Aquascape Inc MicroSkim® Pond & Surface Skimmer

The perfect skimmer solution for ponds up to 1,000 gallons. Functional and aesthetically pleasing, the MicroSkim Pond & Surface Skimmer is simple to install and simple to maintain. Professional-grade skimming system features a rounded housing design and an extra-durable lid to protect filter components. Corrosion resistant non-cross-threading hardware stands up to the elements. Overflow management system allows water in an overflow situation to safely drain away from the pond.

MicroSkim Pond & Surface Skimmer boasts dual stage mechanical filtration. Unique Filter Brushes sweep incoming pond water clean and then larger leaves and debris are deposited into mesh, large volume Debris Net. Both are easy to remove for routine cleaning to ensure great mechanical filtration. Pair with the Aquascape Inc MicroFalls Filter for a complete professional pond filtration system.

MicroSkim Pond & Surface Skimmer measures 17-1/2" x 20" x 17-1/2" high; 1-1/2" fittings. Recommended for ponds and water gardens up to 1,000 gal; max flow 2,500 gph.

Each Skimmer contains:

• Debris net
• Four filter brushes
• Barbed & slip fittings for both 1-1/2" Kink Free and flexible PVC
• Durable lid
• Skimmer weir door
• Fish safe silicone and hardware to attach EPDM Fish-Safe liner

Downloadable MicroSkim Pond and Surface Skimmer Instructions PDF.
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Please click on "More Information" for installation instructions.

1. Set up and level the MicroSkim. You've already roughed out a hole approximately 21" x 18" x 18" deep during the excavation phase. Use a 2ft bubble level in order to make sure your MicroSkim is properly set into position. Your MicroSkim should be level from side to side and front to back.
2. Install the bulkhead fitting into the overflow hole. THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE THE SKIMMER IS SET INTO PLACE, OTHERWISE YOU CANNOT TIGHTEN THE BULKHEAD FITTING.
3. Make sure skimmer is set so the desired water level in the pond is approximately 3/4" below the top of skimmer opening.

Attaching the MicroSkim faceplate

1. Position the liner against the MicroSkim opening, making sure there is slack below the opening. This will help reduce tension on the faceplate when placing boulders in front of the unit.
2. Mark the outer perimeter of the MicroSkim opening on the liner, then mark a second box 1-1/2" inside of it. This ensures that you don't cut too much of the liner, which would result in a possible leak.
3. The hole located in the back of the MicroSkim is for the overflow. The overflow will help maintain the maximum water level in the pond after rainfall, ensuring that your skimmer works properly and water does not travel over the edges of the liner and cause problems with hydrostatic pressure.
4. Cut the inner box using a pair of scissors, and insert the skimmer faceplate into the hole.
5. Make sure MicroSkim faceplate is in the upright position.
6. Temporarily install the faceplate and liner to the skimmer using two screws in the upper corners. Using an awl or nail poke the first hole in the liner all the way through to the inside of the filter box. Be careful not to damage the threads on the nut inserts when punching the holes with the awl! Remove the awl or nail while holding the faceplate and liner in place and begin threading one of the screws into filter. Repeat this process for the other screw.
7. Now remove the faceplate from the skimmer, keeping the screws installed through the faceplate and liner.
8. Apply a bead of fish-safe silicone sealant around the skimmer opening, over the nut inserts. Pre-installing the two screws in the earlier steps will make it easy to line up the skimmer faceplate after the silicone is applied and will keep the silicone in as thick of a bead as possible.
9. Replace the skimmer faceplate and the two corner screws, and then proceed with the bottom two corners. Make sure the holes in the faceplate that the weir flap clicks into are on the bottom.
10. With the 4 corners secured, you may now punch the remaining holes with your awl and thread in all the screws. Again, be careful not to damage the threads on the nut inserts.
11. Let dry for at least one hour before introducing water!

Note: Power tools are not recommended for installing the screws and may strip the nut inserts.

General Information

How it Works
Pond maintenance begins and ends at the skimmer. 90% of debris is windblown or falls from trees. Capturing surface debris before it becomes water logged and settles to the bottom of the pond lessens clean-outs, eliminates decomposing matter, lighten the load on your biological filter, keeps pond water clearer and prevents discolored water. A Surface Skimmer helps eliminate areas where diseases, anaerobic bacteria and pathogens thrive.

Skimmer Maintenance

• Shut off pump prior to cleaning Skimmer. Remove the cover to expose the area to clean out.
• Empty the Debris Net on a weekly basis, more often if needed. In the fall the Skimmer may need to be cleaned daily. Debris Net must stay clean to allow water into pump to prevent overheating the pump.
• Spray out the Debris Net with water to get rid of decomposed material.
• Slowly lift out the Filter Brush Cartridge. Do this slowly and carefully to retain the most debris in the cartridge.
• Spray off the cartridge. Do not rinse 100% clean to keep some of the beneficial bacteria on the cartridge.
• Add a maintenance dose of bacterial additive to help seed the Filter Brush Cartridge.