing system designed to provide additional mechanical and biological filtration alongside an existing pond filtration system.
Using Evolution Aqua K+Media, the Tempest helps remove suspended particles from pond water while providing additional biological filtration. Evolution Aqua states that K+Media can filter particles down to one micron, with testing demonstrating removal of particles down to 25 microns on a single pass when operated at the optimum flow rate. The filtration media has also been independently tested by IFTS (Institut de la Filtration et des Techniques Séparatives).
The Tempest can be installed as an additional polishing stage in a range of pond filtration systems, including gravity-fed and pressurised systems. It can also be used on a skimmer line, in modular installations, on quarantine systems, or as a standalone filter on smaller ponds up to 5,000 litres.
With an optimum flow rate of 5,000 litres per hour, the Tempest provides a practical additional filtration stage for koi ponds, ornamental ponds, garden ponds and other aquatic systems where improved water clarity is required.
How Does the Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter Work?
During normal operation, pond water enters the Tempest through the 1½-inch inlet (38.1 mm) and passes through the K+Media filtration bed. The K+Media floats towards the top of the filter during operation, providing the filtration medium through which the water passes.
As water passes through the media, suspended solids are captured while the media also provides surface area for biological filtration.
The Tempest is designed to operate at an optimum flow rate of 5,000 LPH. The maximum stated flow rate is 7,500 LPH, but Evolution Aqua recommends keeping the flow through the filter at no more than 5,000 LPH for best performance.
The Tempest filtration process
Pond → Pump → Tempest Filter → Return to Pond
In larger or more complex systems, the Tempest can be installed after primary filtration and UV clarification, with a bypass used where a higher overall pond flow is required while maintaining the recommended flow through the Tempest.
Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter – Components & Connections
The Tempest Filter features 1½-inch inlet and outlet connections, a 1-inch waste connection and integrated slide valves for isolation during cleaning. K+Media forms the filtration bed inside the vessel, while the air inlet and waste valve are used during the cleaning cycle.
Evolution Aqua K+Media
The Tempest Filter is supplied with 7 litres of Evolution Aqua K+Media.
K+Media is designed and manufactured by Evolution Aqua and provides both mechanical and biological filtration. According to the Tempest manual, K+Media has a total surface area of 1,350 m²/m³ and a protected surface area of 1,025 m²/m³. The media is manufactured with minerals incorporated during extrusion and is designed to support stable bio-film development and solids removal.
K+Media benefits
- 7 litres supplied with the Tempest
- 1,350 m²/m³ total surface area
- 1,025 m²/m³ protected surface area
- Designed for mechanical and biological filtration
- Designed to support stable bio-film development
- Minerals incorporated during extrusion
Designed for exceptional solids removal
Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter – Key Benefits
- Pond polishing filtration – designed to provide an additional filtration stage for improved water clarity.
- Mechanical and biological filtration – K+Media provides filtration for suspended particles while supporting biological filtration.
- Fine particle removal – Evolution Aqua states that K+Media can trap particles down to one micron.
- 7 litres of K+Media supplied – ready to use as the filtration media for the Tempest.
- Easy air-syphon cleaning – the patented air-syphon design agitates the K+Media during cleaning to help release trapped waste.
- Works with existing filtration – designed to be used alongside a range of pond filtration systems.
- Multiple installation options – suitable configurations include gravity-fed, pressurised, modular and skimmer systems.
- Suitable for quarantine systems – the compact design makes the Tempest useful for quarantine applications.
- Standalone filtration for smaller ponds – suitable for standalone applications on ponds up to 5,000 litres.
- Simple maintenance – the cleaning process can be completed quickly without manually removing the media.
Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter Specifications
| Specification | Tempest Filter |
| Filter type | polishing filter |
| Filtration | Mechanical & biological |
| Inlet | 1½” / 50 mm EU |
| Outlet | 1½” / 50 mm EU |
| Waste connection | 1″ / 32 mm EU |
| Optimum flow rate | 5,000 LPH |
| Maximum flow rate | 7,500 LPH |
| K+Media supplied | 7 litres |
| Water volume | 27 litres |
| Standalone pond size | Up to 5,000 litres |
| Filter height | 1,100 mm |
| Filter width | 250 mm |
| Pipe centre-to-centre | 790 mm |
Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter Dimensions Diagram
- 1,100 mm overall height
- 250 mm width
- 790 mm pipe centre-to-centre
- 205 mm upper dimension
- 130 mm lower section
- 105 mm pipe projection
- 45 mm waste section
Tempest Filter Flow Rate
The optimum flow rate through the Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter is 5,000 litres per hour.
