ATLANTIC BF1900 (01) PDF Document

To properly size your equipment and ensure effective circulation and filtration for the ATLANTIC BF1900, use the following formula to calculate the approximate volume of water in gallons:

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

It is recommended to calculate the volume before construction and re-calculate after the pond is built to ensure accurate dosing for bacteria and treatments.

To avoid pump starvation caused by “transitional” water volume, the stream surface area should be half of the pond surface area or less. Use these formulas for your ATLANTIC BF1900 project:

Maximum Area Of Stream (If You Know Your Pond Size): Average Length of Pond x Average Width of Pond ÷ 2 = Maximum Area of Stream

Minimum Area Of Pond (If You Know Your Stream Size): 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 the Skimmer and ATLANTIC BF1900 FilterFalls are placed too close together, or the pond has an unusual shape, dead areas can occur. These dead areas can be eliminated with the use of multiple falls or multiple skimmers.

Prior to setting the skimmer, determine the surface level of the water. The excavation should be a few inches wider and longer than the Skimmer body. Refer to the table below for the approximate depth of the hole based on the skimmer model used with your ATLANTIC BF1900 system:

The skimmer should be set on undisturbed earth if possible. If you over-dig, compact the soil thoroughly to prevent settling. The bottom of the hole must be level side-to-side and front-to-back.

Step 1. Place the Skimmer enclosure into the excavated hole. Check that the top of the enclosure is level front-to-back and side-to-side.

Step 2. Verify the water level. The water level needs to be between 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″ below the top of the weir door opening or even with the water level indicator molded on the side of the Skimmer.

Step 3. Ensure any unexcavated soil in front of the Skimmer is at least 10″ below the water level to allow the weir door to function properly.

Step 4. Place a few stones inside the enclosure to weigh it down.

Step 5. Install the solid support bar(s) before backfilling. These must be in place for the enclosure to retain its shape.

Step 6. Loosely backfill the enclosure on all sides, lightly compacting as you go. Do not over-compact, as aggressive compaction may deform the enclosure.

Step 1. Hold the liner against the face of the Skimmer, allowing at least 2″ 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.

Step 2. Ensure the front surface of the Skimmer and the back side of the liner are clean and free of debris.

Step 3. Use the provided spring clips to hold the liner in place.

Step 4. Using a sharp razor knife, cut a hole in the liner for the weir door, using the hole in the face of the Skimmer as a guide.

Step 5. Remove the spring clips and pull the liner away from the face. Apply a consistent bead of fish-safe RTV Silicone Sealant around the weir door opening on all four sides, approximately 3/4″ away from the opening, directly on top of the bolt holes.

Step 6. Return the liner to its original position and replace the spring clips.

Step 1. Unlatch the weir door and lower it to the fully open position.

Step 2. Insert the weir door assembly into the Skimmer opening and push the frame tight against the Skimmer face.

Step 3. Line up the holes of the weir door frame with the holes in the Skimmer face. Use a nail or awl to pierce the liner in the top corners.

Step 4. Loosely fasten the top corners using two supplied 1/4-20 machine screws and serrated flange nuts. Install two screws in the bottom corners next.

Step 5. Install the remaining screws. Do not fully tighten any screws until all have been installed.

Step 6. Use a hand-held screwdriver to tighten the screws. The flange nut serrations will grab the plastic enclosure, so a wrench is not needed. Tighten only until snug to ensure the silicone makes a seal.

These models do not come with a pre-drilled pump outlet to allow for flexible installation. Drill-points are provided on both sides of the enclosure. Refer to the table below for hole saw sizes based on your pipe size:

It is recommended to install a Triton Check Valve between the pump and the supply line to prevent the FilterFalls from draining when the pump is off.

Step 1. Choose which panel of the FilterFalls to enter. Use the provided drill-points to locate the proper height.

Step 2. Use the appropriate hole saw based on the model. For the ATLANTIC BF1900, use a 3″ hole saw for the 2″ Bulkhead.

Step 3. Remove the retaining nut and plastic friction washer from the bulkhead. Note: The retaining nut has reverse threads; turn clockwise to loosen.

Step 4. 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.

Step 5. Slip the friction washer over the threads on the outside and install the retaining nut. Tighten by hand, then finish with a half turn from a wrench. Turn counterclockwise to tighten.

FilterFalls should be placed on undisturbed soil if possible. If elevated above existing grade, compact the area thoroughly. Bricks or cinder blocks can be used to raise the unit and reduce settling.

Ensure the unit is level from side to side and tilted slightly forward (about 1/4″) from front to back. This prevents water from leaking over the back of the enclosure. Weigh the unit down with stones while making plumbing and liner connections. Do not completely backfill until all plumbing is finished and the liner is attached.

Step 1. Position the liner by pulling it up the face of the FilterFalls, draping a minimum of 6″ of liner over the top. Use spring clips to hold it temporarily, leaving slack below the spillway.

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

Step 3. Remove the clips and pull the liner away. Clean the front face of the FilterFalls and the back of the liner.

Step 4. Apply a consistent bead of fish-safe RTV silicone to the face of the FilterFalls along the center line of the threaded inserts.

Step 5. Return the liner to the face and re-attach spring clips to the rolled lip on either side of the spillway.

Step 6. Attach the liner flange, starting with the center screw and working outward. It may be necessary to pierce the liner with a nail first. Tighten screws with a hand-held screwdriver only until snug. Over-tightening can strip the inserts or crack the flange.

Locate the model number of the skimmer and the pump on the reference chart. The intersection point provides the ‘perfect cut’ mark. If the mark is a letter, use the 1 1/2″ threaded end of the discharge pipe. If it is a number, use the 2″ threaded end.

Cut the pipe at the identified mark using a hacksaw or PVC saw, ensuring a clean, square cut. Discard the unused end. After cutting, smooth the end with sandpaper, clean the fitting with PVC cleaner/primer, and secure with PVC glue.

Step 1. Determine the best side of the Skimmer for installation to ensure proper clearance. Drill a 7/8″ hole using a spade bit or hole saw at the provided drill point.

Step 2. Insert the Auto Fill, ensuring the gasket is on the water side and the plastic retaining nut is on the outside. Thread the nut on, being careful not to over-tighten.

Step 3. Use thread sealant on the 1/2″ male threads and install the fitting for your chosen water source (garden hose, 1/2″ irrigation line, or 1/2″ Sch 40 PVC).

Step 4. Adjust the water level by loosening the wing nut and raising or lowering the height of the float. The system supports a flow rate of 0.5 to 1.5 gpm with a maximum inlet pressure of 80 psi.

Step 1. Locate the drill-point on the back of the Skimmer. This marks the location for an Atlantic HA2000 bulkhead fitting and 2″ MTA.

Step 2. Drill a 3″ hole and install the bulkhead. This positioning will place the bottom of the overflow pipe approximately 1″ above the recommended water level.

Step 3. Install a 2″ MTA into the bulkhead and apply silicone to the threads. Screw it in until tight.

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