Oase BioTec 18000 ScreenMatic² Pond Filter â Automatic Mechanical & Bio Filter for Koi Ponds up to 18,000 Gallons
â 30-Day Return Period
â Price Match - We will Beat Lower Prices!
â Secure Encrypted Checkout
â Questions? - Call (765) 508-4352
Description
The Oase BioTec 18000 ScreenMatic² (SKU 42975) is a premium automatic gravity-return pond filter for ponds up to 18,000 gallons without fish, 9,000 gallons with ornamental fish, or 4,500 gallons with koi. The ScreenMatic² technology uses a 300-micron automated belt to remove debris before it reaches the biological filter foams â an intelligent sensor detects buildup and triggers the cleaning cycle automatically. Max pump flow: 2,900 GPH. Dimensions: 31"L Ă 23"W Ă 21.5"H. Inlets: 1", 1Âź", 1½" (adapters included). 3-year limited warranty (2+1 with registration). Qualifies for the Oase Clear Water Guarantee when paired with an AquaMax Eco pump and Bitron C 55C UV clarifier. DO NOT SUBMERGE â gravity-return filter must remain above pond water level.
What's Included
Filter System
- BioTec 18000 ScreenMatic² filter unit â automatic 300-micron self-cleaning belt; intelligent sensor-triggered cleaning; LED display; manual belt run button; 3 zones of biological filter foam (3 densities); Phosless cartridges for phosphate reduction
- Debris tray â collects coarse debris from automated belt cleaning
- Sludge drain â slide valve for easy waste removal without mess
Hardware & Connections
- Inlet adapters: 1", 1Ÿ", 1½" (three sizes included)
- Outlet adapter: 3"
- Foam cleaning tool â for periodic foam maintenance inside filter (no foam removal required)
- Transformer/controller for ScreenMatic² cleaning drive
- Hose clamps, gaskets, installation hardware, user manual
Filtration Media
- Three-zone biological foam system â 3 different densities; large surface area for beneficial bacteria; cleans inside filter in pond water (no bacteria colony disruption)
- Phosless cartridges â bind and remove phosphate that drives algae growth; require periodic replacement
Not Included / Optional
- Pond pump (required; recommended: Oase AquaMax Eco Classic 3600 or Premium 4500)
- Bitron C 55C UV clarifier (recommended for CWG qualification; mounts directly to filter inlet)
- Flexible or rigid pond plumbing from pump to filter
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU / Model | 42975 | Oase BioTec 18000 ScreenMatic² |
| Pond (No Fish) | Up to 18,000 US gallons |
| Pond (Ornamental Fish) | Up to 9,000 US gallons |
| Pond (Koi / Heavy Load) | Up to 4,500 US gallons |
| Max Pump Flow | 2,900 GPH |
| Dimensions | 31"L Ă 23"W Ă 21.5"H |
| Inlet Connections | 1", 1Ÿ", 1½" adapters (all three included) |
| Outlet | 3" adapter (included) |
| Filter Screen | 300-micron automated self-cleaning belt; intelligent sensor-triggered; manual belt button |
| Biological Media | 3-zone foam system (3 densities) + Phosless phosphate-reduction cartridges |
| Display | Active LED display shows cleaning status and required maintenance |
| Filter Type | Gravity-return flow-through â DO NOT SUBMERGE; must remain above pond water level |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited (2 years standard + 1 year with online registration) |
| CWG Pairing | AquaMax Eco Classic 3600 or Eco Premium 4500 + Bitron C 55C UV clarifier |
BioTec ScreenMatic² Family Comparison
| Feature | 18000 (SKU 42975, this) | 24000 (SKU 44120) | 39000 (SKU 93036) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Fish | 18,000 gal | 24,000 gal | 39,000 gal |
| Ornamental Fish | 9,000 gal | 12,000 gal | ~20,000 gal |
| Koi | 4,500 gal | 6,000 gal | ~10,000 gal |
| Max Flow | 2,900 GPH | 3,300 GPH | Higher |
| Dimensions | 31"Ă23"Ă21.5"H | 31"Ă23"Ă25.5"H | Larger |
| Warranty | 3-yr (2+1) | 3-yr (2+1) | 3-yr (2+1) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Oase ScreenMatic² automated debris separation work?
