Pond Skimmers Offer Mechanical Filtration for Larger Ponds and Water Gardens
Gerry Fung Do you have a big backyard water garden? If this is the case, you do not want to have to wade out into the middle of the pond every time you want to adjust your pump or to clean your mechanical filter. That's why pond skimmers are recommended for larger water gardens (over 1000 gallons in volume). The purpose of a pond skimmer is to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that would normally accumulate on the surface of the pond, or inside your mechanical filter in the middle of the pond. A pond skimmer not only provides a filter basket and a secondary mechnical filtration mat, but pond skimmers also provide housing for your pump. Since a pond skimmer is conveniently located beside your pond, you will never have to wade into the middle of your pond to adjust your pump or clean your filter.  
Above: Algreen's pond skimmer comes with a lifetime warranty! An example of a pond skimmer is Algreen's 5000 gallon unit. Unlike other pond skimmers, Algreen's pond skimmer is quite sizeable and measures 22" x 22" x 16". They also include both a trap basket, fish-friendly silicone, nets and bolts assembly, and a lifetime manufacturer's warranty on the enclosure. Pond skimmer installation can be quite straightforward. As an example, the instruction sheet for Algreen's Pond Skimmer is shown below. Pond Skimmer Installation- How to Install Algreen's Pond Skimmer - Dig a hole adjacent to the pond and slightly larger than the pond skimmer box. Make sure the bottom of the skimmer hole is compacted and level. Place the skimmer into the hole and backfill. Level the skimmer box from front to back and side to side. When you're finished the normal water level is ¾" to 1 ½" below the top of the weir opening.
- Connect the pond skimmer to the pond liner. Hold the liner up against the skimmer opening allowing approximately 1" extension above the top of the skimmer box. Allow a little slack liner below the weir opening (the pond liner will settle a little after you have completed installation). Mark the perimeter of the weir opening and then cut out a hole ¼" smaller then the weir opening.
- Reassemble the weir onto the skimmer box with the pond liner (purchased separately) sandwiched between the weir assembly and skimmer box. Locate the top two corner mounting holes. Using an awl or nail carefully punch holes through the pre-drilled weir plate and liner where the mounting screws are located. Insert the blackened screws and check alignment. The pond liner should fit comfortably.
- Disassemble and apply the fish-safe silicone sealant provided to the pond skimmer box around the weir opening and the screw holes. Reassemble. Punch the remaining holes through the liner. Insert screws and tighten nuts in the following order -- 1. Top two corners, 2. Bottom two corners, 3. Remaining holes.
- Take the two barb-head fittings that are provided and tightly screw them into the bulkhead fitting in the back of the skimmer. To connect a waterfall pump (purchase separately) you place the pump in the back of the skimmer behind the basket and filter mat. Using non-kink tubing and clamps (purchase separately) connect the tubing to the barb-head fitting and secure with a clamp.
- With the flat plastic lid that is provided you may wish to use landscape materials to blend it into the surrounding features.
Go to our online store for more information about Algreen's pond skimmer. About the Author
Gerry Fung is a Sales and Marketing representative for Northbridge Products Inc. Gerry Fung may be contacted at http://www.gardensupermart.com/buypond/c230095p16865154.2.html. Click here to view more articles by Gerry Fung. Reprinted with Permission from IdeaMarketers.com
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