AquaForte EconoBead Low-Pressure Bypass Kits

AquaForte EconoBead Low-Pressure Bypass Kits

A direct water route for compatible EconoBead bead filters

The AquaForte EconoBead bypass kit changes the route water takes during normal filtration, allowing it to enter and leave the bead filter without passing through the multiport valve. This reduces one source of resistance in the circulation system. The pond water still passes through the beads, so the filter continues to provide its mechanical and biological filtration.

Choose between the kit for standard EB40, EB50 and EB60 installations and the larger kit for EB100 and EB140 filters. Check both the filter model and its connections before ordering, particularly where an older installation has been modified. This is a bypass accessory for an existing filter; the bead filter, pump and other pond equipment are supplied separately.

Choose the correct EconoBead bypass kit

Kit option	Standard bypass connection size
EconoBead EB40, EB50 and EB60	50mm
EconoBead EB100 and EB140	63mm

AquaForte gives these connection sizes for the bypass arrangement in its EconoBead instructions. They describe the two kit groups; they should not be used to assume that every filter carrying an EB60 badge has identical fittings. An EB60 with upgraded connections needs checking against the actual pipework and unions already fitted.

For a standard smaller installation, compare the model with the EconoBead 40 or EconoBead 50. The larger kit is intended for the EB100 and EB140 group, including the EconoBead 100. These links help identify the filter family; always check the equipment installed beside your own pond before selecting the accessory.

What the bypass changes

In the usual EconoBead arrangement, the multiport valve controls several different water routes for filtration and cleaning. The bypass provides a more direct route for the everyday filtering stage. AquaForte describes this arrangement as allowing the use of more economical pumps, because the pump has less resistance to overcome through that part of the installation.

The result depends on the complete system. Pump performance, pipe diameter, bends, the height of the return and other equipment all affect the water delivered back to the pond. Fitting a bypass does not establish a fixed increase in flow or a guaranteed reduction in electricity consumption. If you are changing the pump as well, compare its performance at the working head of the installation rather than its maximum flow figure alone.

The kit also does not increase the amount of bead media inside the vessel. Continue to size and operate the filter for the pond and fish load it serves. Improving the water route cannot compensate for a filter that is too small or for media that needs cleaning.

Keep the multiport and cleaning access

The direct filtration route does not make the filter’s cleaning equipment redundant. The multiport valve, blower and waste route remain important parts of the EconoBead maintenance arrangement. Leave space to reach the controls, operate the filter and inspect its joints after the kit is fitted.

Follow the instructions for your exact filter and bypass when changing between filtration and cleaning. Do not assume that a valve position used on an installation without a bypass gives the same water route after an alteration. The manufacturer’s instructions also warn against operating the pump with the multiport valve in its closed position.

Plan the waste-water route before moving any pipework. Backwashing needs to send dirty water away from the filter installation, while allowing you to observe the cleaning process. A neat installation is useful only if the equipment remains accessible when it needs attention.

Check the existing filter before ordering

Read the model details on the filter and photograph the connection area. Include the multiport valve, existing unions and nearby pipe runs. If the filter was bought second-hand, check whether a bypass is already present or whether the original connections have been changed. This avoids buying a second assembly or choosing a kit using an outdated description of the system.

The manufacturer describes installation using the supplied unions. Keep the mating connections clean and check the seals as part of the fitting work. Do not force a mismatched connection together or use excessive tightening to compensate for poor alignment. Arrange the surrounding pipework so that future access to the unions remains practical.

Continue normal prefiltration and maintenance

The EconoBead instructions recommend prefiltration to keep larger debris away from the filter’s internal slotted pipes. A bypass does not replace that first stage. Leaves, string algae and other large solids still need to be managed before they can obstruct the bead filter.

After installation, inspect the joints during normal running and check the system through its prescribed cleaning cycle. Continue the maintenance routine for the filter and prefilter, and keep a record of any pump-setting changes. The product photograph shows a bypass fitted to a filter to illustrate its position; this offer is for the bypass kit itself.

For the manufacturer’s diagrams and operating guidance, read the AquaForte EconoBead instruction manual alongside the instructions supplied with your equipment.