The BioTec ScreenMatic² uses a 300-micron automated cleaning belt as the first filtration stage. Pond water from the pump enters the filter and passes through this fine mesh belt, which traps coarse and fine debris before it reaches the biological filter foams. An intelligent sensor mounted above the belt detects debris buildup and automatically triggers the cleaning motor â rotating the belt and depositing trapped debris into the removable debris tray. The tray is then removed and emptied as needed.
A manual belt run button on the unit allows on-demand cleaning cycles without waiting for sensor activation. An active LED display shows the current filter status and indicates when cleaning or maintenance is required.
What is the maximum pond capacity for the BioTec 18000?
The BioTec 18000 ScreenMatic² is rated for three capacity tiers:
- 18,000 US gallons â decorative ponds with no fish
- 9,000 US gallons â ponds with a small/ornamental fish load
- 4,500 US gallons â ponds with a large fish load (koi)
Note: The "18000" in the product name is the Oase model designation. In the US market, the filter's rated pond capacity is 18,000 US gallons (not litres). All capacity figures assume a minimum pond depth of 18 inches, continuous pump operation, and appropriate pump flow within the 2,900 GPH maximum.
Does the BioTec 18000 require manual foam cleaning?
The ScreenMatic² is designed for minimal manual intervention. The biological filter foams do not need to be removed from the filter for cleaning. An included foam cleaning tool allows periodic foam maintenance directly inside the filter housing, submerged in pond water â this preserves the beneficial bacteria colonies on the foam surfaces and minimizes water waste.
For sludge and accumulated waste in the filter base, the slide valve on the sludge drain removes dirty water with minimal mess. The LED display indicates when cleaning is needed.
Is the ScreenMatic² 18000 compatible with Bitron UV clarifiers?
Yes. Oase Bitron C UV clarifiers mount directly to the BioTec 18000 ScreenMatic² filter inlet for integrated UV treatment before water enters the filter chamber. The Bitron C 55C is the recommended pairing for this filter size.
When the BioTec 18000 is paired with an AquaMax Eco Classic 3600 or AquaMax Eco Premium 4500 pump and a Bitron C 55C UV clarifier, and properly registered at oase-livingwater.com, the system qualifies for the Oase Clear Water Guarantee (CWG) â Oaseâs guarantee that the water will be clear and visible to a depth of 3 feet.
Can the BioTec ScreenMatic² be buried to hide it?
The BioTec 18000 ScreenMatic² is a gravity-return filter â cleaned water flows back to the pond by gravity through the outlet pipe. This means the filter must be placed above the pond water level. It cannot be fully submerged. DO NOT SUBMERGE.
To conceal the filter, Oase offers the FiltoCap rock cover, which fits over the BioTec housing to blend it into the landscape as a decorative rock. This is the recommended concealment method for hiding the filter without restricting access for maintenance.
Oase BioTec 18000 ScreenMatic² (SKU 42975) â 18,000 gal no fish | 9,000 gal ornamental | 4,500 gal koi | 2,900 GPH max | 31"Ă23"Ă21.5"H | 1/1.25/1.5" inlets | 3" outlet | LED display | Phosless | 3-yr limited warranty (2+1 registration) | CWG-qualified with AquaMax Eco + Bitron C 55C.
Questions about sizing, pump pairing, or the Clear Water Guarantee? Call or text (765) 508-4352 â Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Price Match
At Pond Pro Direct, we want you to shop with confidence, knowing youâre always getting a good deal.
We will match or beat the lowest online price on its products.
If you find a lower price for any products on our store, we will beat it by $50 for products listed over $2000. In order to be eligible, you must provide proof, whether a screenshot, invoice, email, etc. of the lower offer.
Please note that this does not apply to every product in the store, so reach out via email or chat for confirmation before purchasing.
