The Tadpole Filter is designed to be used as a pre-filter before the pump and your existing mechanical or biological filter. However, in small pond applications (such as Goldfish Ponds and Decorative Water Gardens) it can be used as a Total Pond Filter. Completely submersible and easy to clean, the Tadpole Filter is an effective solid waste filter when used in the deepest area of the pond. Position the Tadpole Filter as a pre-filtration device before the pump and mechanical or biological filter in larger pond filtration systems to increase the time between maintenance schedules and greatly improve the filter's performance. For total, small pond filtration or as a pre-filter on larger pond filtration systems the Tadpole Filter is a great addition for solid waste removal.