Atlantic Water Gardens Oasis PS3900 - Manual (Page 5)

5
PLACEMENT OF THE FILTERFALLS AND SKIMMER
Now that you have determined the size of the pond, waterfalls and filter system, it is time
to determine the placement of the components.
Whenever possible, it is best to 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 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.
STREAMBED CONSTRUCTION
Using proper streambed construction techniques can limit the transitional water needed
to fill the streambed and enables the system to function optimally. Transitional water is
determined by the height that the weir rock extends above the liner at the spillway
opening. Maintaining the shortest distance possible between the top of the weir rock and
the liner is a crucial component to a properly functioning water garden. Figure 3 displays
two examples of proper construction techniques for minimal transitional water.
Figure 4 is an example of improper streambed construction. Stone, gravel and foam
can be combined to make a barrier and create a waterfall, but that barrier will never be
watertight. When the pump is turned off, the water will always drain down to the highest
point of the liner. Improper construction greatly increases the water in transition.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Top of liner
Top of water
Transitional Water
Top of liner
Top of water
Transitional Water
Top of liner
Top of water
Transitional
Water