TJB-INC - Water Garden & Pond Products / Skimmer Units & Replacement Mats, Auto Fills, etc / Aquascape Inc / Aquascape - Classic Series / All Products

Aquascape's Pond Owners Manual For Water Garden & Pond Lovers

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:08:00 GMT

Aquascape's Pond Owners Manual For Water Garden & Pond Lovers
Buy Now: $3.99

Aquascape's

Pond Owners Manual

We offer a copy of the full color, 24 pg "Pond Owner's Handbook" in both as a printed booklet and as a download in a .pdf. This handbook covers all of the topics that a pond owner will need to know about.

Pond Ecology & the Aquascape System
Pond Fish - Health & Care
Aquatic Plants
Pond Myths
Maintenance
Pump Trouble Shooting

To download the .pdf file, CLICK HERE.

To view more Aquascape videos CLICK HERE

Visit Aquascape - Classic Series to see additional products in this category.

Quick Connector for 1/4" Poly Tubing use with the Aquascape Hudson AutoFill Valve

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 08:59:00 GMT

Quick Connector for 1/4" Poly Tubing use with the Aquascape Hudson AutoFill Valve
Buy Now: ~~$7.99~~ $6.99

Quick Connector for 1/4" Poly Tubing

Straight Union Connector - Connects tube to tube using SpeedFit Quick Connectors.

Used with Aquascape Hudson Water Fill 1/4" tubing
Cut the end of the tube square ensuring it is free of score marks and burrs. Slip all of the way into and it locks shut.
Easy to remove and reuse

Visit Aquascape - Classic Series to see additional products in this category.

1/4 x 1/4 Quick Connectors - Aquascape Automatic Water Fill Valve for Water Garden & Pond Skimmers

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:37:00 GMT

1/4 x 1/4 Quick Connectors - Aquascape Automatic Water Fill Valve for Water Garden & Pond Skimmers
Buy Now: $5.49

Automatic Water Fill Valve - 1/4" x 1/4" Quick Connectors

Quick connectors to connect ¼" pipe to ¼" pipe
No tools required
Click on "View Enlarged Image" for instructions

Visit Aquascape - Classic Series to see additional products in this category.

Aquascape 1/2" Hudson Automatic Water Garden Fill Valve for Mechanical Water Garden Skimmers

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 16:28:00 GMT

Aquascape 1/2" Hudson Automatic Water Garden Fill Valve for Mechanical Water Garden Skimmers
Buy Now: ~~$89.99~~ $71.99

1/2" Hudson Water Fill Valve

The Hudson Valve, with its new and innovative design, will solve your fluid control problems once and for all. This compact, virtually indestructible valve is well adapted to a wide variety of applications, from personal home use to large-scale industrial use. This valve is ideal for any application where it is necessary to control the level of fluid. The Hudson Valve's unique design has caught the attention of people in every type of industry where fluid control is necessary.

For use with Aquascape's Signature, Classic (Standard, Large, & Grande), and Micro Skimmers
Compatible with Pondless Waterfall MicroSnorkel Vault.
Will work on other manufacturer's skimmers as well
Special Aquascape Watergarden Mounting Plate.
High Volume Flow Rate.
Click on "View Enlarged Image" (below picture) for flow chart in GPM..
Easy to Install and very reliable.
Allows 4 inches of height adjustment.
For use with our 1/4 inch poly pipe (sold separately).
Can also be used with 1/2 inch pipe by removing the 1/2" to 1/4" quick-adapter on the top of the unit.
Fittings sold separately.

To view the written Hudson Waterfill Valve Instruction Manual (English & French) in a Down-loadable PDF file that can be printed, click on the link at the end of this statement. When you are finished with the PDF file , click your browser's BACK arrow (located in the upper left corner of your screen) to return to this page. "DOWNLOAD MANUAL"

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

How does the valve work?

The valve operates using a float and a control diaphragm chamber. When hooked up to a water source the valve will allow water to flow through it until the water reaches the bottom of the valve. As the water level rises it causes the float inside of the valve to rise allowing the diaphragm chamber to fill and close the valve.

What type of tubing/pipe should I use to install my Hudson Valve?

Make sure that your tubing/pipe is of an adequate size:

• For the ½” Valve – no smaller than ¼” and no bigger than 1”
• For the 1” Valve – no smaller than ½” and no bigger than 2”

How do I install my Hudson Valve?

