E-Newsletter
Operating Instructions
ProBead 1000
ProBead 2000
ProBead 3000
ProBead 1000
.50 cubic ft.
Recommendations:
Pump Size 3000 gph*
*Needed to properly backwash
Plumbing Pipe Size - 1 1/2"
Ponds up to 1000 gallons
Size Dimensions
Base Width 13"
Height 33 13/16"
Diameter 15 3/4"
ProBead 2000
1.0 cubic ft.
Recommendations:
Pump Size 4000 gph*
*Needed to properly backwash.
Plumbing Pipe Size 1 1/2" only
Ponds up to 2000 gallons
Size Dimensions
Base Width 13"
Height 36 3/8"
Diameter 17 3/4"
ProBead 3000
1.5 cubic ft.
Recommendations:
Pump Size 4000 gph*
*Needed to properly backwash.
Plumbing Pipe Size 1 1/2" only
Ponds up to 3000 gallons
Size Dimensions
Base Width 13"
Height 38 1/2"
Diameter 20 3/4"
Flow Rates in bead filters are critical. Please use the proper pumps and plumbing recommendations. Deviations from these recommendations could affect the efficiency of your filter. High flow rates are necessary for proper backwashing. If the flow rate is too strong going from the filter to the pond or waterfall a valve can be installed into the return line to allow the ability to reduce water flow. This will not hurt the efficiency of the filter or pump.
Additional Parts Needed:
Pump
Hose
3 - 1 1/2" Hose Fittings for Valve Head (Flex Hose Installation)
3 Clamps for Flex Hose Fitting
3 - 1 1/2" Quick-Disconnect Couplings for PVC Installation
3 Male 1 1/2" to Slip PVC Fitting for PVC Installation
Teflon Tape for Flex Pipe Fitting and PVC Fitting
Glue for PVC Installation
Tools Needed for Installation:
Thank you for your purchase of the ProBead biofilter. You now have the most sophisticated form of filtration available with the ease of 5 to 10 minute cleaning designed so that you do not have to get your hands wet! It's truly state-of-the-art and we’re sure you’ll be delighted with your purchase. Installation & Operations GuidePhillips Head Screwdriver
Contents:
Your filter comes with a tank that has a drain and drain cap, a 4" to 3" lateral assembly, a valve head, a valve head clamp assembly consisting of a C clamp, O ring and clamp tightner and a package of plastic beads.
Where to Locate Your BiofilterYour ProBead BioFilter is a closed, pressurized unit so it can be installed anywhere you desire. Please keep in mind that if you choose to locate your biofilter away from the pond you will reduce the amount of water flow by the distance it is away. You will need to take that into consideration when sizing the pump. Place the biofilter on level ground. We recommend you place it on leveled cement blocks or on a poured cement pad.
Prepare the Biofilter for InstallationRemove the valve assembly by loosening the clamp nut and C clamp. Pull the lateral assembly out of the filter.
Cut a small hole in the bag filled with beads and pour the beads into the tank. Be careful not to spill any of the beads. Fill the tank 1/2 full of water. The beads will float.
Insert the lateral assembly into the tank marking sure the O ring is properly fitted around the base of the valve assembly.
Press the valve head down firmly and install the clamp assembly.
Install Plumbing (Either PVC or Flex Hose)
Flex Hose Installation:
When using flex hose you will need 3 male threaded to barb 1 1/2" fittings, 3 clamps, teflon tape and the necessary amount of flex hose.
PVC Pipe Installation:
If installing with PVC pipe we recommend you purchase 3 - 1 1/2" quick disconnect couplings. These coupling will allow you to disconnect and reconnect your plumbing without cutting the pipe.
Plumbing connections are as follows:
There are 3 ports. PUMP, RETURN and WASTE. Each port on the valve head is marked. (Markings are hard to read after fittings have been installed.)
PUMP Connection - Install the hose or PVC from the pump to the biofilter unit here.
RETURN Connection - Install the hose that will take the water back to the pond or waterfall.
WASTE Connection - Install the drain or waste hose here. (This is where your water will exit when in the "Backwash" or "Drain" valve positions.)
You are now ready to operate the unit.
To Filter
Place the head valve lever into the FILTER position. Power up your pump. It stays in the position during normal filtering operations.
To Clean or "Backwash"
Move the head valve lever from the FILTER position to the BACKWASH position. Allow the unit to run in this position until the water comes out clear (approximately 2 -3 minutes). CAUTION - If using an external pump, we recommend you cut your pump off prior to any movement of the head valve lever.
Move the lever from the BACKWASH position to the RINSE position. Allow the unit to run until the waste water runs clear. Move the lever back to FILTER. If the filter is unusually dirty this procedure may have to be performed twice.
Don't void your warranty. Follow these instructions whenever you change the bead biofilter's valve position.
When using submersible pumps with your bead biofilter it is probably not necessary to turn off the power to the pump while turning the control lever on the 6-position valve on your ProBead. Submersible pumps operate at lower water pressures. We have experienced NO problems with submersible pumps.
When using external pumps with your bead biofilter you MUST turn off the power to the pump before moving the lever on 6-way valve. Many external pumps operate on higher water pressures. By not turning off the power to the pump prior to moving the valve you could damage the ProBead or the pump and void your warranty on either or both products. The following damages could result: You could possibly blow the seals in the valve assembly of the bead filter, you could crack the wet end housing on the pump and/or you could crack the lid on the leaf basket. While moving the lever of the valve with the pump running and you accidentally land on the "Closed" position, damage WILL occur. Any of these types of damages are NOT covered by either product's warranty.
We recommend that an on/off switch for the pump be installed in the electrical system close to your filter to make it easier for you.
Power Backwash
Occasionally you may want to perform a power backwash. This is dependent on your
pond particulars. To do a power backwash, first do a normal backwash. Turn the
power to the pump off, open the cap on the filter drain line, move the head
valve lever to the BACKWASH position and turn the power back on to the pump. Let
the pump run from 3 to 5 minutes then move the valve lever to the RINSE position
for 2 to 3 minutes then move the valve lever back to the FILTER position.
Turn off the power to the pump and recap the drain.
All systems are unique and dependent upon the pond particulars such as fish and plant loads, UV Light or no UV, etc. We recommend you backwash your biofilter at least once a week. In heavily planted ponds with high fish loads, 2 - 3 times per week may be necessary. Once per week is normal.
To Drain
Place head valve lever to the WASTE position. Water from the pump will by-pass the filter unit and empty the pond.
To Recirculate
Place the head valve lever to the RECIRCULATE position. This position is useful when medicating your pond. When in this position, the water will by-pass the beads and filtration unit and return to the pond, not allowing the medications to affect the nitrifying bacteria established in your biofilter.
CLOSED Position
In this position water will not move through the filter. Always make sure the pump is OFF when moving the valve lever to the CLOSED position.
A Word About Algae
A filter will remove the solids and waste that convert into nitrates (fertilizer) that are instrumental in algae bloom. Algae is a microscopic plant and will not be filtered out by the filter. If algae is a problem we highly recommend a UV light. Systems with heavy algae blooms will occasionally cause the beads to cake, making them less effective and requiring longer times to backwash. If your system becomes caked simply remove the valve head assembly by removing the clamp assembly. Pull off the valve head. Partially drain 1/4 of the water by opening the valve on the drain system. Take a broom handle and stir the beads vigorously. Reinstall the valve head and clamp assembly then perform a power backwash.
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