Welcome to the wonderful world of water gardening. It is time to dig in and get started on building your new micro pond. Follow these 20 steps and you will be enjoying your new backyard paradise in no time.
Step 1
Mark Pond Area
Decide on a location for your pond. It should ideally be placed near the home or patio where you will get the most enjoyment out of its sights and sounds. Lay out a garden hose in a naturally curving shape to define the pond’s edge. When you have finalized the shape of your pond, use a can of marking paint to outline the perimeter. This will be your guide when you start digging.
Step 2
Place MicroSkim and MicroFalls Filter
After marking out your pond, you should now choose the placement of your MicroFalls and MicroSkim. The falls usually faces the main viewing area either at the end of a stream or on the edge of the pond itself. The Skimmer should be placed at the pond’s edge, opposite the waterfall to achieve maximum water circulation.
Step 3
Lay Plumbing
By laying out the plumbing before you dig, you save yourself the trouble of having to dig up the berm to trench the pipe later. Simply bury it in the berm area with the excavated dirt from the pond and dig a trench for the remainder of the pipe run to the skimmer inlet.
Step 4
Hook up and level MicroFalls
To attach the plumbing to the MicroFalls, you will need to install the bulk at fitting and the mail pipe thread adaptor. Insert the bulk in through the inlets in the back of the filter. Be sure the rubber gasket is on the inside to ensure a water tight seal. Use a pair of channel locks to tighten the seal. One or two turns pass hand tight should be sufficient. Place a bit of silicon around the threads of the barb of the hose adopter to ensure a leak proof connection. Thread the fitting into the bulkhead and give it a few turns to secure it. Again, be sure not to over tighten. Set the MicroFalls and dig it in. The MicroFalls needs to be on level ground so mark out the area where it will sit. Be sure to tamp the area thoroughly to avoid settling. The unit should be leveled side to side and pitch slightly forward from front to back. Before you connect the pipe to the barb hose adaptor, slide the provided clamp over the pipe. Firmly attach the pipe to the barb fitting and secure the clamp around it.
Step 5
Excavate the Pond
With the MicroFalls properly connected, you can now begin to excavate the pond. Your Micro pond should be dug somewhere between 18 to 24 inches deep. The best way to achieve this is to dig the pond in shelves. Using your paint markings as a guide, dig the first level approximately one shovel head deep. As you dig the firs shelf, you should also begin to work out a rough hole where the MicroSkim will be set. Once the first shelf is excavated, use your marking paint to outline the second. Be creative and avoid mimicking the contour of the first shelf. Repeat the process on the third and final shelf until you have reached your two foot maximum depth. Now is the time to hook up the MicroSkim. Place the unit in the rough hole you have prepared for it. Your skimmer should be leveled both front to back, and side to side. It is important to determine the water level of your pond before completing the installation of your MicroSkim mechanical filter. Use a laser lever, transit, or a simple string level to assist you with this important step. Your water level should be set so that it comes to about ¾ of an inch below the top of the face play opening.
Step 6
Install Underlayment and Liner
After you have completed the excavation and removed any sharp rocks or debris that you may have unearthed, you will be able to install the fabric underlayment and fish safe EPDM liner. First, unfold the underlayment and lay it out over your pond. Starting in the lowest tier, remove the slack from the fabric by conforming it to the shape of the shelves. Repeat this process with the EPDM liner. Make certain there is enough extra liner around the edges of the pond to avoid low edges.
Step 7
Hook up the MicroSkim
Before installing the faceplate, rem
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