• Do not use pipe compound.
• Use plumber’s Teflon tape on threads of water supply pipe.
• Screw Hudson Valve on to water supply pipe; hand tighten only.
• Turn water source on full volume.
• Make sure valve is mounted stably – the valve will not work if it is not secure.
• The valve cannot be submerged.
• The valve must be mounted vertically.

Where will the valve shut off?

(click for photo)

• The valve will shut of about 1 ½”- 2” up from the bottom of the valve depending on pressure (the higher your water pressure the higher up on the valve the water will shut off).
• NOTE: there will be a short delay in shut-off the first time the valve is used while the control chamber fills with water.

Will my valve work in liquids other than water?

• The Hudson Valve is designed to be used in water.
• We only recommend using it in water.
• We will only warranty valves that have been used in water.
• This is not to say that the valve will absolutely not work in other liquids. We have customers that use it in a variety of liquids, but we have not tested it in anything other than water, and thus cannot recommend its usage with any other liquids.
• We do know the valve will not work with salt water as the supply source.

Why won’t my valve shut off?

• The valve needs to be cleaned periodically depending on the cleanliness of the water source.
• Wash the valve and valve parts with fresh water. Dirt, rust, sediment and sand can build up on the valve and cause it to malfunction.
• The valve has two very important holes that run through the center of it. If either of these holes becomes clogged, the valve will not shut off.

To check the holes take the valve apart:

   •Remove the strainer cap from the stem of the diaphragm. (click for photo)
   •Hold the diaphragm up to the light and make sure that the hole that runs through the body of the stem is free and clear. (click for photo)
   •Drop the float out of the body of the valve. To do this, turn the valve upside down. Use a flat head screwdriver and gently push down and out on the clip. (click for photo)
   •Hold the body up to the light and make sure that the hole that runs through the body of the valve is free and clear. (click for photo)
   •If either of these holes is clogged, flush it out with water or use a small needle to help clear the hole. Do not force any object into either hole, as the valve will not work if the size of the hole is altered.

• Check to make sure that you have adequate flow. The valve has to have more than a trickle of water coming to it in order to get it to shut off. If you have less than 10lbs of water pressure, your valve may not be getting enough flow to it to make the valve seal.
• Make sure that your water source is turned on full volume.
• Make sure that your tubing/pipe is of an adequate size:
   •For the ½” Valve – no smaller than ¼” and no bigger than 1”
   •For the 1” Valve – no smaller than ½” and no bigger than 2”
• Make sure that all parts are installed correctly.
   •The screen is installed from the top of the cap down. (click for photo)
   •The diaphragm “skirt” sits in the groves of the body of the valve. (click for photo)
   •The retainer ring sits on top of the diaphragm, with the flat side up. (click for photo)
   •The float has free movement in the body of the valve (using your fingers, gently push the float up and let it drop back down – it should move up and down freely about an 1/8”.
• Do not glue any parts together
• Use Teflon tape only – do not use other products to install valve.
• If you are using a ½” valve, try removing the screen. Due to the fact that there is less area in the ½” valve between the cap and the diaphragm than there is in the 1” valve, the screen on the ½” sometimes will restrict the movement of the diaphragm. Not using a screen will not affect the performance of the valve. The screen is only needed to help filter out debris. If your water source is clean, it is not needed.

Why won’t my valve open?

• The insert in the body of the valve may be clogged. To check this, remove the cap from the top of the valve. Remove diaphragm and retainer ring. Turn valve over and remove clip (you can use a flat head screwdriver and gently push down and out to do this) and drop float out of the body of the valve. (click for photo)
•Hold the valve up to the light and look through the metal insert in the center of the body. If it is clogged, flush is out with water. If this doesn’t clear the insert, use a small needle to gently push the debris out. Then flush with water again to clean. (click for photo)
• There isn’t enough water flow coming to the valve. Your water source must be turned on full volume. We recommend having at least 8 lbs of pressure.

How do I repair my Hudson Valve?

