Air-Aqua SuperBead User manual

Installation and user guide for the SuperBead filter
SuperBead filters are manufactured by:
Air Aqua BV
Weth. Ohmannstraat 1
7951 SB Staphorst
The Netherlands
[phone]
[e-mail]
Table of Contents
1. Foreword
2. Defects and claims for compensation, disclaimer
2.1 Defects and claims for compensation
2.2 Warranty
2.3 Hidden defects
2.4 Improper application
2.5 Returning the product
2.6 Claims
2.7 Spare parts
2.8 Subject to alterations
3. General
3.1 Water Quality
3.2 Easy Cleaning
3.3 Adaptable and versatile
3.4 Straightforward to fit and use
4. Use of the filter/Siting
4.1 Choose a site close to a drain for the waste water
4.2 The Siphon Head
4.3 Firm Base
4.4 Future Access
4.5 Outside or Under Cover?
4.6 Standard Flow Pattern
4.7 The functioning
5. Assembling the SuperBead Filter
5.1 Connection parts SuperBead
5.2 Filling with Beads
5.3a Bottom inlet/waste - metric
5.3b Bottom inlet/waste - inches
5.4 Top outlet
5.5 Extending the waste-outlet
5.6 Plumbing Tips
6. Choosing the correct size of pump
6.1 The Minimum Head
6.2 Maximum Pressures
6.3 Which Pump
6.4 Strainers
7. The correct size of ultra violet (UV) unit
8. Important Points
8.1 Air-breaks and Negative pressure
8.2 Aeration of filtered water returned to the pond
8.3 Non-return valves/Footvalves
8.4 Operating SuperBead without a pre-filter
9 Starting the filter for the first time

10. Running-in your filter
10.1 Establishing Nitrification
11. When to backwash the SuperBead filter
11.1 Monitoring the standard backwash
11.2 Recommended minimum backwash cycles
11.3 Making the backwash fully automatic
12 Long term maintenance
12.1 Monitoring
12.2 Additional Monthly Maintenance
12.3 Check valves
12.4 Pump Strainers
12.5 Waste and Top Outlet Screens
13 Winter Running
13.1 Closing the filter down as an option
14 Water Quality Maintenance
14.1 Partial water changing
14.2 Set the backwash frequency to water change for you
14.3 Monitor your pond and fish to avoid problems
15 Filter Troubleshooting
1. Foreword
This guide aims to provide you with correct and complete information.
PLEASE KEEP UP THIS USER GUIDE CAREFULLY! ON CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP PASS ON
THE COMPLETE USER GUIDE!
Read this guide through carefully before you start to install the product. If you are uncertain about
the contents of this guide or do not fully comprehend the assembly instructions and/or do not
understand something regarding this product please contact the shop where the product was
purchased.
The General Terms and Conditions of Air-Aqua apply for all products.
2. Defects and claims for compensation, disclaimer
2.1 Defects and claims for compensation
Except in the case of a further claim, we are only liable for defects to the delivered goods until the
risk has been transferred to the purchaser. Minor deviations between the appearance and
workmanship of the product delivered and the specifications in the contract or minor limitations of
usability will be deemed insignificant.
The warranted condition, endurance and usability of the product is solely subject to the
specifications agreed in writing, in the product specification and/or in this guide.
Further oral agreements, especially from preliminary talks, advertising and/or in related industrial
standards are only valid as an integral part of a written contract. Only conditions and specifications
specifically laid down by us are valid. We do not accept conditions or specifications laid down by
third parties. The specifications laid down in this guide are valid. If the customer wishes to use the
product for a purpose other than the intended purpose, he or she is obliged to thoroughly examine
the suitability of the product for this other purpose. We give no warranty and accept no liability for
any use other than that explicitly approved by us in writing.
Any changes made to the product will result in the loss of warranty and all claims and rights will
lapse.
The user is held responsible for the proper use of the filter. The user guide does not discharge you
from your liability for the proper and safe application, installation, operation and maintenance of
the filter.
On using this guide you agree that in no circumstances can or will the manufacturer be held liable
for any personal injuries or damage to property that might result from using the device. This
applies specifically for any damage due to improper piping or plumbing. Damage due to failure to
clean or maintain the filter regularly is not covered by the warranty.