The manufacturer’s maximum stated flow rate is 7,500 litres per hour, but the Tempest should be operated at no more than 5,000 LPH for optimum performance.
If your pond system requires a higher overall flow rate, Evolution Aqua’s installation examples show how a bypass can be used to increase overall pond circulation while maintaining the recommended flow through the Tempest. Ball valves can be used to regulate the flow.
Important when choosing a pump
The pump’s advertised maximum flow rate isn’t necessarily the flow that will reach the Tempest.
Actual flow will depend on factors such as:
- Pump head height
- Pipe length
- Pipe diameter
- Bends and fittings
- Valves
- Overall system design
If you are unsure which pump is suitable for your Tempest installation, contact Pure Aquatics before purchasing.
Tempest Filter Installation Options
The Evolution Aqua Tempest can be installed in several different configurations depending on your pond and existing filtration system.
- Gravity-Fed Installation
The Tempest can be installed after a primary filter in a gravity-fed system, such as a Nexus+, and after a UV clarifier such as an evoUV.
- Pressurised Installation
The Tempest can be installed as part of a pressurised system incorporating equipment such as a K1 Micro Bead, Nexus+ or EazyPod.
- Standalone Installation
The Tempest can be used as a standalone filter for ponds up to 5,000 litres, or on a quarantine system. The manual shows installations where the Tempest is positioned beside or above the pond.
- Skimmer Line Installation
The Tempest can also be installed on a skimmer line, with the manufacturer’s diagram showing the filter incorporated into the pond circulation system.
- Modular Installation
For systems requiring greater overall flow, multiple Tempest Filters can be installed in a modular configuration.
Very important: installation orientation
How Should the Tempest Filter Be Installed?
The Tempest must be installed vertically, with the waste/air valve assembly at the bottom.
It must not be installed:
- Horizontally
- Upside down
- On an angle
Mounting the Tempest Filter
The Tempest can be mounted to a wall, wooden frame or timber post using the supplied 1½-inch pipe clip brackets.
The manual recommends allowing approximately 70 mm for the spacer behind the pipe clip bracket and ensuring there is enough clearance beneath the filter to operate the waste valve and connect the waste hose.
The filter weighs approximately 30 kg when full of water, so suitable screws, fixings and mounting surfaces must be used.
How to Clean the Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter
The Tempest uses an air-assisted cleaning process to agitate the K+Media and release trapped waste.
A cleaning cycle sends approximately 25 litres of water to waste.
Cleaning procedure
- Switch the pump off.
- Close the inlet and outlet slide valves.
- Open the waste valve.
Air enters the filter as the water drains, causing the media to move and clean.
- Once the water has drained and the media has settled at the bottom, close the waste valve.
- Open the inlet and outlet slide valves.
- Switch the pump back on.
Water refills the filter and the K+Media rises back to the top, returning the filter to normal operation.
Important
The pump must be switched off and the slide valves closed before opening the waste valve.
You also need to have an appropriate method of disposing of the waste water before starting the cleaning process.
Ideal Applications
-
Ponds requiring tertiary polishing after a main filter or skimmer system.
-
High-stock koi or show ponds where ultra-low particulate levels are essential.
-
Retrofitting to existing systems where clarity improvements are needed without a full rebuild.
-
Filtration systems where downtime and manual cleaning need to be minimised.
Why Choose the Tempest Filter?
If you’re looking for a filtration unit that goes beyond standard pond filters—removing the finest particles, maintaining biological filtration, and making cleaning quick and easy—the Tempest stands out. Its combination of advanced media and intuitive backwash design offers both high performance and ease of use. Built to integrate seamlessly into pond systems, it delivers premium clarity with lower maintenance burdens.
In short, the Evolution Aqua Tempest Filter is a smart solution for pond owners who demand superior water clarity, minimal servicing time and flexible installation options. Whether you’re targeting clearer water for display koi, more efficient polishing downstream of a primary filter, or a straightforward upgrade to your existing setup—this is a capable choice.
