Wetland Best Practices

Filter Placement

  • Install the filter beside or set back from the pond, slightly above pond grade so water can gravity-flow back into the pond.
  • Return water via a stream or waterfall for natural aeration; if not, provide aeration/waterfalls/surface agitation elsewhere in the pond.
  • Keep the Snorkel Vault V2 accessible for maintenance.
Pump Selection
  • Flow Rate
    • Use 100–250 gallons per hour (gph) per AquaBlox® or FilterBlox™ (approximately 380–950 liters per hour).
  • Pre-Filtration Requirement
    • Always prefilter incoming water using a skimmer, intake bay, or wet well to prevent debris from entering the wetland system.
    • Pre-filtration reduces maintenance, optimizes filtration, prevents clogging, and ensures consistent hydraulic performance.
Adding Plants
  • Use aquatic plants with shallow, non-invasive root systems to improve filtration and prevent clogging.
  • When possible, use Aquascape Heavy-Duty Aquatic Plant Pots to optimize plant health, contain growth, and simplify maintenance.
  • For Plant Heavy Designs:
    • Consider a deeper gravel bed using Snorkel Vault Extensions V2.
    • Leave out FilterBlox along the perimeter to create planting pockets, instead forming a deeper gravel bed lined with geotextile underlayment (to contain roots and media)
Step-By-Step Installation Instructions

Multiple Snorkel Vaults can be installed side by side to create larger filters.

Use Snorkel Vault Extensions V2 to increase height when using multiple layers of FilterBlox, AquaBlox Large Storage Modules for a deeper sedimentation layer,
deeper gravel beds, or other purposes

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2

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  1. Typical Setup with no snorkel Vault Extensions V2
  2. Add Another Snorkel Vault Extensions V2
  3. Using Snorkel Vault Extensions V2 for Two Layers of FilterBlox

3 Prepare Base

Note: There should be a minimum of 6 in. of space between the sides of the AquaBlox and the vertical wall of the excavation to allow adequate backfill and compaction.
  • First, dig the main excavation as shown.
  • Next, excavate the Snorkel Vault V2/Centipede V2 as shown.
  • The base of the excavation should be smooth soil, flat and free of lumps and debris.
  • Add compactable material such as sand, if existing soil conditions do not meet requirements listed above. The compactable material should be spread to a 4 in.(102 mm) minimum depth and compacted. If you install a 4 in. (102 mm) compacted base layer, over-excavate an additional 4 in. (102 mm) so the finished excavation elevations and dimensions remain correct.

4 Install Geotextile Underlayment

  • Verify the excavation by test fitting the AquaBlox in the excavation before installing underlayment. Note: There should be a minimum of 6 in. (152 mm) between the AquaBlox and the vertical wall of the excavation to allow adequate backfill and compaction. Additional space can be added to the sides if needed for larger filters or aesthetics.
  • Place underlayment in the excavation, covering the bottom and sides.
  • Overlap multiple underlayment sections as needed for complete coverage.

5 Install EPDM Liner

  • Lay the liner into the excavation and position to cover entire storage basin.
  • Before trimming, confirm you will still have enough liner left to create a proper overlap or seam at the return connection so water returning from the filter cannot track behind the liner.
  • It is recommended to add an additional layer of underlayment on top of the liner to further protect the liner from damage.

6 Install Equipment

  • Set the Snorkel Vault V2 securely in the lined excavation and check for level.
    Note: Add a small layer of fine gravel beneath the Centipede V2 as shown
    .
  • Connect each Centipede V2 onto the Snorkel Vault V2 and check for level. Multiple Centipede Modules V2 can be connected in series depending on desired filter size
  • Once all Centipedes V2 are installed, connect the Centipede End Cap V2.
  • The Centipede End Cap V2 allows plumbing connections from the top or end as needed; drill points are marked with an “X” to indicate center.
  • Plumbing connection can be completed through a variety of methods, including Rubber Bulkhead
  • Rubber Bulkhead: Drill with the correct hole saw size, insert the rubber bulkhead, lubricate it with silicone grease, then insert the pipe.
  • Note: Install the pipe securely so it seats far enough into the end cap to prevent disconnection, but when entering from the top do not insert it so deeply that it contacts the bottom of the end cap. When installing at the top connection point: if desired, add an elbow facing the Centipede to direct flow.
  • Connect the Snorkel Lid V2

7 Prepare and Install AquaBlox

  • AquaBlox Storage Modules are placed atop the Centipede V2 for proper sedimentation and even distribution before water enters the FilterBlox Modules.
  • Assemble the AquaBlox securely using a rubber mallet.
  • Install AquaBlox in the storage basin, butting them tightly against each other.
    Note: Ensure AquaBlox are installed in the correct orientation to ensure maximum load-bearing capacity.

8 Install FilterBlox

Place FilterBlox Modules on top of the AquaBlox Storage Modules, butting them tightly against each other.

10 Add Gravel

  • The installation can now be covered with a layer of decorative gravel.
  • It is recommended to use gravel 1.5” (38.1 mm) or larger on top of the FilterBlox modules to prevent gravel from falling into the FilterBlox.
  • Boulders can be placed around the perimeter of the water storage basin to complete the edges of the basin.

Note: When Setting flat-bottomed rocks on top of the FilterBlox, use a Layer of Gravel or Flo-Cell Panel to prevent water up-flow blockage

  • Trim liner edges to at least 3 in. (76 mm) above the basin’s maximum water level, then backfill behind the boulders.

Wetland Filter Maintenance

Wetland filters are designed to allow solids to settle at the bottom of the filter before reaching the filter media.
We recommend cleaning the Wetland Filter once a year.

  • Place a Cleanout Pump into the Snorkel Vault V2 and route the discharge to an approved drainage area
  • Pump out the filter until the water runs clear to removed accumulated solids.

When including plants in a wetland filter, it’s important to promote healthy, vigorous plant growth to drive strong nutrient uptake.

  • Periodically cut back plants as needed to prevent overgrowth and encourage new growth, which is typically more active in nutrient uptake.
  • Remove and discard all cut plant material; do not leave debris in the filter, as decaying vegetation can release nutrients back into the system.