2.2 Warranty
Our warranty for defects is strictly limited to supplementary performance. We will eliminate any
defects or deliver substitute goods at our discretion. Where supplementary performance fails or is
disputed or impossible the customer has the right to withdraw from the contract. The manufacturer
explicitly limits the warranty to the filter itself. We are not reliable for consequential damage, or
damage caused by a malfunction or failure of the filter, such as a loss of animals.
2.3 Hidden defects
The customer is required to conduct a detailed inspection of the goods immediately after delivery.
Any defects should be reported immediately in writing. Hidden defects should be reported
immediately after their discovery. The customer should report damage caused during transport
within 24 hours to the carrier and/or the delivery service. If the customer fails to meet the
requirement to inspect the goods and report any defects or damage, then this will result in the loss
of warranty.
2.4 Improper application
We except no liability for the improper application, use, maintenance and handling of the product
by the customer or its subsidiaries, nor for usual wear and tear. This applies specifically to the
consequences of thermal, chemical, electrochemical or electrical influences as well as for
infringements of our use and maintenance guides. The same applies to damage resulting from
changes or adjustments made by the customer, which have not been approved by us in
beforehand.
2.5 Returning the product
Damage directly attributed to the improper use of the product is, in principle, for the customer’s
account. If the customer returns the product, break-proof packaging should be used. The customer
is liable for any damage that can be attributed to inappropriate packaging.
2.6 Claims
Claims against us become time-barred within a year after the initial delivery of the goods to the
customer. The same applies to damage claims regardless of their juridical cause. The limitation
period does not apply to claims based on the malicious concealment of damages, injury to life,
body or health or other damage resulting from intent or wanton negligence.
2.7 Spare parts
We hold spare parts available for a period of 5 years after initial shipment of the product. Our
respective list prices apply for spare parts.
2.8 Subject to alterations
The manufacturer has the right to change the product at any time without prior notice being
required, as long as these changes advance the reliability or quality of the product. No claims can
be made if, for example, the design, functionality or performance of the filter fundamentally
changes. The confirmed filter specifications are always guaranteed.
3. General
Congratulations on the purchase of your new filter.
3.1 Water Quality
SuperBead filters are ideally suited to koi ponds, ornamental fish tanks, fish holding systems and
aquaculture facilities. They provide excellent water clarity whilst at the same time working as an

