EasyPro PSMEX Skimmer Installation Manual

EASYPRO PSMEX EXTERNAL SKIMMER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

EasyPro External Skimmer Installation Manual - Printable PDF Version

Congratulations on your purchase of the innovative PSMEX skimmer designed specifically for use with external pumps. The EasyPro PSMEX is designed to catch debris both from the bottom drain and from the surface of the pond before going into your external pump and filtration system. This greatly reduces the time between cleaning priming pots and biological filters by capturing larger debris before it even gets there. A single skimmer can be used on ponds up to 600 square feet and flows up to 4500 gph.

Parts Included

• (1) PSMEX tub with 3" fpt bottom drain port and 2" fpt pump hook up port installed
• (1) PSMLID – simulated stone lid
• (1) 8" face place and weir (1 - PS1WR 8" weir, and 1 - PS1FP faceplate assembled)
• (1) PMLN 13" x 13" debris net
• (1) 2" PVC male adaptor
• (1) 3" PVC plug
• (1) 1" diameter x 141/4" spreader bar
• (1) Hardware pack (bolts, washers and nuts)

Optional Accessories

BDK2N EasyPro bottom drain kit with BD1 drain and 2" fittings

BDK2A EasyPro bottom drain kit with BDA drain and 2" fittings

BDK3N EasyPro bottom drain kit with EBD4 drain and 3" fittings

BDK3A EasyPro bottom drain kit with EBD4A drain and 3" fittings

SETS 24" extension tube to set skimmer back from pond edge

The PSMEX can be utilized as

A surface skimmer only or as a surface skimmer and bottom circulation system. In addition, multiple PSMEX skimmers can be placed around the pond and be connected to the same pump for maximum circulation.

BASIC INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Placement:

Ideally the skimmer is placed at the opposite end of the pond from AquaFalls filter or return line from external filtration system (figure 1).

Excavation:

1. Once placement has be determined, a 16" x 22" hole with the bottom at 14" below water line can be excavated (figure 2).

2. Once the hole is excavated and the water line has been double checked, the skimmer can be placed in the hole and back filled approximately 1/3 to hold the skimmer in place. Confirm that skimmer is level before next steps.

Optional: If using with 24" SETS extension tube this hole should be set back from pond edge the length of the extension tube (figure 3).

Installing the face plate:

1. Apply a large bead of silicone around the opening on the face of the skimmer (figure 4).

2. Hold liner in front of opening. Take care to eliminate wrinkles and have enough liner to not be stretched.

3. Place the face plate with the weir oriented as shown (weir hinged at bottom) against the skimmer, line up the top holes with an awl and secure in place with bolts and washers starting with the corners first (figure 5).

4. Install remaining bolts and then cut away liner from opening by reaching inside the faceplate opening.

Connecting a bottom drain to the skimmer:

1. If no bottom drain is connected, install provided 3" PVC plug in bottom drain port - preferably installed inside the skimmer tub (figure 6). Use Teflon tape or silicone on the threads.

2. Follow bottom drain manufacturer’s directions for installing bottom drain in the pond.

3. Use the 3" spinweld fitting already installed to connect to the plumbing from the bottom drain.

NOTE: 3" male adapter would have to be purchased separately to make connection to bottom drain plumbing

Optional: If control of flow from bottom drain is desired a gate valve can be installed on the inside of the skimmer (figure 7). The EasyPro BDK3 bottom drain kit includes the fittings needed to hook the bottom drain to the skimmer as well as a bottom drain.

Optional: If water is desired to be drawn from the bottom drain and not the surface, the weir can be manually tied or wedged in place in a vertical position. This negates the skimming action and causes water to be drawn from the bottom drain.

Connecting to the external pump:

1. Be sure to read and follow external pump manufacturer literature for proper placement, electrical supply and performance specifications to ensure the compatibility with the PSMEX skimmer.

2. Thread the 2" male adapter into the 2" spinweld fitting already installed in the back of the PSMEX skimmer and connect the plumbing to the fitting using appropriate PVC primer and glue. A small amount of Teflon tape can be used on the male adaptor to ensure a water tight fit to the spin weld fitting (figure 8).

Optional: Some external pumps or plumbing layouts may require a check valve or foot valve to be installed below the water line to help maintain prime of the pump. This check valve can be installed on the inside of the PSMEX to accomplish this (figure 9).

Final:

1. Install the PVC spreader rod and the net.

2. If an auto fill is desired this can be installed in the skimmer (figure 10).

3. Hooking up an controlled overflow is highly recommended. This can be accomplished with a bulkhead fitting being installed just above the desired waterline and a piece of pipe installed to an appropriate location for water overflow in case of heavy rain events (figure 11).

4. Finish back filling around skimmer.