Evolution Aqua eazypod Manual

Evolution Aqua Ltd
Evolution House Kellet Close Wigan WN5 0LP England [phone]
Evolution Aqua Ltd
Evolution House Kellet Close Wigan WN5 0LP England [phone]
Installation & Operating Instructions
Note: Please read this manual thoroughly before
installation and operation
MANEP08082011

The difference is clear at www.evolutionaqua.com
EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Thank you for purchasing your new EazyPod™filter. We are sure you will be delighted with its
performance. If you are unsure about anything, please consult your Evolution Aqua dealer or contact us.
The EazyPod filtration unit has been designed on the principles of high performance, minimum
maintenance and a compact footprint. This design delivers optimum water quality by using Kaldnes K1
media. The concept of the EazyPod is based on the world renowned Nexus Eazy system - please visit our
website for more information - www.evolutionaqua.com.
EazyPod Overview:
The concept is simple and yet innovative. Water enters via the inlet A(fig.1) and enters the outer
chamber B, which runs around the entire circumference of the EazyPod. Between Band the central
chamber C, is a stainless steel perforated screen. These perforations are situated in the lower half of
the screen and around its entire face. This means that when the water passes from the outer to inner
chamber (Bto C), a downward flow is created. This causes many of the larger solids to settle in the base
of the outer chamber, due to the force of gravity.
The size of the perforations will not allow large mechanical waste to enter the central chamber, thus
acting as a first stage mechanical filter. The central chamber holds 30 litres of static K1 media. As the
water enters the central chamber, the fine smaller solids become entrapped in the K1. After passing
through the K1 media, the clean water then rises and overflows into the inner return pipe Dof the
EazyPod. From here it returns to the pond via the return outlet E.
The EazyPod filtration system gives water quality and clarity that surpasses all expectations. The nature
and volume of the K1 media means, that when static, apart from being a very efficient mechanical filter,
there is more than enough surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonise. Therefore on a smaller pond,
the Pod is an excellent complete filter.
Please note that in normal running, the K1 has to be static – it is only moved during cleaning and
maintenance. If the K1 is moved in normal operation, whether by air or by hand, all of the debris it has
collected will be returned to the pond! The K1 is cleaned and moved by connecting an air pump to the
air line in the Pod, which in turn goes to an air ring in the base of chamber C. This has small holes which
cause the K1 to move and therefore clean itself.
During the cleaning cycle, the finer particles escape into chamber Bfrom the K1. This waste water can
then be dumped via a 1.5 inch / 50mm ball valve F.
Please check the table opposite to make sure you run your EazyPod within the specified limits to
achieve best results.
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EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Evolution Aqua Ltd
Evolution House Kellet Close Wigan WN5 0LP England [phone]
The EazyPod is truly multi-functional. It can be run in several different ways for different applications.
The EazyPod can be used:
 •asacompletefilteronaquarantinesystem
 •asapre-filteratthefrontofanyneworexistingsystem
 •asapolisherattheendofanysystem
 •offamidwaterfeedtoaidmechanicalfiltration
 •onaskimmerlineasamechanicalfilter
Remember that if you use the Pod solely as a mechanical filter, you will also get an enhanced biological
benefit in your system.
EazyPod Specifications and Flow Rates
Follow this manual carefully and your filter will provide a perfect environment for your fish. One of the
factors that can have a significant influence on our ponds is the turn over rate. This is the time that it takes
for the total water volume of the pond to pass through the filter system once. On EazyPod ponds, where it
is used as the only filtration system, a total pond volume turn over of every 1 to 2 hours is required.
Therefore if you have a 10,000 litre koi pond, a minimum rate of 5,000 litres per hour is needed giving a
2 hour turnover, although you could also run at 10,000 litres per hour giving a turnover rate of once per
hour.
On an ornamental pond of 20,000 litres, 10,000 litres per hour is the maximum flow rate and is ideal for
that size and type of pond. The lower the flow rate you use, the better the performance will be -
as long as it does not result in a turn over rate of more than two hours.
