The number of AquaBlox needed for a Pondless Waterfall depends on the length, width, and average water depth of the stream. Calculate the stream's water volume, then divide by the storage capacity of the AquaBlox being used.
Step 1: Calculate the stream water volume
Use the following formula:
Stream length × stream width × average water depth × 7.48 = US gallons of water
All measurements must be in feet. For a typical stream, use an average water depth of 3 in. (7.6 cm), equivalent to 0.25 ft (0.076 m).
Example:
A stream measuring 10 ft (3.05 m) long and 3 ft (0.91 m) wide, with an average water depth of 3 in. (7.6 cm):
10 × 3 × 0.25 × 7.48 = 56.1 US gal (212 L)
Step 2: Calculate the number of AquaBlox
Aquascape offers two sizes of AquaBlox Water Storage Modules:
- Small AquaBlox: Holds approximately 17 US gal (64 L) of water.
- Large AquaBlox: Holds approximately 32 US gal (121 L) of water.
Divide the calculated stream volume by the storage capacity of the selected AquaBlox.
Using the example above:
- Small AquaBlox: 56.1 ÷ 17 = 3.3 modules. Round up to 4 Small AquaBlox.
- Large AquaBlox: 56.1 ÷ 32 = 1.8 modules. Round up to 2 Large AquaBlox.
Always round up to the next whole AquaBlox.
Important considerations
- This calculation provides a starting point based on the water volume of the stream.
- The reservoir must also maintain enough water to keep the pump fully submerged while the waterfall is operating.
- Additional reservoir capacity may be necessary to accommodate evaporation, splashing, and variations in water flow.
- Longer or wider streams and streams with greater average water depth require additional water storage.
For proper operation, the Pondless Waterfall reservoir must contain enough water to supply the stream while maintaining the required water level around the pump.