🌊 Waterco Aquabiome Skid Pack 20″ (500mm) Lacron Pond Filter System

Complete Mechanical & Biological Filtration for Crystal Clear Pond Water

💧 Product Overview

The Waterco Aquabiome Skid Pack 20″ Lacron is a professional-grade pond filtration system specifically engineered for koi ponds and water gardens. This complete skid-mounted system combines mechanical and biological filtration in a single fibreglass housing, delivering exceptional water clarity whilst supporting healthy fish populations.

Designed to handle ponds up to 20,000 litres, this 500mm (20″) filter features Waterco’s advanced lateral and collector system that maximises filtration efficiency. The Aquabiome’s ability to support dense populations of beneficial nitrifying bacteria makes it ideal for high-density fish stocking situations. The complete system arrives ready to install with filter, multiport valve, pipework, air blower, and sturdy skid base included.

Built with Waterco’s latest fibreglass winding technology, the corrosion-resistant and UV-stabilised construction ensures years of reliable outdoor operation in the demanding UK climate.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Complete Skid-Mounted System – Filter, 6-way multiport valve, pipework, air blower, and base supplied as one unit for simplified installation

✅ Dual Filtration Technology – Provides both mechanical particle removal and biological ammonia breakdown in a single housing

✅ 20,000 Litre Pond Capacity – Ideal for medium to large koi ponds and ornamental water gardens

✅ Air-Assisted Backwash – Powerful blower agitates media for thorough cleaning whilst saving water and time

✅ Premium Fibreglass Construction – Advanced winding technology creates seamless, corrosion-resistant vessels

✅ UV Stabilised for Outdoor Use – Withstands direct sunlight without degradation

✅ 8″ Clear Polycarbonate Lid – Easy access for inspection and maintenance

✅ Pressure Gauge Included – Monitor filter performance at a glance

✅ Backwash Sight Glass – Visual confirmation when backwash is complete

✅ Balanced Slotted Laterals – Engineered 1.5mm slots ensure even water distribution

✅ 74.8m² Biofilter Surface Area – Massive biological colonisation capacity for excellent nitrification

✅ 12 Month Warranty – Manufacturer warranty against faulty materials and workmanship

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Filter Type	Bead Filter (Mechanical & Biological)
Maximum Pond Size	20,000 litres
Nominal Diameter	500mm (20″)
Tank Diameter	520mm
Overall Height	815mm
Filter Surface Area	0.2 m²
Biofilter Surface Area	74.8 m²
Media Volume	68 litres
Media Weight	34 kg
Flow Rate Range	4.8 – 9.4 m³/hr (80 – 157 lpm)
Inlet/Outlet Connections	40mm / 50mm (EU) or 1½”
Valve Size	40mm (1½”)
Bed Depth	290mm
Tank Material	UV-stabilised fibreglass (GRP)
Valve Type	6-way multiport valve (MPV)
Backwash Assistance	Air blower included
Working Pressure	See manufacturer documentation
Warranty	12 months

📐 Pond Sizing Guide

The Aquabiome 20″ is designed to turn over your pond water efficiently, maintaining optimal water quality for healthy fish. Waterco recommends a turnover time of 2-3 hours for best results.

Pond Suitability:

Pond Type	Volume Range	Suitability
Small ornamental pond	Up to 10,000 L	✅ Excellent – oversized for superior clarity
Medium koi pond	10,000 – 15,000 L	✅ Ideal capacity range
Large koi pond	15,000 – 20,000 L	✅ Maximum rated capacity
Very large pond	20,000+ L	⚠️ Consider larger ASM600 model

Fish Stocking Capacity:

Fish Type	Maximum Weight
Ornamental fish (3% feeding rate)	16.7 kg total
Aquaculture fish (1% feeding rate)	50 kg total
Maximum daily feed rate	0.5 kg

💡 Note: Fish stocking capacities depend on feeding rates. Ornamental fish calculations assume 3% body weight fed daily; aquaculture assumes 1%.