On opening your EazyPod you will find the following;
Max flow rate: 10,000 litres/hr 2,200 UK gallons/hr 2,640 US gallons/hr
Max koi pond size: 10,000 litres 2,200 UK gallons 2,666 US gallons
Max ornamental
pond size (goldfish,
shubumkins etc):
20,000 litres 4,400 UK gallons 5,333 US gallons
Kaldnes K1 30 litres
Max feed rate 100 - 120g per day
Recommended AirPump EA Airpump 70 or EA Airpump 75
Cleaning Pipe Bag of Kaldnes K1
30 Litres
EazyPod Lid Slide Valve Hosetail4” to 3”
EazyConnector
3” to 2”
EazyConnector
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EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Installation - PLEASE NOTE: EazyPod comes set-up for a Pump Fed Installation.
The EazyPod filtration system can be set up in two ways, pump or gravity fed. In fig. 5 you can see a
typical set-up of a pump fed system, followed by a gravity fed system in fig. 6.
Figure 5. Pump Fed System: (water pumped from pond to filter)
Figure 6. Gravity Fed System (Water gravity fed into Pod and returned to pond by pump)
POND
3” / 90mm or 4” / 110mm return
PUMP
POND
PUMP
SLIDE
VA L V E
WATER LEVEL
4” / 110mm return
Please Note: The pump must not
be placed on the base of the
pond, as failure in the pipe work
or connectors could lead to
complete drainage of the pond.
The pump should be raised atleast
12” off the ground or high enough
to leave sufficient water for the fish
to survive, in the unlikely event that
this occurs.
Please note: The EazyPod comes set up for a pump fed installation.
For installation instructions for Gravity Fed Systems please refer to page 6.
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EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Evolution Aqua Ltd
Evolution House Kellet Close Wigan WN5 0LP England [phone]
Installation Section (Pump + Gravity Fed)
Preparation
A base with level solid ground is required. It should be a minimum of 600mm x 600mm, to allow easy
access to your valves and for maintenance purposes.
Important: The EazyPod filter needs to be supported evenly on a level base (a paving flag is ideal).
Failure to do so could cause damage when it is full of water.
Installation Equipment required:
1. Pond Pump. Please ensure that the pumps maximum actual flow rate is no more than the specified
limits (see page 3).
2. Air Pump for cleaning the Kaldnes K1 media. An EA Airpump 70 or 75 is recommended.
3. A length of garden hose or braided pipe (10 mm inner diameter) to connect your air pump to the air
ring in the EazyPod.
4. Tip: When connecting to your air pump, cut an inch from the airline supplied on the EazyPod. Insert this
into the hose pipe that connects to the air pump. This will help maintain the hosepipe’s rigidity when
inserting it into the rubber connector and clip supplied with your air pump.
5. Pipe work from the unit’s waste valves to the intended discharge point. This can be rigid pipe work or a
simple flexible hose.
Pump Fed Installation
The EazyPod comes to you ready for a pump fed installation - no changes to any of the fittings
are required. See figure 5 for reference diagram.
The unit should be situated at a height above the pond water level, to allow adequate gravity return
to the pond (subject to the maximum performance of your chosen pump). The gravity return pipe work
from the exit point of the EazyPod to the pond needs to be a minimum of 3 inches (90mm), 4” (110m)
for flowrates over 7500 litres per hour and should have no restrictions. Great care should be taken to
ensure that no air locks are created within the gravity return pipe work. Downward returns with no bends
are recommended. The pipe work from the pond pump to the inlet of the EazyPod will need to be
connected to the 1.5 inch (50mm) slide valve G. The 4 inch / 90-115 mm (minimum) gravity return pipe
work will need to be connected to the rubber adaptor E on the exit point of the Pod. This fitting when first
connected to this pipe could appear too big (especially 90mm) or too large 4” (115mm) – it will however
reduce/stretch with the clip provided and make a tight seal – this is done with a screwdriver. The return
pipe is then extended and returned to the pond or waterfall as required.
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EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Gravity Fed Installation Section
IMPORTANT…For gravity fed installations, you will need to reverse the exit pipe so that the return pipe D is
lower. This is because the exit pipe D although crucial for a pump fed system would impede a gravity unit
when the media starts to filter out the debris altering the water level. See figure 6 for reference diagram.
1. Remove the overflow assembly and safely store the 3 screws which secure it (see Fig.7).
2. Remove the stainless steel perforated pipe by pulling gently (see Fig.8).
3. Loosen the upper clip on the rubber connector (see Fig. 9)
4. Invert the Pod and remove the 2 screws and plastic pipe support bracket (see Fig. 10)
5. Remove the 90mm return pipe assembly from the EazyPod body (see Fig. 11).
NOTE: The pipe assembly is comprised of 1 long length and 1 short length joined by a 90 bend.
