Captures Suspended Debris
Water rises through two included standard filter mats, helping remove fine- to medium-sized particles before it returns to the pond.
Aquascape Signature Series 1000 BioFalls® Filter
$415.99
Biological pond filtration + waterfall return
Filter a Small Pond and Start the Waterfall in One Concealable Unit
The Aquascape Signature Series 1000 BioFalls® Filter combines mechanical and biological filtration with a 15-inch spillway that forms the head of your pond waterfall. Its rounded, rotationally molded polyethylene body is sized for ponds up to 1,000 gallons and can handle pump flow up to 3,000 GPH.
Up to 1,000 gal. Pond capacity
Up to 3,000 GPH Maximum pump flow
15 in. Waterfall spillway
17.5 × 20.5 × 17 in. Filter dimensions, L × W × H
Why this BioFalls works
Three Jobs in One Compact Waterfall Filter
Supports Beneficial Bacteria
The filter mats and media bag provide surface area for beneficial bacteria that process pond waste. Biological media for the bag is selected separately.
Creates the Waterfall Head
Filtered water exits over the 15-inch spillway, helping return aerated water while establishing the starting point for a natural-looking cascade.
What arrives with item 99774
Included Components and Separate Purchases
Included
- Signature Series 1000 BioFalls® filter body
- Two standard BioFalls filter mats
- 15-inch BioFalls waterfall lip
- Eight installation screws
- Two stainless-steel hose clamps
- Single 2-inch bulkhead fitting
- 1.5-inch MPT × barb fitting
- 1.5-inch MPT × slip PVC fitting
- One filter media bag
Required or Selected Separately
- Required for operation: pond pump and compatible plumbing
- Required for installation: pond or stream liner and fish-safe silicone sealant
- Required for intended biological-media stage: BioBalls or lava rock
- Recommended: a pond skimmer or other prefilter to intercept large debris
- Optional: Signature Series 1000 rock tray (#98285)
- Site materials: waterfall rock, gravel, soil and landscaping
View the Aquascape Signature Series 200 Pond Skimmer or explore our pond filtration collection.
Technical reference
Signature Series 1000 Specifications
Pond capacity:Up to 1,000 gal. / 3,800 L
Maximum pump flow:3,000 GPH / 11,400 LPH
Spillway width:15 in. / 38 cm
Product dimensions:17.5 in. L × 20.5 in. W × 17 in. H
Bulkhead port:Single 2 in.
Included pipe fittings:1.5 in. PVC slip and 1.5 in. kink-free insert
Included filter media:Two standard mats and one media bag
Construction:Rotationally molded polyethylene
Sold separately: Biological media for the included bag—minimum 100 Aquascape BioBalls or approximately 10 lb. of lava rock—and the optional Signature Series 1000 rock tray (#98285).
View identification, package and warranty details
Blue Thumb SKU:AI99774
Manufacturer item:99774
UPC:742575997742
Filtration:Mechanical and biological
Packaged dimensions:18.5 in. L × 20.5 in. W × 17.5 in. H
Packaged weight:11 lb. / 5 kg
Manufacturer warranty:Limited lifetime
Compare similar 14- to 15-inch waterfall filters
Aquascape BioFalls 1000 or Blue Thumb Small Elite?
These are the closest comparable waterfall filters in this size range. The Aquascape model has the smaller footprint; the Blue Thumb Small Elite supports a larger pond and higher recommended flow while adding dual inlets and an included landscape lid.
Aquascape Signature Series 1000
This product · Item 99774
Pond capacity:Up to 1,000 gal.
Maximum flow:3,000 GPH
Spillway:15 in.
Dimensions:17.5 in. L × 20.5 in. W × 17 in. H
Inlet:Single 2 in. bulkhead
Filter media:Two standard mats and one media bag
Top concealment:Rock tray sold separately
Silicone:Plan to purchase separately
Warranty:Limited lifetime
Blue Thumb Small 14-inch Elite
Comparable alternative · SKU PB1076
Pond capacity:Up to 1,500 gal.
Maximum flow:3,500 GPH
Spillway:14 in.
Dimensions:23 in. × 24.75 in. × 21.75 in.
Inlets:Two 2 in. spinwelds
Filter media:Matala biological filtration media and mesh media bag
Top concealment:Landscape lid included
Silicone:Included
Warranty:Lifetime manufacturer warranty
View the Small 14-inch Elite Waterfall BoxWhich should you choose? Choose the Aquascape BioFalls 1000 when the smaller footprint or compatibility with an Aquascape pond system is the priority. Choose the Blue Thumb Small Elite when you want capacity for up to 1,500 gallons, flow up to 3,500 GPH, dual plumbing inlets, longer-life Matala filtration media and an included landscape lid. Both are standalone waterfall filters; a pump, liner, plumbing and waterfall stone are purchased separately.
Realistic project planning
Plan the BioFalls Installation Before Building the Berm
Position the Filter
Place the BioFalls near the pond edge with the spillway facing the main viewing area. If using a skimmer, position the BioFalls across the pond from it to encourage circulation. A stream between the filter and pond requires additional liner.
