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| Introduction: | |
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The
dilemma of very high fish stocks overloading an existing filter system
has frequently meant replacing the entire system or adding to it in a
conventional manner, but often the case is that there is insufficient
floor space (or finances) to execute either option. This is where the
economical Fluidised Bed filter fully comes into its own, and providing
that the existing system can adequately cater for mechanical filtration,
then a vast improvement in water quality parameters will be evident. The ability of Fluidised Bed filters to biological cater for extremely high level fish loads has been well documented, as have the wear and short life problems encountered by some companies producing such devices back in the year 2000. Only now in 2002 after considerable field and laboratory research can Cloverleaf offer the very best in FBs assisted greatly by the unique specification of silica sand used, and which is scientifically known to offer superior bacteria colonisation than that achieved by coral sand and other common types. Put into perspective, studies would indicate that the unique Cloverleaf biomass silica media has such impressive properties that 3kg will support the same volume of beneficial bacteria that might otherwise only be achievable if using 50 sacks of average filter rock or gravel. Cloverleaf FBs are manufactured in 3 varying sizes, and are available in two designs (1) Pumped with gravity return (2) Pumped with pressurised return. Unlike some other manufacturers products the Cloverleaf range incorporates a non return valve to prevent the loss of sand via any siphoning actions. As a guide to flow rates and application of use, approximately 10% of the ponds volume should be directed through the Fluidised Bed filter. By the nature of design and media used FB's should only be installed on existing mature ponds where adequate mechanical filtration also exists. New for 2007: As an option all FB's will be available with pipework & fittings in grey plastic pressure pipe. This revised follows requests from European customers. |
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| Click On Thumbnail Image Below For Larger Photograph Or Drawing | |
| Below: Diagram Guide For Cloverleaf Filter With Fluidised Bed | |
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Pumped Installation: For guidance purposes this configuration is based upon a pumped supply to the main filter, with a secondary pump serving the FB unit. Return to pond is via a single pipe. |
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| Below: Diagram Guide For Cloverleaf Filter With Fluidised Bed | |
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Gravity Installation: For guidance purposes this configuration is based upon a gravity supply to the main filter, with the external filter pump feeding and discharging through the FB unit. Return to pond is via a single pipe. In setting up the ball valve (No2) correctly the main content of water returning to the pond from the main filter is designed to flow through the manifold pipework on the FB tower, without actually passing through the FB media itself. Only a small percentage (around 10%) of water passes direct through the FB media. |
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For Guidance Notes And Photographs In Setting Up & Maintaining Cloverleaf FB's Click Here |
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| Below: Fluidised Bed Type M25 | |
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The M25 gravity return FB unit will cater for heavy stocked ponds up to 2,500 gallons (11,250 litres), and is best served from a high pressure pump offering around 470gph (like Blagdons Amphibious P2000) with final operational flow rates of around 250gph. This unit is approx 600mm high (24) with a 110mm (4) diameter core containing 3kg of silica sand, together with standard 38mm (1.5) inlet pipe manifold including a Cloverleaf Side Valve on the inlet side, together with a non return valve. Outlet/gravity return is for 50mm (standard 2") rigid pipework. The M25 will support up to 50kg (110lb) of fish load. |
| Below: Fluidised Bed Type M70 | |
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The M70 gravity return FB unit will cater for heavy stocked ponds up to 7,000 gallons (31,500 litres), and is best served from a high pressure pump offering around 830gph (like Blagdons Amphibious P4000) with final operational flow rates of around 700gph. This unit is approx 1000mm high (40) with a 110mm (4) diameter core containing 6kg of silica sand, together with standard 38mm (1.5) inlet pipe manifold including a Cloverleaf Side Valve on the inlet side, together with a non return valve. Outlet/gravity return is for 50mm (standard 2") rigid pipework. The M70 will support up to 100kg (220lb) of fish load. |
| Below: Fluidised Bed Type M25P | |
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The M25P pressurised throughput FB unit will cater for heavy stocked ponds up to 2,500 gallons (11,250 litres), with an ideal final operational flow rate of around 200/250gph. This unit is approx 600mm high (24) with a 110mm (4) diameter core containing 3kg of silica sand, together with standard 38mm (1.5) pipe manifolds including 2 No ball valves. The bottom valve is used to control flow and balancing, with the top valve offering the close down facility to act as a byepass to the FB. The M25P will support up to 50kg (110lb) of fish load. |
| Below: Fluidised Bed Type M70P | |
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The M70P pressurised throuput FB unit will cater for heavy stocked ponds up to 7,000 gallons (31,500 litres), with an ideal final operational flow rate of around 700gph. This unit is approx 1000mm high (40) with a 110mm (4) diameter core containing 6kg of silica sand, together with standard 38mm (1.5) pipe manifolds including 2 No ball valves. The bottom valve is used to control flow and balancing, with the top valve offering the close down facility to act as a byepass to the FB. The M70P will support up to 100kg (220lb) of fish load. |
| Below: Fluidised Bed Type M140 or M140P | |
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The M140 & M140P (pressurised) will both cater for heavy stocked ponds up to 14,000 gallons (63,000 litres). These impressive units are approx 2000mm high (80") with a 110mm core (4") containing 12kg of silica sand. The M140 model requires a 1/4hp pump (similar to that used on the Cloverleaf Junior Pondvac) with an operational flow rate of around 1,400gph. Remaining pipe specification of M140P is similar to the M70P. The M140P will support up to 200kg (440lb) of fish load. |
| Please Note: The recommended pumps mentioned are purely for rough guidance, and accurate flows can only be derived after calculating head loss, and velocity fall off due to long pipe lengths, bends etc. | |
