Instructions - AquaScape SIGNATURE Series Instructions & Maintenance

Instructions

STEP 1
PLACE BIOFALLS FILTER
• If starting a new pond, the BioFalls filter will be used to
create your waterfall and should be positioned so it's
facing a main viewing area.
• Make sure it is placed close to the edge of the pond so
you can connect the pond liner to the BioFalls filter.
• If you are using the BioFalls filter on an existing pond,
you will need an extra piece of liner approximately 4' x 6'.
The extra liner should be long enough to attach to the
BioFalls lip and have plenty left to hang over the side of
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the pond to prevent water loss.
• If you are using the BioFalls in conjunction with a skimmer,
we recommend the BioFalls be placed directly across the
length of the pond from the skimmer.
STEP 2
HOOK UP AND LEVEL BIOFALLS
• Install the two bulkheads into the back of the Signature
Series BioFalls Filter (Ex. 1).
NOTE: The bulkhead fitting is reversed threaded. Ensure
that the rubber gasket is installed on the inside of the filter
(Ex. 1).
Bulkhead Rubber Gasket Nut
Plastic Washer PVC Slip Fitting
• Tighten the nut on the outside until the rubber washer
begins to bulge, approximately one turn past hand-tight
(Ex. 2). Do not over-tighten the nut.
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• The filter has two openings on the back, allowing several
plumbing options.
1. For single pump applications attach one pump
plumbing line into one bulkhead and utilize the plug or
optional drain kit (not included) in the other.
2. For double pump applications, attach each pump
plumbing line into a bulkhead.
• Install the PVC slip fitting into the desired bulkhead(s) to
receive the pump plumbing. To provide a watertight
seal, use silicone sealant (not included) or teflon tape
(not included) to coat the threads of the fittings.
NOTE: Use the angle of the outlets to your advantage by
using the bulkhead that works best with the direction of
the plumbing coming from the pump.
• For single pump applications with no drain kit, install the
included plug into the outside of the second, unused
bulkhead. If installing the optional drain kit (not included),
see page 5 for proper installation.
• Position the BioFalls Filter in the desired location. The
BioFalls Filter should be set at, or slightly below, the grade
of the yard. Simply remove a section of sod or a few
inches of soil in order to create a firm foundation for the
BioFalls Filter to sit.
DESIGN TIP - Keep the waterfall to the scale
of the yard. The goal should be to create the
perception that Mother Nature has installed the
waterfall. Avoid creating a "volcanic look" by
Flex
trying to raise the BioFalls Filter in a flat backyard.
PVC
• Be sure to compact the area beneath the BioFalls Filter
box using a soil tamper or some other heavy flat object
that can be pounded onto the soil. This will help prevent
any future settling.
• Use a 2' bubble level to
make sure your BioFalls
Filter is properly set into
Ex. 1 position (Ex. 3). Your
BioFalls Filter should be level
from side-to-side and tilt
forward at 1/4 of a
bubble on a 2' level. This
will make sure the water
covers the entire spillway.
ATTACHING FLEXIBLE PVC PIPE
• The filter is now ready for the flexible PVC to be glued into
place using PVC cement specified for use with flexible
piping.
• If your PVC cement does not state that priming isn't
required, prime the inside of the PVC fitting and the outside
of the pipe where the flexible PVC cement will be applied.
Ex. 2
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• After priming, apply the
cement to the fitting and the
PVC pipe and fit the two
pieces together (Ex. 4).
• Hold the pipe into the fitting
for at least 60 seconds to
allow the glue to slightly set.
• Wait 10-15 minutes to let the
glue completely set before
you begin to bury the filter.
INSTALLING OPTIONAL DRAIN KIT
• If desired, a filter drain
kit (#29015) is available
separately. The kit can be
attached to the second
bulkhead on single pump
applications (Ex. 5), allowing
the ability to conduct water
changes and easy filter
cleaning.
• Install the PVC slip fitting
into the second bulkhead.
To provide a watertight
seal, use silicone sealant
(not included) or teflon tape
(not included) to coat the
threads of the fitting.
• Prime and glue a section of
flexible PVC pipe into the
PVC slip fitting.
• Prime and glue the ball
valve to the flexible PVC
pipe (Ex. 6).
• Prime and glue the desired
length of flexible PVC pipe
into the other side of the
ball valve. Then, run the
pipe to the desired
location to discharge the
water during cleaning
(Ex. 7).
Ex. 3
• Prime and glue the gray
valve fittings and 24" pipe
onto the top of the valve
(Ex. 8).
NOTE: The 24" pipe can
be cut to the desired length once all of the soil is built up
around the filter.
BACKFILL THE BIOFALLS FILTER
• Before you start to backfill around the filter, install the filter
support rack and rock tray. Otherwise, you may not be
able to get it in place.
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• We also recommend having someone stand inside the
filter to keep it in place and level while it's being backfilled.
• The excavated soil from the pond can be backfilled around
the sides and back of the BioFalls Filter, creating a berm.
• Tamp the soil while backfilling to reduce settling. Any
additional soil can be spread around the far side of the
pond to create a planting bed for perennials and annuals.
Ex. 4
NOTE: If installing into an existing pond, you may need to
bring in extra dirt to backfill and create a berm around the
BioFalls.
• Double-check to make sure the BioFalls Filter is still level
after installing the plumbing.
STEP 3
ATTACH LINER TO BIOFALLS FILTER
• There are two options when attaching the lip for the
Signature Series BioFalls Filter:
Ex. 5
1. The reversible waterfall lip can be attached facing
outward. This method is recommended for first-time
installers, providing a solid ledge cantilevering off the
front of the BioFalls Filter to build the waterfall (Ex. 9).
The reversible waterfall lip attached facing outward
Ex. 6
2. The reversible waterfall lip can also be attached facing
inward. This method allows more creativity when
constructing the waterfalls, allowing the designer a flat
unobstructed BioFalls Filter face for placing large
Ex. 7 boulders on the left and right side of the unit (Ex. 10).
The reversible waterfall lip attached facing inward
Ex. 8
• Prior to installing the waterfall lip, make sure the face of the
BioFalls Filter and liner is clean and free of dust and debris.
Use a damp towel to clean both surfaces. Make sure both
surfaces are dry before the next step.
• Hold the liner up against the face of the BioFalls Filter,
covering the U-shape spillway opening. Be sure to leave
slack at the base of the filter to avoid stretching the liner
when rocks are stacked to build the waterfall.
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Ex. 9
Ex. 10
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