• If none of the following suggestions work, a repair kit will be needed.
Hudson Valve and our many of our distributors sell repair kits containing all of the internal parts of the valve. Please refer to our products page to learn more about repair kits.
• First, try taking the valve apart and cleaning all parts and the body of the valve in clean water.
• Check the hole in the body of the valve. The valve has two very important holes that run through the center of it. If either of these holes becomes clogged, the valve will not shut off.
• To check the holes take the valve apart.
   •Remove the strainer cap from the stem of the diaphragm. Hold the diaphragm up to the light and make sure that the hole that runs through the body of the stem is free and clear. (click for photo)
   •Drop the float out of the body of the valve. To do this, turn the valve upside down. Use a flat head screwdriver and gently push down and out on the clip. (click for photo)
   •Hold the body up to the light and make sure that the hole that runs through the body of the valve is free and clear. (click for photo)
   •If either of these holes is clogged, flush it out with water or use a small needle to help clear the hole. Do not force any object into either hole, as the valve will not work if the size of the hole is altered.
• Check the shut-off pad, which is located on the top of the float (part P07), for any indentations or tears. If it looks dented or torn, try turning it over. You can do this by gently slipping it out of its base using a small needle. Then flip it over and push it gently back in using your finger.
• Do NOT glue, hammer or alter the valve or valve parts in any way. Doing any of this will nullify your warranty.

After I install the valve, what do I do if I hear water hammer or other noise in my line?

• The water hammer can be caused by too much pressure build-up behind the valve. Under high-pressure conditions, installing a pressure-reducing valve before the Hudson Valve may alleviate the problem.

When do I use a continuous flow disc?

(click for photo)

• The continuous flow disc is designed to be used only during the winter in freezing climates. When installed, it will allow the valve to keep a slow trickle of water moving through it at all times. When installed, the valve will not fully shut off. The purpose of this disc is to prevent freezing of pipes during the winter.
• When using a continuous flow disc, you will need an overflow line to take excess water away as the disc will allow the valve to overflow the tank.

Visit Aquascape - Classic Series to see additional products in this category.

Aquascape - 1 1/2" Plumbing Assembly for use with MicroSkim Water Garden & Pond Skimmers

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 16:28:00 GMT

Aquascape - 1 1/2" Plumbing Assembly for use with MicroSkim Water Garden & Pond Skimmers
Buy Now: ~~$44.98~~ $35.98

1½" Plumbing Assembly for use with MicroSkim

This plumbing assembly allow the easy junction between the pump and the Kink-Free Piping that are used in the MicroSkim.
The easy to turn coupler allows for easy pump removal for service or storage while leaving the piping intact.

Visit Aquascape - Classic Series to see additional products in this category.

1/4 x 100 ft Poly Pipe for 1/2" Hudson Automatic Water Fill Valve for Water Garden & Pond Skimmers

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 16:28:00 GMT

1/4 x 100 ft Poly Pipe for 1/2" Hudson Automatic Water Fill Valve for Water Garden & Pond Skimmers
Buy Now: ~~$21.99~~ $19.79

1/4 inch x 100 ft Poly Pipe

¼" x 100 ft. poly pipe is extremely flexable making it easier to install and hide than the 1/2 inch irrigation pipe.
The 1/2" Hudson Automatic Water Fill Valves (sold seperately and available on our Store) new injection molded slide plate is now very easy to install,
Allows 4" of on/off adjustment and improves structural support of the valve housing. (A great improvement over our previous model.)
500 gallon per day fill rate with the ¼ poly pipe provides more than enough water to keep up with evaporation on residential size projects.
New water spigot fitting has quick-connect adaptor for 1/4" poly and is manufactured out of brass for durability (sold seperately on our Store).
New 1/2 inch conversion kit allows Water Fill Valve to be adapted to conventional irrigation lines (sold seperately on Store).
For use in Micro, Standard, Large, Grande, and Signature Series Skimmers. Also for use with the Pondless Waterfall MicroSnorkel Vault.

Visit Aquascape - Classic Series to see additional products in this category.

Brass Quick Connect Water Spigot Fitting for Aquascape 1/2" Hudson Automatic Water Fill Valve

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 16:28:00 GMT

Brass Quick Connect Water Spigot Fitting for Aquascape 1/2" Hudson Automatic Water Fill Valve
Buy Now: ~~$20.59~~ $18.53

Brass Quick Connect Water Spigot Fitting

This fitting is used to connect ¼ inch poly piping from the 1/2" Hudson Automatic Waterfill Valve to a conventional 3/4" outside water spigot.
No tools needed.
Includes rubber washer for a leak free connection to spigot

Visit Aquascape - Classic Series to see additional products in this category.

Irrigation Conversion Kit (1/2" to 1/4") for Aquascape 1/2" Hudson Automatic Water Fill Valve

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 16:28:00 GMT

Irrigation Conversion Kit (1/2" to 1/4") for Aquascape 1/2" Hudson Automatic Water Fill Valve
Buy Now: $7.99

Automatic Water Fill Valve - Irrigation Conversion Kit (1/2" to 1/4")

New ½ inch conversion kit allows the ½" Hudson Water Fill Valve to be adapted to conventional irrigation lines.
No need to run a line to an outside spigot.
Water Valve is activated every time sprinkler zone is running

Visit Aquascape - Classic Series to see additional products in this category.