For the policy to apply, simply send us a screenshot, link, or any other proof of the lower price.
For more information, please check out Price Match Policy Page
Shipping & Delivery
Order Processing
Orders are processed within 1â5 business days, depending on product type, brand, and fulfillment method. Products sold on Pond Pro Direct ship directly from manufacturers or authorized distribution partners and do not ship from a single centralized warehouse.
Processing times may vary by brand, item type, fulfillment method, and whether an item is made to order or ships via freight.
Order Confirmation
After placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation email confirming that we have received your order and pre-authorized your payment method.
Once your order is received, we contact the manufacturer or distribution partner to confirm availability and fulfillment timelines.
- If an item is unavailable or on backorder, we will notify you by email and void the pre-authorization.
- If the item is available, the payment will be processed and the order submitted for shipment.
Order Shipment
If your order is in stock and payment is processed, it will typically ship within 6â13 business days. Once your order ships, tracking information (when available) will be sent to the email address provided at checkout.
If you do not receive shipping confirmation within 6 business days, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com.
Shipping Destinations
At this time, we primarily ship within the United States. Some products may be available for shipment to Canada. If the website allows checkout and accepts your shipping address, the product is eligible for delivery to that location.
Changing Your Shipping Address
Address changes after an order has been processed or shipped may result in delays or additional carrier fees. Any carrier charges associated with address changes are the responsibility of the customer.
Shipping Times
All shipping times are estimates only and not guarantees.
- Typical handling time: 1â5 business days
- Typical transit time after shipment: 5â8 business days
- Estimated delivery window: 6â13 business days
Delivery timelines may vary based on brand, item type, production status, freight requirements, and carrier availability.
If an order is cancelled after it has been processed or shipped, the customer may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, freight fees, carrier return fees, and warehouse handling costs, where applicable.
Shipping Options
Available shipping options vary by product and location.
Our standard Curbside Delivery option is provided at no additional cost where applicable and delivers the item to the curbside or driveway of the delivery address.
Additional options, such as Threshold Delivery or White Glove Delivery, may be available for select products and locations.
For full details regarding freight delivery, inspection requirements, liftgate service, returns, and customer responsibilities, please review our full Shipping Policy page.
Returns & Refunds
Cancellations & Refunds
Orders may be canceled free of charge before shipment, unless the item is classified as Custom or Made-to-Order (see below).
If you have questions about your order, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com or call (765) 508-4352 during business hours.
Cancellations (Before Order Ships)
If you need to cancel an order before it ships, please contact us as soon as possible. Orders canceled prior to shipment are eligible for a full refund.
You can reach our team by phone at (765) 508-4352, via live chat on our website, or by email at support@pondprodirect.com.
Cancellations (After Order Ships)
Once an order has shipped or entered fulfillment, it may no longer be eligible for cancellation. If you no longer wish to keep the item, you must wait until delivery and then request a return.
A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is required before returning any item.
Custom or Made-to-Order Items
Custom or made-to-order products are produced specifically for your order and cannot be canceled or refunded once production has begun, except in cases of defect or error.
Product pages will clearly indicate when an item is custom or made-to-order. If you are unsure whether an item falls into this category, please contact us before placing your order.
Returns & Refunds
Returns are subject to the following conditions:
- Customers have 30 days from delivery to request a return, unless otherwise stated on the product page or by manufacturer policy
- Items must be unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging
- An RMA is required prior to returning any item
Because we ship products directly from manufacturers, return eligibility may vary by brand. If a manufacturer does not permit returns on a specific product, we may be unable to accept the return. Please contact us if you would like confirmation of return eligibility for a specific item.
Fees & Shipping Costs
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective or shipped in error
- Freight / LTL shipments may incur higher return shipping costs due to carrier fees
- Approved returns of non-defective items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%
- Original outbound shipping charges are non-refundable
If you are exchanging an item rather than returning it outright, we may be able to assist with some costs depending on the product and manufacturer.
For full details, including freight deliveries, damage reporting requirements, and manufacturer-specific terms, please review our complete Return and Refund Policy
