Above: F20 De Luxe with UV

Above: F20 Diagram Section

Above: F4 with Smarstart

Above; Diagram Section F4

For an explanation of how the F20 functions refer to the adjacent diagram section where it can be seen that the spraybar discharges into Bay 1 with its mechanical nylon brushes, with the water thereafter upflowing through Bay 2 with its mechanical/biological “Flocore” medium – following which the water downflows into Bay 3 (the central bay) travelling through the 3 layers of foam (providing final mechanical filtration of tiny particles) before flowing down through the high performance biological “Aquarock” medium before finally returning vertically up the overflow pipe connected at high level to the pond return pipe.  To some individuals this water path may appear complicated, but it is the essence of good sound design.

The F20 De Luxe Bio Clear model is 640 x 460 x 430mm high, and will cater for Koi ponds up to 1,200 gallons (5,350 litres) or Goldfish ponds up to 2,200 gallons (9,800 litres).   Pipe inlet size = 38mm (1.5") supplied with stepped hosetail connector - Outlet/pond return size = 50mm (2").

As the adjacent diagram section will convey the F4 Bio Clear model is a simply box design based on a basic downflow  water path.  Pumped water enters the filter and flows down firstly through 3 layers of foam creating mechanical filtration, before passing through the "Aquarock" high performance biological media. Thereafter it flows up the vertical overflow past the "Smartstart" UV (where fitted) before returning to the pond.

The F4 Bio Clear model is 445mm  x  300mm x 305mm high, and will cater for ornamental ponds up to 700 gallons (3150 litres), or Goldfish ponds up to 500 gallons (2250 litres).  Pipe inlet size  = 32mm (1.25") supplied with stepped hosetails  - Outlet/pond return 38mm (1.5").

Selecting A UV: If pond is of the maximum size allowed by the filter specification and the pond is shallow at the edges (meaning less than 250mm) then chose the largest wattage UV option.

Diagram

Based upon the sound Cloverleaf principals of design, in combining mechanical and biological filtration in separate bays with up and downflows of the water path, this sturdy compact system incorporates the additional bonus of cleverly making use of a 70mm deep planted top tray – where the plant roots are encouraged to enter into the tank, and thus assist in removing nitrates from the water. Although purchasers will need to obtain their own plants, an adequate volume of special aqua-bead planting medium is supplied complete with instructions.

Vegetable filters (commonly known as veggie filters) have in their own right long been reputed to drastically reduce nitrates, which as a result reduce the nutrients which algae’s need to thrive – especially the dreaded blanket weed. Now however for the first time Cloverleaf have combined a 5 stage multi bay filter with a veggie filter, all resulting in a practical system for the small goldfish or ornamental pond (up to around 2,000 gallons for Goldfish). The end result is also visually pleasing on the eye once the plants have matured – thus blending into the garden landscape. A key feature of the Cloverleaf Combo De Luxe Vegetable Filter is its extremely low maintenance factor, which apart from occasionally flushing out the accumulated waste (via the flushing valve) only needs a major service once a year.

The nominal dimensions of this unit are 1000 x 440 x 400mm high (approx 39 x 17 x 16 inches). Bay 1 provides aeration to the water via a linear spraybar, with a settlement area for solids (including waste valve). Bay 2 is upflow through 2 rows of brushes acting as the main mechanical medium. Bay 3 is downflow through a cartridge of genuine Japanese matting, which forms a first class biological medium. Bay 4 is an upflow through a secondary settlement area, with Bay 5 being downflow through  “Flocore” forming the final biological medium. This is followed by an upflow return to the pond via a mid height outlet discharge pipe. Maximum inlet size onto the spraybar is 30mm, with a 50mm connection for the pond return pipe. Where required the filter can be partly sunk into the ground providing that access to the waste valve is retained.