Aquascape Classic Series Mechanical Water Garden & Pond Skimmers

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 16:28:00 GMT

Aquascape Classic Series Mechanical Water Garden & Pond Skimmers
Buy Now: $279.98

Classic Series Mechanical Skimmer

The first step in building a pond is ensuring that waste products are efficiently removed from the system. The application of a skimmer and bottom drain is essential in this regard.

Skimmers can remove as much as 85% of debris before it settles to the bottom and is the most effective way of reducing maintenance and increasing the quality of your water. They can provide both mechanical and biological filtration all in one unit. It provides efficient removal of floating debris and oxygen robbing protein film. A leaf trap is included and offers easy removal of larger debris. Everything is removable for easy access and maintenance. The door automatically adjusts to the pond water level for more suction. The floating door prevents most fish from entering the basket.

The addition of a skimmer will greatly reduce the maintenance and increase the enjoyment of your pond.

Aquascape's family of field proven, time tested skimmers are the #1 selling skimmer in the water garden marketplace! Why? Because they work! No gizmos and gadgets designed by engineers behind a desk, but rather functional, easy to install and maitain filters designed by actual pond builders from Aquascape Inc in St. Charles, IL.

Built in overflow protection to eliminate pond edge erosion and set the pond level exactly.
Eliminates routine maintenance for you by removing debris before it sinks to the bottom of the pond.
Allows pond construction in any location, even directly beneath trees.
Hides the pump and plumbing from view alongside your pond instead of in the pond.
Won't drain the pond down if a leak develops in the plumbing or waterfalls.
Includes:
(1) Skimmer Mat
(1) Net with sturdy rust-free aluminum frame
(1) Plastic Filter Support Rack
(1) 2" Bulkhead Fitting (3" on Grande Skimmer)
Faux Rock Lid (to blend it into the landscape)
Photo will change as you select different sizes above
For measurements of a skimmer, click on "View Enlarged Image" above
Four Different Sizes Available

MicoSkim (limited supply left)

12" W x 16" D x 20" H
Four Filter Brushes (instead of filter mat)
Barbed & Slip Fittings for both 1½" Kink-Free & Flex PVC
Handles from 500 to 2,500 gph

Grande Skimmer:

40" W x 20" D x 30" H
15.4" Weir Opening
Handles up to (2) 10,000 gph Pumps (20,000 gph max)
Must be Truck Shipped Due to its Size & Weight

TJB-INC INSTALLATION TIPS:

When installing a skimmer into a pond, always leave an extra 4"-6" of liner in a fold at the bottom front of the skimmer. This is if you ever have to adjust the skimmer up in height, you can do so with out replacing the liner.
Make sure the end of overflow pipe that comes out of the bulkhead fitting in the center of the rear of the skimmer, is at least 4'-6' from the back of the skimmer. If you can go farther, all the better. Be sure that the overflow water can drain away from the skimmer. Test it to be sure! The reason why is ... if any of the overflow water gets under the skimmer, it will cause the skimmer to float upwards. Several very bad things will happen to your pond. First: If you did not put in the extra fold of liner as I described above, then the liner may tear where the screws that hold on the wier plate are causing a major leak. Second: if the skimmer floats up, then the overflow rises up, which, now allows the pond level to raise. If the pond level raises, then water may get under your pond liner and cause your pond liner to bubble which ... causes your rock walls to fall down. Third: When the skimmer floats up, the dirt along the side will fall to the bottom of the skimmer hole that you dug. This dirt will now mix with the water forming flowable mud that will settle in the void created by the skimmer rising. You will not be able to push the skimmer back down to its original position. You will now have to drain the pond level down to below the original bottom of the skimmer hole. Then you will have to detatch the liner from the skimmer. Remove the skimmer and clean out all of the mud so the bottom is flat and compacted. Next you will have to re-install the skimmer and re-attach the liner to the skimmer with new silicone. Make sure to use the same holes in the liner from the first installation.
Yes, this has all happen to me in my early years of pond installation. So save yourself a lot of work and make sure your overflow water drains properly or I will tell you ... "I told you so!"

Visit Aquascape - Classic Series to see additional products in this category.