efficient biological filter, breaking down fish waste. A correctly sized unit can achieve this clean and
clear water quality on its own, or it can be used in conjunction with other filter equipment.
3.2 Easy Cleaning
The SuperBead’s major advantage is the ease with which it can be cleaned. This simply involves
turning off the pump and opening the waste valve to start the backwash process.... no wet hands!
Trapped dirt is loosened from the media and flushed to waste. By carrying out this backwash
regularly, fish waste can be removed from the system before they have fully broken down. This
greatly reduces the nutrient loading on your system and further improves water quality for the fish.
On the automatic upgrade models the whole process can be fully automated to trigger valve
opening and backwashes.
3.3 Adaptable and versatile
Use the unit as a standalone filter, or use it to boost an existing filter system. Fit the SuperBead
filter near your existing pond, or at a distance. Site it at the pond edge, well above the pond or
below water level. Hide it behind a bush or fence, or even in a shed or garage. The unit takes up a
fraction of the space of some other types of filter, and no labour intensive excavation is necessary
to site it.
3.4 Straightforward to fit and use
SuperBead filters require no additional blowers or multiport valve operations to run or backwash.
But as with any equipment, the filter will function at its best if it is fitted and maintained correctly.
Please take a short while to look through this guide before you get going, so that you can get the
very best from your new filter system.
4. Use of the filter/Siting
Choosing the wrong site may cause the filter to function less well or make it awkward to carry out
maintenance in the future. The filter can be some distance from the pond, but use wider pipe bore
and a more powerful pump may be required to overcome the friction loss in the longer pipework.
4.1 Choose a site close to a drain for the waste water
Dirty water flows from the waste outlet during the backwash to a drain. Pipe it to a convenient
nearby drain. The drain or sump must be below the filter’s waste outlet. If necessary, raise the
filter higher, or fit a sump tank below the filter with an auto sump pump that can pump the waste
water away.
You can also connect a waste water pump directly to the filter waste outlet. In this situation, the
filter can be installed below water level.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE FILTER DRAINS QUICKLY.
RINSING THE FILTER MAY LAST UP TO 40 SECONDS FOR THE SMALL AND 2 MINUTES FOR
THE LARGE MODEL.
IF THIS TAKES MORE TIME, THE WORKING OF THE FILTER MIGHT BE NEGATIVELY
AFFECTED CAUSING THE BEADS TO CLOG IN THE LONG TERM.
4.2 The Siphon Head
The siphon head (see diagram) is the distance between the filter waste outlet and the air strainer
inlet to the filter. This distance is about 10 cm on the filters as supplied, which is adequate if waste
outlet piping is short (max. 2 metre). However, by simply raising the filter on a plinth (built from
one or two courses of standard building blocks topped with a paving slab) and adding an extension
pipe, the siphon head is increased and the efficiency of backwash greatly improved. We
recommend that this increased siphon head be created wherever possible.
4.3 Firm Base
The units are heavy when full of water and must be adequately supported for safety. Position the
filter on a level, purpose made slabbed area or concrete plinth.
4.4 Future Access
Regular access is required to the waste outlet valve and sludge drain. The internal strainers could
also need removing occasionally. The fittings at the base and top of the filter should therefore be
readily accessible and not permanently boxed in or buried. Use dismountable connections as
delivered along with the filter!
4.5 Outside or Under Cover?

The filters are suited to outdoor use but if sited in an outhouse, shed or garage, they will not only
be out of sight from the pond but also better protected from severe frosts (see 13, Winter Running
section).
4.6 Standard Flow Pattern
Water is pumped in through the 3-way valve and the intake and the intake strainer/screen up
through the unit. The floating beads pack down into the top of the unit, forming a filter-bed where
both biological breakdown of wastes and mechanical filtering of solids takes place. Filtered water
leaves through the outlet screen and outlet check valve.
4.7 The functioning
Bead filters have been in development since the 1970s. The distinctive necked design and the
bubble washing process are a key to its effectiveness.
The bubble-wash, as the beads tumble through the washing throat, removes dirt whilst leaving just
the right amount of biological film on the bead surface. Alternative means of cleaning the beads
(e.g. propellers, blowers or water jets) can carry a risk of removing too much of the beneficial
biological film, with a consequent drop in water quality. SuperBeads avoid this risk.
Fitting an automatic upgrade kit will further simplify the washing process by automatically opening
the waste valve, turning off the system pump and turning on the -eventual- flushing pump. The
timer of the automatic valve will ensure the backwashes are carried out as frequently as necessary.
5. Assembling the SuperBead Filter
CHECK THAT YOU HAVE ALL THE RELEVANT PARTS
READ THIS GUIDE BEFORE YOU START POSITIONING THE FILTER
DO NOT GLUE ANY PARTS YET

