TetraPond Waterfall Filter

Boost biological filtration in ponds up to 1,000 gallons with a beautiful waterfall. This budget-friendly unit does double duty as an attractive waterfall feature and an efficient biological filter. Unfiltered pond water is directed up and through the included mechanical filter mat and into the bio-media chamber for improved water clarity and quality. In addition to mechanical and biological filtration, the TetraPond Waterfall Filter provides beneficial water movement and active aeration to establish a healthy pond environment. Great for new pond construction or upgrading existing pond filtration. The TetraPond Waterfall Filter measures 19-1/4" x 11-3/4" x 12-1/4" high.

TetraPond Waterfall Filter is for ponds up to 1,000 gallons and requires a pump rated between 500 and 4,500 gallons per hour. Accepts 1" or 1-1/4" ID tubing. Bio-media not included.

Please click on "More Information" for installation instructions.

• Place an O-ring on the hose fitting threads and insert into back of filter.
• Place an O-ring on the hose fitting from the inside of the filter. Secure fitting with locknut.
• Place round plate inside filter.
• Place fiber mat on top of plate.
• Fill mesh bag (included) with lava rock or bio-media (sold separately). Rinse the lava rock to remove excess dust that could discolor pond water. Place mesh bag in the filter.

Positioning the Waterfall Filter
Typical Waterfall Filter Application

Options for positioning the filter

• Place next to the pond, either partially buried or above grade.
• Bury into or mound next to pond.
• Place at the top of a stream.

Installation Tip to Prevent Leakage
Note: The number one cause of water loss in the pond is spillage from waterfalls and streams. It is important that all water from the spillway falls directly into the pond, stream or onto a piece of pond liner that drains the water back into the pond. Even though the spillway has a triple drip edge, water can splash on the rocks and bounce out of the pond.

To prevent water loss:
Place a piece of pond liner underneath and up the back of the filter. Be sure the sides and back of the liner slope downwards towards the pond. The liner should overlap the water's edge so any water spilling onto the liner will flow back into the pond. Stack stones and/or backfill with soil to hide the filter and the liner material.

Connecting the pump to the filter with tubing

• For a watertight connection, wrap the hose barb fitting with plumbers tape.
• Secure with stainless steel hose clamp.

Testing Waterfall
Plug pump in and allow waterfall to flow back into pond. Inspect the hose connection to ensure there is no leakage before burying the hose.

Hiding the Waterfall Filter
To create a beautiful, natural-looking waterfall, the filter can be partially buried or have stones stacked around it.

• Stack stones underneath the waterfall spillway to hide the filter body.
• Optional: Place stones under spillway and on top to adjust the look and sound of the waterfall.

Maintenance

• Fiber Mat - The fiber mat should be inspected often and rinsed off.
• Lava Rock/Bio-media - Rinse the bag of lava rock or bio-media in a bucket of pond water. Do not use municipal tap water since this may contain chlorine and chloramines that can harm the beneficial bacteria that have colonized on the lava rock or bio-media. Water may be discarded in the garden to nourish plants. Note: Replace the lava rock before the spring every year, if the pore appears clogged.

Note: The period between each cleaning is dependent on many factors such as fish load, algae growth and the size of the pond. A sensible maintenance schedule should be about every two weeks.

Sludge on the bottom of the Waterfall Filter
Be sure sludge does not accumulate on the bottom of the filter. When the pump is shut off, water may drain back into the pond through the tubing, bringing sludge with it. Use a large sponge to clean sludge from bottom of filter. Note: Never use soap or detergent to clean any parts of the filter.

"Maturation" of your filter
A waterfall filter must undergo a period of "maturation" before fully efficient. During this period, beneficial bacteria grow and colonize on the lava rock until the population is large enough to biologically treat the waste in the water. To avoid dangerous levels of pollutants during this time, gradually introduce pond fish to new ponds and take great care not to overfeed them, especially before the filter has matured. Run the filter 24 hours a day.

Winter Care
The waterfall filter may be left outdoors through the winter.

Warning: This unit can withstand winter temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures drop below this level, makes sure that water keeps running through the unit, otherwise, there is a chance of ice buildup that will stress the unit. In this case, bring the unit indoors until next pond season.

Be aware that ice formations may develop around the waterfall spillway that can channel water outside the pond and lead to water loss. If there is a risk of ice formation, unplug the pump that powers the waterfall filter. In areas having cold winters, the biological activity of pond filters will go dormant. Be sure not to feed pond fish after the water temperatures fall below 39 degrees Fahrenheit. The biological colonies on the filter media will rebuild themselves in the spring.

General Information
How the waterfall works

Mechanical Filtration - Fiber Mat
Pond water is pumped into the bottom of the filter. It rises upwards through a fiber mat, which traps suspended dirt and debris.

Biological Filtration (Lava Rock or bio-media in Mesh Bag)
Beneficial bacteria will naturally colonize on the rough surfaces of the lava rock or other bio-media (not included) and convert harmful pollutants in the pond into relatively harmless nitrate. Nitrate is absorbed by aquatic plants and can also be removed from the pond through partial water changes.