Why does the Grande skimmer not have a filter mat?
The Grande skimmer is designed for larger solids-handling pumps used on larger water feature applications. Filter pads in front of these pumps on these types of projects would clog quickly and create ongoing maintenance. Using the proper solids-handling style pumps without the filter pad is a better alternative.
Can I get parts to my Skimmer or BioFalls filter that I bought 10 years ago?
You can still get replacement parts for any Aquascape older style Skimmer or BioFalls filter. Click here to download the Aquascape Skimmer and BioFalls Reference Chart and search for your particular model. Replacement part numbers are available there.
Do I need a BioFalls if I can just dig a basin at the top and fill it with lava rock? Wouldn't that do the same thing?
Creating a filter as described will not have proper waterflow distribution, will be prone to clogging with sediment and debris, as well as be very difficult to clean. The Aquascape BioFalls® Filter is a very effective biological filter as a result of how the water flows through it and the type of filtration media it uses. It is also very easy to clean.
Which BioFalls do I need for my pond?
That depends on the size of the pond. The MicroFalls will filter 1000 gallons, Signature 2500 BioFalls will filter 2500 gallons, and the Signature 6000 BioFalls will filter 6000 gallons. Beyond that, you would need a wetland or use multiple BioFalls.
My filter pads look nasty. How often do I need to clean them?
The BioFalls filter pads should only be cleaned once a year as part of a Spring cleanout. Cleaning them mid-season will kill off the beneficial bacteria and basically restart the pond. The skimmer pad should be cleaned as often as necessary to maintain proper water flow to the pump.
What is a BioFalls filter?
There are basically two types of filters needed to properly maintain a water garden: the first is a mechanical skimmer and the second is biological filter. Aquascape offers an extensive line of BioFalls® biological waterfalls filters designed to help you create a beautiful, low maintenance water garden. A biological style of filter provides a home for beneficial bacteria to grow. These special strains of bacteria that are added to the water garden are highly effective at breaking down and removing wastes from the water, such as ammonia, nitrogen, decaying plant debris and fish waste. All of this waste, if not properly filtered, can become harmful to fish and cause significant water quality issues. One of the biggest challenges with most biological filters on the market is they are difficult to hide and are often an eyesore that takes away from the overall beauty of the pond. The Aquascape BioFalls®, unlike traditional biological filters, are actually hidden into the landscape. The BioFalls® can be buried into the ground to create the beginning of a stream or raised to create the start of a beautiful waterfall. The top of the filter can be filled with aquatic plants and accent stones allowing the filter to be completely camouflaged into the landscape. Once the BioFalls® is installed, you could be standing right next to it and not even know it is there.
Can I have a pond without a skimmer?
Yes, you can have a pond without a Skimmer. However skimmers are designed to eliminate water quality problems and reduce maintenance by removing debris before it sinks to the bottom of the pond, allowing a pond to be installed anywhere, even beneath trees. The ability for the Aquascape skimmer to remove so much debris from the water is also what makes it an excellent pre-filter for your pump. The pump is located in the bottom of the skimmer where it receives clean water…not in the bottom of the pond where it can easily become clogged with debris. Housing the pump in the skimmer maintains the natural beauty of the pond by keeping the pump hidden out of sight. The skimmer also provides easy access to the pump, as you don’t have to wade into the pond to remove it. Aquascape offers several different sizes of skimmers based on the design and size of the pond. If you don't use a skimmer please make sure to use a submersible solids handling pump, such as the AquaForce. The AquaForce is designed with a cage that protects the pump from clogging or being damaged by leaves, sticks and other debris that sink to the bottom of the pond.
Can I add a Skimmer and BioFalls onto an existing pond?
Yes, you can add a skimmer to an existing pond that is constructed using a liner. You can add a falls (BioFalls or Waterfalls Spillway) to any pond.
How many boxes of BioBalls do I need in my Signature BioFalls?
Use 2 boxes of BioBalls in the Signature 2500 Biofalls and 4 boxes of BioBalls in the Signature 6000 Biofalls.
What do BioBalls do?
BioBalls provide valuable surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. Unlike lava stone and other traditional biological media, BioBalls don't clog with sediment and debris. They are lightweight for easy installation and removal.
What should I do when my old screws rust/fall out?
Replacement brass screws and inserts for the filters are available from Aquascape. The existing hardware can also be replaced with brass or stainless steel screws, washers and nuts that can be purchased at any hardware store.
Do you need a filter on a Pondless waterfall?
Pondless Waterfalls do not contain fish and therefore do not require as much biological filtration as is needed in a pond. The rocks and gravel throughout the waterfall, stream and water storage basin will provide more than enough biological surface area for sufficient biological filtration.
Are the Microskim and Microfalls sold separately?
Yes, they are sold separately. They are also made available in kits that not only provide the filtration, but everything else needed to build a pond, from liner to a pump to filtration and fittings.
What is a Skimmer?
There are two types of filters needed to properly maintain a water garden: the first is a mechanical skimmer and the second is biological filter. Skimmers are designed to eliminate water quality problems and reduce maintenance by removing debris before it sinks to the bottom of the pond, allowing a pond to be installed anywhere, even beneath trees. The ability of the Aquascape skimmer to remove so much debris from the water is also what makes it an excellent pre-filter for your pump. The pump is located in the bottom of the skimmer where it receives clean water, not in the bottom of the pond where it can easily become clogged with debris. Housing the pump in a skimmer maintains the natural beauty of the pond by keeping the pump hidden out of sight. The skimmer also provides easy access to the pump, as you don’t have to wade into the pond to remove it. Aquascape offers several different sizes of skimmers based on the design and size of the pond.
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