Your New No-Dig Filtration System: Everything You Need to Know
The Splash No-Dig Filtration System
Oase AquaSkim 40
Pond Waterfall Filter
AquaForce 1000 Solids-Handling Pond Pump
(100) BioBalls
15′ of 1.5″ Kink-Free Hose
(1) Female Multi-Hose Adapter (1.5″FPT x 1.5″, 2″ Barb)
(3) Stainless Steel Hose Clamps (1-1/16″ to 2″)
If you want crystal-clear water with less maintenance, your pond needs more than just a pump. It needs complete filtration. By combining the surface-cleaning power of the AquaSkim 40 with the biological filtration of a Pond Waterfall Filter, you can achieve the same healthy ecosystem found in traditional lined Ecosystem Ponds, even if your pond can’t accommodate an in-ground skimmer.
The Splash No-Dig Filtration System includes a submerged pump, the AquaSkim 40 floating skimmer, and a biological Pond Waterfall Filter. These components work together to deliver the same complete filtration system as our Ecosystem Ponds by removing surface debris supporting the growth of algae-fighting beneficial bacteria.
These systems are easy to install and even easier to maintain, making them a fantastic option for pre-formed ponds, concrete water gardens, and other water features where installing traditional filters is not an option.
In this guide:
The AquaSkim 40 Floating Pond Skimmer
A clean pond starts at the surface. One of the simplest ways to improve water quality is by preventing leaves, pollen, fish food, and floating debris from sinking in the first place. That’s exactly what the OASE AquaSkim 40 is designed to do.
The AquaSkim 40 is an in-pond surface skimmer that continuously removes floating debris before it has a chance to sink, decay, and contribute to poor water quality. Unlike built-in skimmers that require cutting into the pond liner, the AquaSkim 40 simply sits inside the pond, making it an excellent choice for both new installations and retrofits.
It features a telescoping body, floating intake ring, and removable debris basket for simple operation and maintenance. It is designed for ponds with pump flow rates between approximately 1,600 and 4,200 GPH and automatically adjusts to changing water levels.
For many pond owners, this skimmer quickly becomes one of the hardest-working pieces of equipment in the entire filtration system. By removing debris before it sinks, it helps reduce sludge, improve water clarity, lessen filter maintenance, and create a healthier environment for fish and aquatic plants.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-install skimmer that doesn’t require modifying your pond liner, the OASE AquaSkim 40 is an excellent solution that can save hours of pond maintenance throughout the year.
AQUASKIM 40 TECH SPECS
- Suitable for water depths between 19″ and 36″ without modification, or as little as 11″ by trimming the support tube.
- Float ring automatically adjusts up to 6″ to account for water level fluctuations
- Recommended Flow Rate: 1,600 to 2,110 GPH
- Pipe Diameter: 1″ – 1.5″
- Dimensions: 14″W x 32″H
- Warranty: 2-year
The Pond Waterfall Biological Filter
While the AquaSkim does an excellent job removing floating debris before it sinks, it performs even better when paired with a biological filter like an Aquascape Pond Waterfall Filter
Think of the skimmer as the pond’s first line of defense. It continuously pulls in leaves, pollen, fish food, and other floating debris, preventing these materials from becoming sludge on the pond bottom. Water is then pumped through the filtration system and returned to the pond through the Pond Waterfall Filter.
This second filter is both decorative and functional. Inside, filter mats and BioBalls (included in the Splash No-Dig Filtration Kit) provide lots of nooks and crannies where beneficial bacteria can colonize and break down ammonia, nitrites and organic waste that the skimmer cannot remove. The result is a complete filtration system that combines mechanical filtration (removing physical debris) with biological filtration (breaking down harmful waste).
In addition to providing biological filtration, the Pond Waterfall Filter gives you a simple way to add the sound of flowing water to your yard. Simply camouflage the filter with rocks to create a naturalistic waterfall that adds oxygen and beauty to your pond.
POND WATERFALL FILTER TECH SPECS
- Recommended Flow Rate: 500 to 5,000 GPH
- Spillway Width: 12″
- Compatible Pipe Diameters: 1″, 1.25″, 1.5″
- Dimensions: 20″L x 15″W x 12.5″H