ATLANTIC BF1600 (01) PDF Document

It is important to determine the estimated water volume before construction to properly size equipment for circulation and filtration. You also need the actual volume to accurately dose treatments like bacteria and medications. Use the following formula:

Average Length x Average Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Total Gallons in Pond

To prevent the pump from starving for water during the transitional cycle (when the pump fills the streambed), the stream surface area should be half of the pond surface area or less. Use these formulas to ensure proper sizing:

Maximum Area of Stream (If Pond Size is Known): Average Length of Pond x Average Width of Pond ÷ 2 = Maximum Area of Stream

Minimum Area of Pond (If Stream Size is Known): Average Length of Stream x Average Width of Stream x 2 = Minimum Area of Pond

Whenever possible, position the Skimmer and FilterFalls directly across from each other at opposite ends of the pond. This setup creates a current that pulls surface debris into the Skimmer. If they are placed too close together or the pond has an unusual shape, dead areas can occur. These areas can be eliminated by using multiple falls or multiple skimmers.

Proper streambed construction minimizes the amount of water needed to fill the stream (transitional volume). You should minimize the height that rocks extend above the liner at spillways to keep the transitional water to a maximum of 3 to 4 inches in depth. Improper construction, such as creating non-watertight barriers with stone and gravel, allows water to drain down to the highest point of the liner when the pump is off, greatly increasing transitional volume.

The excavation should be a few inches wider and longer than the Skimmer body. The skimmer should be set on undisturbed earth if possible. The following table provides the approximate depth required based on the skimmer model used in the system:

The water level needs to be between 1.25 inches and 1.5 inches below the top of the weir door opening. Ensure any unexcavated soil in front of the Skimmer is at least 10 inches below the water level.

1. Hold the liner against the face of the Skimmer, allowing at least 2 inches to extend above the top of the enclosure. Leave some slack in the liner below the weir opening to avoid strain if the soil settles.

2. Once satisfied with the position, clip the liner in place with the provided spring clips.

3. Use a sharp razor knife to cut a hole in the liner for the weir door, using the hole in the Skimmer face as a guide.

4. Remove the spring clips and pull the liner away from the face. Apply fish-safe RTV Silicone Sealant in a consistent bead around the opening on all four sides, approximately 0.75 inches away from the opening and directly on top of the bolt holes.

5. Return the liner to its original position and replace the spring clips.

1. Unlatch the weir door and lower it to its fully open position. Insert the assembly into the Skimmer opening and push the frame tight against the Skimmer face.

2. Line up the holes and pierce the liner in the top corners using a nail or an awl. Loosely fasten the top corners with the supplied 1/4-20 machine screws and serrated flange nuts.

3. Install two screws in the bottom corners. Once the corners are tacked, install the remaining screws. Do not fully tighten any screws until all have been installed.

4. Use a hand-held screwdriver to tighten the screws. The serrations on the flange nut will grab the plastic enclosure, so a wrench is not needed. Tighten only until snug to ensure the silicone makes a seal.

For systems using a PS3900 Skimmer, utilize the pump discharge step fittings molded into each side. These are labeled for 1.5 inch or 2 inch PVC pipe. Use a PVC saw or hacksaw to remove the end of the step fitting at the molded cut line for your pipe size, then push approximately 10 inches of pipe into the enclosure.

For systems using PS4600, PS7000, or PS15000 Skimmers, you must drill the pump outlet using the provided drill-points on either side. Refer to the table below for required hole saw sizes:

FilterFalls are not pre-drilled. Use the drill-points provided on the side panels to choose your entry point. Refer to the table for sizing:

Installation Steps:

1. Remove the retaining nut and plastic friction washer from the bulkhead, leaving the rubber gasket on the body. Note that the nut has reverse threads; turn clockwise to loosen.

2. From the inside of the FilterFalls, insert the threaded end into the hole. This sandwiches the rubber gasket between the flange and the inside wall.

3. Slip the friction washer over the threads on the outside and install the retaining nut. Turn counterclockwise to tighten. Tighten by hand and finish with a half turn from a wrench.

1. Place the unit on undisturbed soil. If it must be elevated, compact the area thoroughly to prevent settling. You can use cinder blocks or bricks on undisturbed soil to raise the unit.

2. Ensure the unit is level from side to side and check that it is tilted slightly forward by about 0.25 inches. This prevents water from leaking over the back of the enclosure.

3. Weigh the unit down with a few rocks to keep it in place during backfilling and plumbing.

4. Apply silicone to the threads of the Male Thread Adapter (MTA) and screw it into the bulkhead until tight. Use PVC Glue to secure the PVC flex hose into the MTA.

5. Do not completely backfill the unit until all plumbing connections are made and the liner is attached.

1. Drape a minimum of 6 inches of liner over the top of the enclosure and use spring clips to hold it temporarily. Leave slack in the liner below the spillway to alleviate strain.

2. Use a sharp razor knife to cut the spillway opening in the liner, using the inside of the spillway as a guide.

3. Remove the clips and pull the liner away. Ensure all surfaces are clean and apply a bead of fish-safe RTV silicone to the face of the unit along the center line of the threaded inserts.

4. Return the liner to the face and re-attach the spring clips.

5. Attach the liner flange starting with the center screw and working outward. It may be necessary to pierce the liner with a nail or awl first. Do not fully tighten any screws until all are installed.

6. Use a hand-held screwdriver to tighten the screws until they are snug. Over-tightening can strip the inserts or crack the flange.

7. Trim away excess liner as needed.

Identify your Skimmer and Pump models in the chart below to find the reference mark. If the mark is a letter, use the 1.5 inch threaded end of the discharge pipe. If it is a number, use the 2 inch threaded end.

Cut the pipe at the identified mark using a hacksaw, making a clean, square cut. Smooth the end with sandpaper and use PVC cleaner and glue to attach the pipe to the check valve socket.

1. Drill a 7/8 inch hole using a spade bit at the provided drill-point on either side of the Skimmer. It is best to install the pump and discharge hose first to ensure proper clearance.

2. Insert the Auto Fill valve, ensuring the gasket is on the water side of the unit and the plastic retaining nut is on the outside. Tighten the nut by hand, being careful not to over-tighten.

3. Use thread sealant on the 0.5 inch male threads and install your choice of fitting (garden hose, irrigation line, or Sch 40 PVC).

4. To adjust the water level, loosen the wing nut and raise or lower the height of the float. The kit operates at a flow rate of 0.5 to 1.5 gpm with a maximum inlet pressure of 80 psi.

1. Use the drill-point on the back of the Skimmer to locate the proper position. Drill a 3 inch hole.

2. Install an Atlantic HA2000 bulkhead fitting. This setup positions the bottom of the overflow pipe approximately 1 inch above the recommended water level.

3. Install a 2 inch Male Thread Adapter (MTA). Apply silicone to the threads and screw it into the bulkhead until tight.

4. Use PVC Glue and cleaner to secure the PVC flex hose into the MTA.