Set a Stable, Level Base
Compact the soil beneath the filter to reduce settling. Level it side to side and use the manual’s slight forward pitch so water spreads across the spillway instead of escaping around the sides.
Connect Plumbing and Liner
Install the bulkhead and the fitting that matches your pipe. Attach the liner without wrinkles, leave at least 2 feet on both sides of the filter and apply fish-safe silicone as directed. Do not use power tools on the spillway screws.
Add Media and Shape the Falls
Install both mats, fill the media bag with separately purchased biological media and build the waterfall with stable stone. Optional waterfall foam helps direct water over the visible rock rather than underneath it.
Cure, Test and Adjust
Allow sealants and foam to cure for the time specified in their instructions. Fill the pond, start the pump and adjust smaller stones to tune the waterfall’s appearance and sound.
Finish Only After the Water Test
Confirm the operating water level and inspect the waterfall for leaks before trimming liner or completing the berm. Premature trimming can leave too little liner to correct a leak.
Electrical safety: Connect the pond pump only to a properly grounded, outdoor GFCI-protected receptacle and follow the pump manufacturer’s instructions. Have electrical work completed to applicable codes.
Ownership expectations
Maintenance and Cold-Weather Care
Protect the Beneficial Bacteria
When the BioFalls is paired with a Signature Series skimmer or Pondless® Waterfall Vault prefilter, Aquascape designs it for approximately once-a-year cleaning. Do not clean the mats or media bag more frequently than needed, and avoid chlorinated tap water because it can reduce or kill the beneficial bacteria.
Inspect Media and Flow
Watch for reduced waterfall flow, settling around the filter and water escaping behind the liner. Replace filter mats after several years when they begin to tear or fall apart.
Winterize the System
Before freezing conditions, follow the pump and pond system instructions for shutdown or cold-weather operation. Drain vulnerable tubing, pumps, check valves and other plumbing when the system is taken out of service; improper winterization can void applicable warranty coverage.
Keep the Waterfall Natural
The optional rock tray can hold rock, gravel and plants above the filter. Keep roots and debris from obstructing service access, and leave enough room to remove the mats and media bag for maintenance.
Official documentation
Product Resources
Read the complete exact-model manual before installation and keep it available for assembly, annual maintenance, replacement-part identification and warranty terms.
Official manufacturer video
See How Signature Series BioFalls Filters Work
This Aquascape product-family overview includes the Signature Series 1000 along with larger BioFalls models. Use the specifications and exact-model manual on this page for item 99774 dimensions, included parts and installation details.
Aquascape Signature Series BioFalls® Filters
Product-family overview courtesy of AquascapePonds. Pumps, skimmers, pipe, biological media, rock and landscaping shown are not included with this filter unless specifically listed above.
Questions Before You Match the Filter and Pump?
Our Sales/Tech Team can help you confirm pond volume, target waterfall flow, plumbing size, biological media and whether the Aquascape BioFalls 1000 or Blue Thumb Small Elite is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a complete pond filter system?
No. This listing is the BioFalls waterfall filter and its listed internal media, spillway and connection hardware. You still need a compatible pump, plumbing, liner and biological media. A skimmer or other prefilter is recommended, while the rock tray is optional.
What pond size and pump flow can the BioFalls 1000 handle?
Aquascape rates item 99774 for ponds up to 1,000 gallons and pump flow up to 3,000 GPH. Choose a larger filter if either your pond volume or planned flow exceeds those limits.
Are BioBalls included?
No. The media bag is included, but BioBalls or alternative biological media are sold separately. Aquascape lists a minimum of 100 BioBalls for this model; the manual also allows approximately 10 lb. of lava rock.
Is the optional rock tray included?
No. The Signature Series 1000 rock tray (#98285) is sold separately. It can hold rock, gravel and plants to help conceal the top of the filter, but it is not required for the filter to operate.
Can this filter be added to an existing pond?
Yes, when the pond volume, pump flow and plumbing are compatible. Aquascape’s manual calls for an additional liner section of approximately 4 × 6 feet when adding the BioFalls to an existing pond, with enough overlap to prevent water loss.
How often should I clean the filter mats?
With an effective skimmer or other prefilter removing large debris, Aquascape designs the BioFalls for approximately annual cleaning. Avoid unnecessary cleaning and do not rinse the mats or media with chlorinated tap water, which can harm beneficial bacteria.
Should the BioFalls sit above or below grade?
The manual directs you to set it at or slightly below the yard grade on a firm, compacted base. The surrounding soil and stone form the waterfall berm, while the spillway faces the primary viewing area.
What does the limited lifetime warranty cover?
Aquascape warrants the BioFalls 1000 against manufacturing defects for the product’s lifetime when properly installed and maintained, with proof of purchase required. Exclusions include negligent handling, misuse, inadequate care and costs for labor, removal, shipping or reinstallation. Improper winterization of connected plumbing can void coverage.
