ATLANTIC BF3800 (01) PDF Document

Calculating the pond volume is necessary to properly size equipment and dose treatments. Use the following formula: Average Length x Average Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Total Gallons in Pond.

To limit transitional water volume and prevent the pump from running dry, use these formulas for your ATLANTIC BF3800 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.

The stream surface area should be half of the pond surface area or less.

Proper streambed construction reduces the amount of “transitional” water needed to fill the stream before it overflows back into the pond. Minimize the height that rocks extend above the liner at the spillways to keep the transitional water to a maximum of 3 to 4 inches in depth. Improper construction, where water drains down to the highest point of the liner when the pump is off, greatly increases transitional volume and can starve the pump of water.

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 can be eliminated by using multiple falls or skimmers.

The excavation should be a few inches wider and longer than the Skimmer body. The bottom of the hole should be level side-to-side and front-to-back. Refer to the following table for approximate depths based on the skimmer model used with your system:

Place the Skimmer enclosure into the excavated hole and ensure it is level front-to-back and side-to-side. The water level must be between 1.25 inches and 1.5 inches below the top of the weir door opening, or even with the water level indicator molded on the side of the Skimmer.

Ensure any unexcavated soil in front of the Skimmer is at least 10 inches below the water level to provide enough room for the weir door to function properly.

Before backfilling, place a few stones inside the enclosure to weigh it down and install the solid support bars to help the enclosure retain its shape. Loosely backfill on all sides, lightly compacting as you go, but avoid aggressive compaction which may deform the unit.

Step 1. Hold the liner up against the face of the Skimmer, allowing a minimum of 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.

Step 2. Clean the front surface of the Skimmer and the back side of the liner.

Step 3. Clip the liner in place with the provided spring clips.

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. Apply a consistent bead of fish-safe RTV Silicone Sealant approximately 3/4 inches away from the opening, directly on top of the bolt holes on all four sides.

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. Insert the assembly into the opening and push the frame tight against the Skimmer face.

Step 2. Line up the holes. Use a nail or awl to pierce the liner in the top corners through the frame holes.

Step 3. Loosely fasten the top corners using the supplied 1/4-20 machine screws and serrated flange nuts. Install screws in the bottom corners next.

Step 4. Once the corners are tacked, install the remaining screws. Do not fully tighten any screws until all are installed.

Step 5. Use your fingers to hold the flange nut and a hand-held screwdriver to tighten the screws. The screws only need to be snug for the silicone to make a seal; do not over-tighten.

For model PS3900: Use a PVC saw to remove the end of the molded step fitting (labeled for 1.5 inch or 2 inch pipe) on the preferred side. Push the PVC supply line through the fitting, allowing about 10 inches of pipe to enter the enclosure.

For models PS4600, PS7000, and PS15000: Use the provided drill points to create an outlet above the water level. Use the following table for hole saw requirements:

Step 1. Choose which panel to enter and use the provided drill-points to find the proper height. Use the correct hole saw size based on the model:

Step 2. Remove the retaining nut and friction washer from the bulkhead. Note that the nut has reverse threads; turn clockwise to loosen.

Step 3. From the inside of the FilterFalls, insert the threaded end into the hole, sandwiching the rubber gasket between the flange and the inside wall.

Step 4. Slip the friction washer over the threads on the outside and install the retaining nut. Turn counterclockwise to tighten. Hand tighten and finish with a half turn from a wrench.

Step 5. Apply silicone to the threads of the Male Thread Adapter (MTA) and screw it into the bulkhead until tight. Glue the PVC flex hose into the MTA using PVC glue.

Place the unit on undisturbed soil. If elevated, compact the area thoroughly to prevent settling. Ensure the unit is level from side to side. Check the level from front to back and ensure it is tilted slightly forward about 1/4 inch to prevent water from leaking out over the back of the enclosure. Weigh the unit down with stones before backfilling. Do not completely backfill until all plumbing and liner connections are completed.

Step 1. Pull the liner up the face of the FilterFalls and drape a minimum of 6 inches over the top. Use spring clips to hold it, leaving slack below the spillway.

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

Step 3. Pull the liner back and clean the face of the enclosure 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. Re-attach the liner with spring clips. Attach the liner flange starting with the center screw, then work outward. Use a hand-held screwdriver only. Screws should only be snug; over-tightening can strip inserts or crack the flange.

Step 6. Trim away excess liner once completed.

Locate the intersection of your Skimmer and Pump models in the table below to find the correct cut mark. Letters indicate the 1.5 inch threaded end of the pipe will be used; numbers indicate the 2 inch threaded end will be used.

Cut the pipe at the identified mark with a hacksaw or PVC saw, ensuring a clean, square cut. Smooth the end with sandpaper and glue it into the 2 inch socket fitting on the check valve using PVC cleaner/primer and glue.

Step 1. Determine the best side of the Skimmer for clearance after installing the pump and plumbing.

Step 2. Drill a 7/8 inch hole at the provided drill point using a spade bit or hole saw.

Step 3. Insert the Auto Fill, ensuring the gasket is on the water side and the plastic retaining nut is on the outside. Tighten the nut by hand; do not over-tighten.

Step 4. Connect to your water source (garden hose, 1/2 inch irrigation line, or 1/2 inch Sch 40 PVC) using the included fittings and thread sealant.

Step 5. Adjust the water level by loosening the wing nut and raising or lowering the float. The unit supports a flow rate of 0.5 to 1.5 gpm with a maximum inlet pressure of 80 psi.

Use the drill-point provided on the back of the Skimmer. This location positions the bottom of the overflow pipe approximately 1 inch above the recommended water level. Drill a 3 inch hole and install an HA2000 bulkhead. Install a 2 inch MTA into the bulkhead using silicone on the threads, then glue the PVC flex hose into the MTA.