6. Refit the pipe assembly by pushing the shorter end back into the EazyPod, so that the long length is
now the exit.
7. Tighten up the rubber connector to form a water tight seal (see Fig. 12).
8. Refit the steel pipe with the perforations at the top, not at the bottom (see Fig. 13).
9. Replace the overflow assembly and rescrew into the housing.
The Pod must be situated at pond water level. That is to say, that when the circulating pump is switched
off, water is level with the overflow assembly. This level will lower when in operation (see Fig. 14).
The 2 rubber connectors on the inlet and outlet ports must be swapped over so that on the inlet you will
have the 3 or 4 inch (90-115mm) rubber connector to take your pipe work from the pond and on the
outlet you will have the 1.5 inch (50mm) connector for your return pressure line. The slide valve G can be
used before your pump, to isolate it. The gravity pipework needs to be 4” (110mm) for flows over 7500
litres per hour.
6

EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Evolution Aqua Ltd
Evolution House Kellet Close Wigan WN5 0LP England [phone]
Recommendations
It is important be able to isolate the EazyPod for maintenance purposes. Therefore we recommend that
you install an isolating valve (3” or 4” inch / 90-115 mm slide or ball valve) on your inlet gravity line before
the EazyPod.
Air Pump Installation (Pump + Gravity Fed)
Now that you have your EazyPod installed, you will need to connect your air pump to the EazyPod for the
cleaning cycle. This will agitate the K1 so that the waste that has collected in the media can be removed
from the system. We recommend an EA Airpump 70 or 75.
The air pump is connected to the air ring inlet using a garden hose or braided pipe (10 mm inner
diameter). The air ring inlet is positioned on the outside of the EazyPod. It is recommended that the air
pump is positioned higher than the water level in the EazyPod to prevent water flowing back into the
air pump when it is switched off. However, the air valve should be in the off position, and the air pump
switched off or in use elsewhere when not in the cleaning mode.
Getting Started
Completely empty your bag of K1 into the inner chamber C. It is essential NEVER to remove or add any
media other than the 30 litres supplied. Cleaning and maintaining the EazyPod will depend on flow rate,
feed, stocking, blanket weed etc. An EazyPod on a summer pond with heavy blanket weed will need
more frequent maintenance than a pond in December with no food fed. Be aware that any movement
of the EazyPod’s K1 whilst the pond pump is in operation will dislodge the waste collected and will be
sent back to the pond and clarity will suffer. If this does happen, the EazyPod will eventually remove this
waste again in time. The cleaning regimes for both pump and gravity installations are listed below.
Please Note A pump fed system will need cleaning when the water level in chamber B/C has risen
and is close to the overflow assembly. A gravity fed system will need cleaning before the water level in
chamber Bhas lowered by 4 inches / 100mm.
System running and maintenance
To achieve optimum water quality and clarity we recommend that the EazyPod be air backwashed and
purged on a regular basis. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the loading of the pond. However,
the filter must be cleaned regularly. In the event of a blockage, the circulation pump will become
starved on a gravity system or the chamber will overflow on a pump fed system. The overflow assembly
(on fig 1) is a built in overflow. Should a blockage of the K1 media occur, water will bypass the stainless
steel screen and return to the pond.
Air Valve Off Air Valve On
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EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Cleaning - Pump fed Procedure
1. Insert the cleaning pipe into the plastic return pipe D.
This will prevent waste going back to the pond and
maintain the water level in the Pod whilst cleaning it
(see Fig. 17).
2. When the water level in chamber Bis just level with
the overflow assembly, close slide valve Gon your
inlet pressure line. Ensure that this is fully closed as it is
essential that this water level is maintained to allow
efficient cleaning. If there is insufficient water, the K1
will not agitate and self clean.
3. Switch off the pond pump.
4. Turn on your air pump and open the air valve on
the Pod. In a few seconds the K1 media will start to
‘agitate’ and circulate, thereby self cleaning.
5. After the K1 has been aerated for a minimum of two
minutes, open valve Fand completely drain the EazyPod.
6. Once it is drained, close valve F.
7. Open your inlet slide valve Gand turn on your circulation pump to refill the Pod.
8. When the water level in chamber Bis just level with the overflow assembly, close the slide valve Gon
your inlet pressure line and switch off the pump.