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🛠️ Installation Requirements

System Components Included:

• Aquabiome ASM500 fibreglass filter vessel
• 6-way multiport valve
• Air blower unit
• Non-return valve assembly
• Pipework and fittings
• Backwash sight glass
• Pressure gauge
• Sturdy skid base

Plumbing Connections:

Connection	Size
Inlet	40mm / 50mm (EU) or 1½”
Outlet	40mm / 50mm (EU) or 1½”
Waste	Via multiport valve

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Solid, level concrete pad required
Location	Outdoor or sheltered – UV stabilised for direct sunlight
Access	Clear space around unit for maintenance and backwashing
Electrical	Air blower requires qualified electrician installation with RCD protection

Pump Requirements: ⚠️ Select a pump delivering 4.8 – 9.4 m³/hr to match the filter’s flow rate range. The pump should be positioned to feed water TO the Aquabiome; the filter operates on the discharge side of the pump.

Installation Position: Install the Aquabiome AFTER any pre-filter (sieve, vortex chamber, or settlement tank). The typical system sequence is:

1. Pre-filter/settlement chamber
2. Aquabiome filter
3. UV steriliser (optional but recommended)
4. Return to pond (waterfall or venturi for aeration)

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🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance:

Task	Frequency	Procedure
Check pressure gauge	Weekly	Note baseline reading when clean
Backwash filter	When pressure rises 0.3-0.5 bar above baseline	Follow air-assisted backwash procedure
Inspect lid seal	Monthly	Check O-ring condition
Clean sight glass	As needed	Wipe clear for visibility
Check media level	Annually	Top up if low
Inspect laterals	Annually	Remove collector assembly to inspect

Air-Assisted Backwash Procedure:

1. Turn OFF the circulation pump
2. Set isolator valve to closed position (3pm)
3. Select RINSE on multiport valve
4. Switch ON air blower – run for 2.5-3 minutes to agitate media
5. Switch OFF air blower
6. Return isolator valve to open position (12pm)
7. Switch ON pump – run for 2-3 minutes until water runs clear
8. Select BACKWASH on multiport valve – run pump for 30-40 seconds
9. Select FILTER mode – resume normal operation

⚠️ CRITICAL: Never run the air blower and circulation pump simultaneously!

Pressure Gauge Guide:

• 📊 Clean filter: Note your baseline reading after installation
• 📊 Backwash needed: When pressure rises 0.3-0.5 bar above baseline
• 📊 Frequency: Typically every 1-2 weeks depending on fish load and debris

Winterisation (UK Climate):

• Pond filters should run continuously to maintain biological activity
• If shutting down, drain the filter completely
• Store air blower in frost-free location
• Protect exposed pipework from freezing

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🪨 Filter Media Information

Recommended Media: The Aquabiome requires Bio-Mec bead filter media (4-5mm diameter) – a specialised plastic bead designed for combined mechanical and biological filtration.

Media Specification	Value
Type	Bio-Mec plastic beads
Size	4-5mm diameter
Capacity required	34 kg (68 litres volume)
Purchase	Available separately – see Bio-Mec Filter Media 20kg bags

Why Bio-Mec Media?

• High surface area for bacterial colonisation
• Traps suspended particles in crevices for mechanical filtration
• Lightweight for efficient air-assisted backwashing
• Durable – does not break down over time

Biological Start-up: Add bacterial starter product (such as Filter Start) when commissioning the system. Allow 4-6 weeks for beneficial bacteria to fully colonise the media bed before stocking at maximum capacity.

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🔬 Filtration Performance

How the Aquabiome Works:

1. Water enters via the multiport valve and flows down to the lower filter section
2. Specially designed slotted laterals (1.5mm) evenly disperse incoming water
3. Water flows UPWARD through the Bio-Mec media bed
4. Mechanical filtration: Suspended particles become trapped between media beads
5. Biological filtration: Nitrifying bacteria colonising the media convert toxic ammonia to nitrite, then to harmless nitrate
6. Clean water exits through the top collector and returns to pond

Filtration Ratings:

Parameter	Specification
Mechanical filtration	Down to 10 microns
Biofilter surface area	74.8 m²
Ammonia removal	Excellent – supports dense bacterial populations
Clarity improvement	Significant – polishes water for crystal clear results