5.1 Connection parts

SuperBead

Model Small:
Standard inlet 90mm and outlet 63 mm
For UK & US inlet 3” and outlet 2”
Model Large:
Standard inlet and outlet 90 mm
For UK & US 3”
Pre-assembled (A/C):
A/C : Perforated pipe 110mm
Connections below (D) (inlet/waste)
• Flexible coupling 90x15 mm
• Flexible coupling 90mm
• 3-way valve (black)
• 15 cm clear PVC pipe, 90mm (waste)
• Reducer PVC, 90 x 3"
E&H: Air inlet
• Non return valve 1”
• 4 cm PVC pipe 1”
• Bend 90°, 1”
• PVC air inlet with strainer
F&I: Top outlet - return to pond
• Model Small: Flexible coupling 90x135 mm
• Model Small: Reducer PVC, 63x90 mm
• Model Small: 8 cm PVC pipe, 63 mm
• Model Small: Standard non-return valve 63 mm, split connector
UK & US: one side is 2”
• Model Large: Flexible reducer 90x135mm
• Model Large: 8 cm PVC pipe, 90 mm
• Model Large: Standard non-return valve 90 mm, split connector
UK & US: one side is 3”
Extra:
• Hose clip screwdriver 8mm
Filter material
• Model Small: Beads, 1⅓bags (total 33 kg)
• Model Large: Beads, 3 bags (total 75 kg)
You will also need some solvent cleaner and solvent pipe cement for the PVC pipe.
5.2 Fill the filter with Beads
• Fill with beads at the place where the filter will be placed, because the filter weighs more
than 50 kg (small)/100 kg (large) when filled with beads.
On new systems you may wish to ‘cure’ the beads. (see chapter ‘Running-in your filter’).

Do not add more beads than the filter is designed to hold. It can be useful to use a wide
funnel at this point to avoid losing beads. Only use genuine SuperBead Media to prevent
clogging of the strainers or valve assemblies. Use of inappropriate media will void your
guarantee.
• Screw the air inlet (hand tighten only) with strainer in the 11⁄2” thread of the filter (hole
2). Ensure the O-Ring is assembled. Do not glue the other parts of the air intake together
yet.
• Remove the upper (light yellow) 110mm perforated pipe.
• Lay down the filter and fill it with the bags of beads.
• Pull the filter back to its upright position.
• Mount the upper 110mm perforated pipe back again.
• Glue the other pieces of the air inlet to one unit: the bend to the short 1” PVC-pipe and this
to the non-return valve (also 1”).
Note that the arrow (FLOW) points downwards (so the flap opens downwards). The non-
return valve may also be rotated in a horizontal position (attention: with its pivot at the
top (!)).
5.3a Bottom inlet/waste - metric (No. 2)
• Mount the 135mm side of the flexible coupling to the SuperBead. Make sure the flexible
coupling is over the screw which fixes the perforated tube to the housing. This can be
pretty tight. If necessary, open the hose clamp as far as it will go.
• Assemble the 3-way valve at the 90 mm side of this coupling
• Connect the 90mm coupling to one of the two free sides of the 3-way valve
• Connect on the other side of the coupling the clear pipe
• From here you can connect to the waste with the 90 mm pipe. See 5.5 for extending the
waste- outlet.
• Glue the reducer 90mm - 3”, with the 3” side, to the last free side of the 3-way valve.
• From here you can connect to the pump with the 90 mm pipe.
Be sure to use the correct diameter piping:
• 50mm: max 8 m3/hour
• 63mm: max 15 m3/hour
• 75mm: max 20 m3/hour
• 90mm: max 30 m3/hour
• 110mm: max 40 m3/hour
The inlet and waste of the 3-way valve can also be mounted the other way around
5.3b Bottom inlet/waste - inches (No. 2)
• Mount the 135mm side of the flexible coupling to the SuperBead. Make sure the flexible
coupling is over the screw which fixes the perforated tube to the housing. This can be
pretty tight. If necessary, open the hose clamp as far as it will go.
• Assemble the 3-way valve at the 90 mm side of this coupling
• Connect the 90mm coupling to one of the two free sides of the 3-way valve
• Connect on the other side of the coupling the clear pipe
• Glue the reducer 90mm - 3” to the other side of the clear pipe
• From here you can connect to the waste with 3” pipe. See 5.5 for extending the waste-
outlet.
• The last free side of the 3-way valve must be connected to the pump. You can choose 2½
(inside diameter) or 3” (outside diameter).
Be sure to use the correct diameter piping:
• 1½": max 8 m3/hour