9. Allow the K1 media to agitate again for a minimum of two minutes.
10. Open valve Fto drain again. If the water in the Pod is still not 100% clean, repeat the process.
11. Once the K1 is clean, turn off your air pump or re-divert it and close the air valve on the Pod.
Close valve F.
12. Remove the cleaning pipe.
13. Open inlet slide valve G.
14. Start your pond pump and refill the Pod.
Please note that normally 2 cleaning cycles will be needed to completely clean the K1. On a dirty
pond, maybe even 3 will be needed. When doing more than one cleaning cycle, there is no need
to remove the cleaning pipe and switch the air pump off, just leave it running until the final clean
when it is switched off and the pipe removed.
Figure 17
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EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Evolution Aqua Ltd
Evolution House Kellet Close Wigan WN5 0LP England [phone]
Cleaning – Gravity Fed Procedure
1. Stop the circulation pump.
2. Wait a short period of time to allow the water levels
within the Pod to stabilise.
3. Insert the cleaning pipe into the plastic return pipe D.
This will prevent waste going back to the pond (see
Fig. 18).
4. Isolate the pond from the pod by closing the valve on
the inlet line.
5. Close the slide valve G which you have fitted after
your circulating pump.
6. Turn on your air pump and open the air valve on
the Pod. In a few seconds the K1 media will start to
‘agitate’ and circulate, thereby self cleaning.
7. After the K1 has been aerated for a minimum of two
minutes, open valve F to completely drain the Pod.
8. When drained close valve F and open your inlet valve to refill the Pod.
9. Allow the K1 to agitate again for a minimum of two minutes.
10. Open valve F to drain again. If the water in the Pod is still not 100% clean, repeat the process.
11. Once the K1 is clean, turn off your air pump or re-divert it and close the air valve on the Pod
12. Remove the cleaning pipe
13. Close valve F
14. Open your inlet valve to refill the pod from the pond and start you circulation pump
Please note that normally 2 cleaning cycles will be needed to completely clean the K1. On a dirty pond,
maybe even 3 will be needed. When doing more than one cleaning cycle, there is no need to remove
the cleaning pipe and switch the air pump off, just leave it running until the final clean when it is switched
off and the pipe removed.
Figure 18
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EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Troubleshooting
Problem Solution
My K1 stays on the
surface of the water and
will not sink:
The K1 when brand new traps air and floats. When it has comes into
contact with pond water containing ammonia, the surface of the media
changes. This prevents air bubbles getting caught inside. Pushing the
media under the water continuously for a short period of time will help
The K1 doesn’t move
well during the cleaning
cycle
The air pump is either not powerful enough or there isn’t enough water in
the Pod – check that you used the cleaning pipe to maintain the level on
a pump fed system. Check all air fittings and line for leaks. Make sure you
haven’t inadvertently added more K1 than the 30 litres
The pond gets dirty after
cleaning
Check that you turned your circulating pump off and that you have used
the cleaning pipe, so that the dirt in the K1 hasn’t returned to the pond.
Too much maintenance,
poor clarity, or Pod
overflowing
Make sure that you haven’t exceeded the maximum flow rate
EazyPOD Dimensions
10

EazyPod Installation & Operating Instructions
Evolution Aqua Ltd
Evolution House Kellet Close Wigan WN5 0LP England [phone]
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Eazy Pod Guarantee
This product comes with a 2 year warranty, which is valid from date of purchase. Proof of pur-
chase will be required. Any unauthorised repairs, modifications or alterations to this unit will invali-
date the warranty.
Evolution Aqua accepts no responsibility or liability due to accident, improper installation or mis-
use. Liability is limited to replacement of the defective parts. This guarantee is not transferable. It
does not affect your statuary rights.
If there is a warranty issue please contact Evolution Aqua’s Technical Service department.
Claims for transport damage shall only be recognized if the damage is reported within 24 hours
after delivery and confirmed by the carrier.
Evolution Aqua reserve the right to change this product specification without prior notice.
All products designed to ISO 9001 and manufactured to ISO 9000
Patent Information: GB2.293333B; WO/00 61258; PCT/GB01/05533; PCT/GB01/05549; 0750591;
0575314; 5,543,039; 5,458,779; 6126829; 689246; 2119893; 3183406
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