How to make the PERFECT Aquascape intake bay with Pump Vaults and Aquablox

Below is a summary of key tips that are outlined in this video.  To watch this video in it's entirety, click on the video - and be sure to leave your comments

The transcript from the YouTube video titled "How to make a FAST and PERFECT AQUASCAPE intake bay" by Columbia Water Gardens.

This video details time-saving and fundamental techniques for constructing an Aquascape intake bay (a natural pond skimmer) that will feed a wetland filter.

Summary of Key Steps and Pro Tips

Pump Vaults and Leveling

  • The project uses two Aquascape pondless waterfall vaults which must be set dead-on level with each other, with backfill of sand used to make fine-tuned adjustments [01:12:00].
  • Since external pumps are used, the plumbing and check valves are installed before the vault lids are secured, as there should be no reason to access the inside again later [02:24:00].

Liner and Underlayment

  • Use a very thick rock pad(2-3 times the regular thickness) underneath the intake bay and rock [03:55:00]. This is done to prevent horizontal water flow and force the water to go through the intended 24-inch wide spillways[04:02:00].
  • Avoid cutting an unnecessary liner channel between the pump vaults; instead, make any necessary grade adjustments using gravel on top of the liner [01:46:00].

Leveling Aqua Blocks (The Critical Pro Tip)

  • The most critical step is ensuring the Aqua Blocks are absolutely perfectly level with each other, as their strength comes from being compacted and level [02:52:00].
  • A fast assembly technique is to level a pipe across the tops of the pump vault feet and then use it as a guide to screen and level the gravel base for the Aqua Blocks [04:33:00]. This creates a perfectly flush surface for them to sit on [04:58:00].
  • Once the Aqua Blocks are in place, they are reinforced and stabilized from the sides using three-quarter-inch crushed rock[11:02:00].

Flow and Construction Details

  • The intake bay features a double inlet and uses a string line to ensure water flows over both spillways at the exact same height [08:32:00].
  • The estimated flow rate is around 22,000 gallons per hour from two 12,000 GPH pumps [09:06:00].
  • A calculation for flow over a weir/spillway is 100 gallons per hour per horizontal inch at a quarter of an inch tall [09:56:00].
  • It is crucial to block the horizontal flow into the intake bay to force the water over the spillways, ensuring proper circulation [10:41:00].

Gravel Selection for Longevity

  • When filling the intake bay, you must use much larger gravel(around 3 to 6 inches) [11:56:00].
  • Using small gravel can cause biomass accumulation over time, clogging the intake and restricting flow to the pump, which can cause the pump to burn out [11:37:00].

Final Construction Tips

  • Don't forget to plug the holes on the bottom of your vault extensions, using creative methods like gorilla tape or underlayment, to prevent rocks from getting inside [12:30:00].

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