The Nitrogen Cycle: The Aquabiome provides the ideal environment for beneficial bacteria to complete the nitrogen cycle:

• Nitrosomonas bacteria convert ammonia (NH₃) to nitrite (NO₂)
• Nitrobacter bacteria convert nitrite to nitrate (NO₃)
• Nitrate is absorbed by pond plants as fertiliser

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⚙️ Multiport Valve Positions & Functions

Position	Function
Filter	Normal filtration mode – water passes through media and returns to pond
Backwash	Reverses flow to flush debris from media to waste
Rinse	Settles media and clears residual debris after backwash
Waste	Bypasses filter – sends water directly to drain
Recirculate	Bypasses filter – returns water to pond without filtration
Closed	Stops all water flow

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability	Notes
🐟 Koi ponds	✅ Excellent	Ideal for medium ponds up to 20,000L
🐠 Ornamental fish ponds	✅ Excellent	Supports up to 16.7kg fish weight
🌿 Water gardens	✅ Excellent	Maintains clarity for plant visibility
🏞️ Wildlife ponds	✅ Good	May be oversized for low-stocked natural ponds
🦞 Aquaculture systems	✅ Excellent	Supports up to 50kg fish weight at 1% feeding rate
🏊 Swimming pools	❌ Not suitable	Designed for pond/aquaculture, not pool use

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pond will this filter handle? A: The Aquabiome 20″ is rated for ponds up to 20,000 litres with a flow rate of 4.8-9.4 m³/hr.

Q: How often do I need to backwash? A: When the pressure gauge rises 0.3-0.5 bar above the clean baseline reading – typically every 1-2 weeks depending on fish load and debris.

Q: What filter media does it use? A: The system requires 34kg of Bio-Mec bead media (sold separately in 20kg bags).

Q: Does the system run 24/7? A: Yes – pond filtration systems should operate continuously to maintain water quality and keep biological bacteria alive.

Q: What pump do I need? A: Select a pump delivering 4.8-9.4 m³/hr. The Aquabiome requires far less pressure than conventional sand filters, potentially reducing pump energy costs by up to 50%.

Q: How long does media last? A: Bio-Mec beads are extremely durable and do not require regular replacement. Top up if level drops due to backwash losses.

Q: What warranty is included? A: 12 months against faulty materials and workmanship. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms.

Q: Can I use this for a swimming pool? A: No – the Aquabiome is specifically designed for ponds and aquaculture systems, not swimming pools.

Q: Do I need UV as well? A: UV sterilisation is recommended in addition to the Aquabiome to control algae and harmful pathogens.

🏆 Why Choose the Aquabiome Skid Pack 20″

✅ Complete System – Everything included for a ready-to-install solution

✅ Dual Filtration – Mechanical AND biological in one compact unit

✅ Energy Efficient – Low-pressure design reduces pump running costs by up to 50%

✅ Low Maintenance – Air-assisted backwash completes in under 5 minutes

✅ Premium Construction – Advanced fibreglass technology for durability

✅ UV Stabilised – Built for outdoor UK installations

✅ Proven Design – Waterco’s trusted pond filtration technology

✅ 12 Month Warranty – Manufacturer-backed quality assurance

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-based company with expert local support

✅ Fast UK delivery

✅ Specialist advice from pond and pool professionals

✅ Competitive pricing – check our discounted price

✅ Full warranty support

✅ Easy returns within 30 days

✅ Bio-Mec filter media and spare parts available

✨ Summary

The Waterco Aquabiome Skid Pack 20″ (500mm) Lacron delivers professional-grade pond filtration in a complete, ready-to-install package. Combining mechanical particle removal with biological ammonia breakdown, this fibreglass filter system maintains crystal clear water in ponds up to 20,000 litres whilst supporting healthy fish populations. The air-assisted backwash, UV-stabilised construction, and low-maintenance design make it the ideal choice for serious koi keepers and water garden enthusiasts across the UK.

Order today and transform your pond water clarity!