 New For 2007. Cloverleaf have scrapped their past foam fractioner bucket style design (similar to "Febi Turbo Cleaner"), and have instead opted for a fresh radical design approach culminating in a unit with a small footprint based on the basic body of the M70 fluidised bed filter. Cloverleaf’s thinking process concluded that having a device which is rich in oxygen saturated water was a waste of resources if a substantial biological gain could not also be made, and the new Dual Function Foam Fractioner addresses such technical shortcomings by now incorporating a high performance beneficial biological media bed.
The new fractioner/protein skimmer will appeal to all those suffering foam on the pond surface (excess protein or dissolved organic compounds), or those pond keepers who are simply after obtaining the ultimate in water quality via an additional contribution in reducing nitrite levels.
Key assets of the new design are superb value for money, a visual awareness of the units internal behaviour, far more easier maintenance of the venturi, plus the great bonus of incorporating 4 litres of long life floating biological media which significantly enhances water quality and the pond environment.
The new floating plastic media is as used in Cloverleaf’s latest PSS (particle separation system) ADTEC range of Multi Bay Filter’s which following extensive research and development is believed to be technically superior to anything else available on the international market. The media was designed by Cloverleaf and is produced at the Essex factory.
The unit will cater for ponds up to 8,000 gallons (36,000 litres) and is approx 1000mm high (40") with a body diameter of 110mm (4"). Minimum pump requirement are 3,600 LPH (800 GPH) - ideal 4,500 LPH (1,000 GPH). Pipe inlet size 40mm (1.5”) – outlet 50mm (2”). Maintenance of the device is minimal.
The basics of the devices operation is that pumped water (via a dedicated pump) passes under pressure through a venturi unit, where the input of air creates a large volume of oxygen rich water which passes down the transparent column through the biological media. Once the water reaches the base of the column its flow path is forced into an outer cavity formed by a short lenght of transparent inner pipe (the collection tube). By the laws of physics any air bubbles which have attracted contaminants within the water then rise up into the capped inner pipe (the collection tube) , where they also rise to thereafter discharge through gravity into the waste pipe outlet ready for colletcion via a bucket or bowl (not supplied). The remaining flow of water in the outer cavity continues its path to the main bottom outlet where it is returned to the pond. To cater for various pump flow rates and controlling variable waste extract levels a standard cloverleaf side valve is provided on the pond return outlet. It's setting will automatically also influence the saturated oxygen output (LPH).
Some pond keepers will find it necessary to have the device running 365 days a year, whilst others will obtain adequate success in only using the device for a few days each week after on initial dirty running in period.
The importance of having good oxygen saturation levels in Koi ponds is vital for the health of fish, and of great importance to sustaining the beneficial bacteria which colonise within conventional filtration system mediums.
It should be stressed that the Cloverleaf Dual Function Foam Fractioner cannot be regarded as any form of saviour to an existing pond with poor filtration system. This is not it's purpose.
Usgae Tips:
Periodic cleaning of the inner Perforated Transparent collection Tube is advised, with access available via removal of the base plant.
For vertical stability of the Foam Fractioner device the circular base plate should be screw fixed down to a suitable medium (concrete paving etc), or alternatively fixed to a plank of timber decking.
To reduce surface agitation and noise the return pipe to the pond can if required discharge via a bend and short vertical drop with the bottom of the pipe frop set 30mm above the pond surface. All pipework should be 50mm diameter.
In the event of using medications in the pond it is advisable to adjust the foam fractioner so that it's extract abilities are terminated, however under such circumstances the device should ALWAYS be left running due to it's production of oxygen, and it's live biological bed. |
