Selecting the right BioFalls and Skimmer is crucial for maintaining a healthy, clear pond. These components work together to remove debris and filter the water, ensuring the pond’s ecosystem thrives. Here’s how to make the best choice based on pond specifications:
1. Understand Their Roles
Skimmer:
- Removes floating debris such as leaves and twigs from the pond surface before they sink.
- Houses the pump and pre-filters water, preventing clogs.
BioFalls:
- Provides biological filtration by breaking down organic waste and converting harmful substances like ammonia and nitrites into harmless compounds.
- Enhances water aeration and serves as the waterfall’s starting point.
2. Select the Skimmer
Determine Pond Surface Area:
- Measure the length and width of the pond in feet (or meters) and multiply to calculate the total surface area.
- Example: A pond that is 10 ft x 15 ft has a surface area of 150 sq ft (13.9 m²).
Choose the Skimmer Model:
- Match the surface area to the skimmer’s capacity:
- 200 Skimmer: Suitable for ponds up to 200 sq ft (18.6 m²).
- 400 Skimmer: Suitable for ponds up to 400 sq ft (37.2 m²).
- 1000 Skimmer: Suitable for ponds up to 1000 sq ft (92.9 m²).
3. Select the BioFalls Filter
Calculate Pond Volume:
- Determine the pond's water capacity using these formulas:
- Imperial: Length x Width x Average Depth (in feet) x 7.48 = Gallons.
- Example: A pond 10 ft x 15 ft with an average depth of 2 ft holds 2,244 gallons.
- Metric: Length x Width x Average Depth (in meters) x 1000 = Liters.
- Imperial: Length x Width x Average Depth (in feet) x 7.48 = Gallons.
- Adjust for Irregular Shapes:
- For irregularly shaped ponds, estimate the percentage of the rectangle occupied by the pond’s curves and bends. Multiply this percentage by the calculated volume.
- Example: If curves and bends occupy 80% of the rectangle, multiply the volume by 0.8 to get a closer approximation.
- For irregularly shaped ponds, estimate the percentage of the rectangle occupied by the pond’s curves and bends. Multiply this percentage by the calculated volume.
Choose the BioFalls Model:
- Match the pond volume to the filter’s capacity:
- 1000 BioFalls Filter: Handles up to 1,000 gallons (3,785 liters).
- 2500 BioFalls Filter: Handles up to 2,500 gallons (9,463 liters).
- 6000 BioFalls Filter: Handles up to 6,000 gallons (22,712 liters).
4. Ensure Compatibility
- Balanced System: Choose a Skimmer and BioFalls that match the size and volume of your pond to maintain efficient filtration and circulation.
- Pump Sizing: Verify that the pump’s flow rate matches the BioFalls filter’s capacity.
- A pump that delivers too much flow can cause water to spill over the back sides of the filter, creating a leak.
- Too little flow may result in a weak-looking waterfall and inadequate filtration.
5. Example Scenario
For a pond measuring 15 ft x 20 ft with an average depth of 1.5 ft:
- Surface Area: 15 x 20 = 300 sq ft
- Choose the 400 Skimmer (up to 400 sq ft).
- Volume: 15 x 20 x 1.5 x 7.48 x 80% = 1,616 gallons
- Choose the 2500 BioFalls Filter (up to 2,500 gallons).
By matching the pond’s surface area with the Skimmer and the pond’s volume with the BioFalls, you ensure optimal filtration and water clarity for a thriving pond ecosystem.