BULKHEAD INSTALLATION

It is a good idea to install the bulkhead fitting and proper hose adaptor (not included) before setting the FilterFalls.

A 1 ½” bulkhead has been provided in the installation kit for the models listed above. Remove the retaining nut, friction washer and 1 rubber gasket, leaving 1 rubber gasket on the body of the bulkhead fitting. From the inside of the FilterFalls, insert the threaded end of the bulkhead into the hole on the side of the enclosure. This will sandwich the rubber gasket between the flange of the bulkhead and the inside wall of the enclosure. Slip first the rubber gasket and then the friction washer over the threaded end of the bulkhead on the outside of the enclosure. Next, tighten the retaining nut by hand and then finish off with a ½ turn from a wrench.

Pro Series FilterFalls are not pre-drilled for the bulkhead fitting. Not having a pre-drilled pipe inlet gives the professional installer the flexibility to choose which panel of the FilterFalls to enter. Drill-points have been provided to indicate the proper height to drill for the bulkhead fitting. Information has been provided below to show which bulkhead is supplied and what size hole saw should be used. (Note: If you are installing a Back- Flush Kit (not included), this is a good time to drill for the bulkhead fittings.) See the Back-Flush installation instructions information.

Remove the retaining nut and the plastic friction washer (2” only), leaving the rubber gasket on the body of the bulkhead fitting. From the inside of the FilterFalls, insert the threaded end of the bulkhead into the hole that you have drilled. This will sandwich the rubber gasket between the flange of the bulkhead and the inside wall of the enclosure. Install the friction washer (2” only) and the retaining nut outside of the enclosure. (Note: 2” & 3” retaining nuts are reverse threads and are tightened in a counterclockwise rotation.) Tighten the retaining nuts by hand and then finish off with a ½ turn from a wrench.

SETTING THE FILTERFALLS

It is always recommended that the FilterFalls be placed on undisturbed soil if possible. If the installation calls for the FilterFalls to be elevated above existing grade, it is critical to compact the area thoroughly. This will ensure that the FilterFalls will not settle out-of-level over time. The use of cinder blocks or bricks under the falls to raise it up will help reduce the chance of settling. The FilterFalls can be placed adjacent to the pond edge to create a single waterfall, or pulled away from the pond to create a streambed effect. Refer to the surface area recommendations on page 14 to ensure that the streambed is properly sized.

Once you have placed the unit, make sure it is level from side to side and check the level from front to back. FilterFalls should always be installed tilted slightly forward about Ό”. This will ensure that water never leaks out over the back of the enclosure. When you are finished positioning the unit, it is a good idea to weigh it down with a few rocks to keep it in place while you backfill and make your liner connection. Do not completely backfill the FilterFalls until all of your plumbing connections are made and the liner has been attached.

LINER ATTACHMENT

Dry fit the liner. Hold the liner up against the flat panel of the FilterFalls enclosure underneath the spillway. Leave some excess slack in the liner below the spillway opening. This will help alleviate any future strain on the liner connection. Make sure that the front surface of the FilterFalls, and the back side of the liner are clean and free of debris. Once you are satisfied with the position of the liner, lower it down and prepare to apply the silicone sealant.

Apply fish-safe silicone sealant in a consistent bead across the face of the FilterFalls, approx. 2” below the spillway. Once completed, return the liner to its dry-fit position and hold it in place with the provided spring clips.

Place the supplied flange under the spillway, against the face of the enclosure, on top of the liner. The holes of the flange should be approx. 2” below the spillway so they line up with the silicone bead. Using the stainless steel self piercing screws, attach the liner flange to the filter. Be sure to seal the back of each screw with a dab of silicone on the inside of the enclosure.

Pro Series FilterFalls come equipped with a solid spillway, threaded inserts and a ‘U’ shaped wrap-around flange. This combination of features produces the best seal available on the market today. Start by positioning the liner. Pull the liner up the face of the FilterFalls and drape a minimum of 6” of liner over the top of the enclosure. Use the provided spring clips to temporarily hold the liner in place see below. Leave some excess slack in the liner below the spillway. This will help to alleviate any future strain on the liner connection. With the liner firmly in place, use a sharp razor knife to cut the spillway opening in the liner using the inside of the spillway as a guide see below.

Remove the spring clips and pull the liner away from the face of the enclosure. Make sure that the front of the FilterFalls and the back side of the liner are clean and free of debris. Apply a consistent bead of Atlantic fish-safe silicone to the face of the FilterFalls along the center line of the threaded inserts (fig. 2). Return the liner to the face of the FilterFalls and hold it in place by attaching the spring clips to the rolled lip on either side of the spillway (fig. 2). Attach the liner flange to the FilterFalls, starting with the center screw first, and then work out toward the sides of the spillway. It may be necessary to first pierce the liner with a nail or an awl before inserting the screw. Do not fully tighten any screws until all the screws have been installed. Once completed, trim away any excess liner as needed.