Aquascape Container Water Garden Filter: User Manual and Maintenance Guide

Introduction

The Aquascape Container Water Garden Filter is a complete solution designed for small to medium-sized container water gardens. It is also suitable for any containers with stagnant or non-moving water, such as birdbaths or water containers holding specimen pond plants like lotus or water lilies. This filter is ideal for all container water gardens holding up to 50 gallons (approximately 189.3 liters) of water.

Safety Information

⚠️ WARNING: Risk of electric shock – This pump has not been approved for use in swimming pool or marine areas.

⚠️ WARNING: To provide continued protection against risk of electric shock, connect to properly grounded, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets only. Follow these guidelines:

Have a qualified electrician install a properly grounded receptacle outlet, acceptable for outdoor use and protected from snow and rain.
Inspect the power cord before using.
Do not use extension cords.
Any wiring of pumps should be performed by a qualified electrician to ensure code compliance and user safety.
Unplug the pump at the receptacle outlet when not in use or before removal from the pond.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, all wiring and junction connections should be made per local codes. Requirements may vary depending on usage and location.
The power cable should be protected at all times to avoid punctures, cuts, bruises, and abrasions.
Never handle power cords with wet hands.
Do not remove the cord and strain relief. Do not connect conduit to the pump.
Do not use the power cable to lift the pump.

Important! Aquascape, Inc. is not responsible for losses, injury, or death resulting from a failure to observe these safety precautions, misuse, or abuse of pumps or equipment.

Instructions for Use

Always operate the pump fully submerged. Failure to do so will overheat the pump and cause it to fail, thus voiding the warranty. DO NOT OPERATE DRY!
Use only in the fully assembled state. Failure to operate the pump without the cover/strainer in place will allow large debris to enter the pump, causing the pump to fail and voiding the warranty.
Do not wear loose clothing that may become entangled in the impeller or other moving parts.
Keep clear of suction and discharge openings. DO NOT insert fingers into the pump with power connected.
Do not pump hazardous materials or liquids such as oil, saltwater, or organic solvents.
Products returned must be cleaned, sanitized, or decontaminated, as necessary, prior to shipment so as to ensure that employees will not be exposed to health hazards in handling said material. All applicable laws and regulations shall apply.

Typical Installation

The Aquascape Container Water Garden Filter is ideally sized and designed for small to medium-sized water features up to approximately 50 gallons. It is small enough to fit into tight spaces, yet contains everything needed to filter the water: a pump, mechanical filter sponge, and biological carbon media.

The filter is designed to be operated fully submerged. DO NOT RUN DRY.

Attach either the Spray Bar or Hose Barb Attachment to the filter discharge:

Spray Bar: The Spray Bar ensures circulation and water movement necessary for proper aeration when keeping fish. Attach the threaded elbow portion of the Spray Bar kit directly to the filter, then add the remaining two pieces of the spray bar. The far end of the spray bar is sealed with a circular rubber plug. (To position the Spray Bar farther from the pump, add the extension between the threaded elbow and the slip X slip elbow.) Position the Spray Bar horizontally at the surface of the water.
Hose Barb Attachment: The Hose Barb Attachment allows you to use the filter to run a variety of ornaments or accessories. Attach the threaded portion of the Hose Barb directly to the filter and then attach the hose running from the ornament to the Hose Barb.

Place your filter in your container water garden. The filter can be placed in either the horizontal position on the shelf of the container water garden, or vertically or horizontally on the bottom of the container.
Connect the filter to an outlet that is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Once the filter is running and water is circulating, check for any fitting leaks.

Parts Diagram

The Aquascape Container Water Garden Filter assembly includes the following components:

1. Plug
2. Spray Bar
3. Elbow
4. Pipe Extender
5. Threaded Elbow Discharge
6. O-Ring
7. Back Cover
8. Suction Cup
9. Pump
10. Impeller Shaft Bushing
11. Impeller Bearing Washer
12. Impeller
13. Impeller Cover O-Ring
14. Impeller Cover
15. Active Carbon Cartridge
16. Filter Sponge
17. Filter Cartridge
18. Cartridge Cover

Spare Part: #77008 Replacement Impeller

Operation and Maintenance

Component Parts Cleaning: The filter cartridge is easily separated from the pump for maintenance. Grasp the pump in one hand and gently pull while bending the filter cartridge away from the pump. It will pop off, allowing access to both the filter carbon cartridge and the filter sponge.
Inlet Screen & Filter Cleaning: Inspect your pump regularly to ensure proper function. If water flow rate diminishes, the pump's inlet screen or internal filters may be clogged with debris. Clean the clogged screen by pulling the pump out of the water to remove debris from the pump cover. With the filter sponge and carbon cartridge removed, rinse them in a bucket using clean water from your container water garden to dislodge debris. Always disconnect the power before performing maintenance.
Internal Pump Cleaning: If you have thoroughly cleaned the intake screen and filters and still experience diminished flow rates, remove the impeller cover to inspect the impeller rotor assembly. If the rotor assembly and internal pump body have excessive scale build-up, clean with a mild acid, such as white vinegar or a non-abrasive calcium, lime, and rust remover product, using a sponge or soft-bristled brush that won't scratch the impeller. Removing scale build-up will restore pump performance.
Replacing the Impeller Assembly: The impeller assembly is the pump's only moving part and will experience wear and tear. If cleaning the pump does not resolve poor performance, it is likely time to replace the impeller. Replacement Impeller Kits are available through your local Aquascape dealer.
Winter Storage: Disconnect the tubing from the discharge fitting and remove the pump from the container water garden. Clean the pump and inlet screens with fresh water and store the pump in a frost-free location.

Troubleshooting

Reduced Water Flow

Pump or plumbing may be clogged; clean the pump intake screen, internal filters, and impeller.

Pump Hums and Doesn't Push Water

Pump or plumbing may be clogged; clean the pump intake screen, internal filters, and impeller.
Remove the filter cartridge and impeller cover to inspect and clean the impeller rotor assembly and internal pump body.
Ensure nothing is blocking or wrapped around the impeller.
Make sure the pump is receiving the correct voltage.

Pump Not Working

The ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) may have tripped.
The pump is not receiving the correct voltage.

Filter Specifications

Input Voltage: 120V AC
Input Frequency: 60 Hz
Flow: 100 gph / 2.98 ft Max Head
For outdoor or indoor use
This pump has been evaluated for use with water only
Input Amps & Wattage: 0.06A / 7 Watts

Warranty

The Aquascape Container Water Garden Filter is guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase. Proof of purchase is required. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from negligent handling, misuse, or lack of reasonable maintenance. The warranty is valid only against defects due to material and the company’s workmanship. The sole obligation shall be to replace the defective unit with a suitable replacement unit. Units should be checked for proper operation prior to returning as defective. Aquascape, Inc. or its affiliates assume no liability for loss or damage of any nature or kind, whether arising out of or from the use of the product, whether defective or not defective.

Contact Us

For more information about Aquascape or its products, please visit our website at www.aquascapeinc.com or call:

US: 1-866-877-6637
Canada: 1-866-766-3426

You can also download a free copy of our catalog from the website.

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