Oase AquaSkim 40 In-Pond Surface Skimmer
The Oase AquaSkim is a floor-mounted in-pond skimmer that removes leaves and floating debris from the surface of your pond or water feature. Unlike floating skimmers, the AquaSkim sits on the pond bottom with a telescoping design that adjusts to your pond depth, providing reliable surface skimming while staying hidden beneath the water.
Why You Need a Surface Skimmer:
- Removes leaves, pollen, and floating debris before they sink and decay
- Prevents sludge buildup on the pond bottom
- Keeps water surface clean and attractive
- Reduces maintenance time and effort
- Improves water quality by removing organic matter quickly
- Recommended to use with the AquaMax Eco Premium Pumps
Key Features:
- Telescopic design adjusts from 19" to 36" depth without modification (or as low as 11" by trimming support tube)
- Float ring automatically adjusts to water level fluctuations up to 6"
- Easy-to-clean debris basket can be retrieved without entering the pond
- Wide base can be weighted with stones for stability
- Can be easily added to any new or existing water feature
- Ideal for use with AquaMax Eco Premium pumps' adjustable secondary inlet
- Includes Schedule 40 adapter and metric kink-free hose adapter
How It Works:
The AquaSkim sits on the bottom of your pond with its telescoping tube extending to the surface. The floating ring at the top automatically adjusts to water level changes, keeping the skimmer opening at the optimal position. Your pump draws water through the skimmer, pulling floating debris into the removable basket. The debris is trapped while clean water flows to your pump and filter.
Adjustable Height Design:
- Standard range: 19" to 36" depth (no modification needed)
- Can be trimmed down to 11" minimum for shallow installations
- Telescoping design allows easy adjustment during installation
- Float ring compensates for water level changes up to 6"
Easy Maintenance:
- Debris basket holds 38 oz of leaves and debris
- Retrieve basket from pond edge without getting wet
- Empty basket and replace—takes just seconds
- Check basket weekly or more often during heavy leaf fall
Perfect For:
- Koi ponds and water gardens
- Ponds surrounded by trees or landscaping
- Pondless waterfalls and disappearing fountains
- Any pond or water feature 11" to 36" deep
- Systems using 1" to 1.5" plumbing
Specifications:
- Adjustable height: 11" to 36" (19" to 36" without trimming)
- Minimum flow: 1,600 GPH
- Maximum flow: 4,200 GPH
- Outlet size: 1" to 1.5"
- Hose size: 1" to 1.5"
- Basket volume: 38 oz
- Dimensions: 14" W × 32" H (fully extended)
- Warranty: 2-year manufacturer warranty
What's Included:
- AquaSkim telescoping skimmer unit
- Removable debris basket
- Schedule 40 adapter
- Metric kink-free hose adapter
- Oase AquaSkim 40 Manual
Note: Pump sold separately. Requires pump with flow rate between 1,600-4,200 GPH.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I install the AquaSkim in my pond?
A: Installation is straightforward. First, adjust the telescoping tube to match your pond depth (19" to 36" without cutting, or trim it down to 11" if needed). Place the unit on the pond bottom where you want to skim—typically near where debris accumulates. Add stones or gravel to the wide base to weight it down and keep it stable. Connect the outlet to your pump using the included adapters and 1" to 1.5" tubing. The float ring will automatically position itself at the water surface. That's it! Your pump will now draw water through the skimmer, capturing debris in the basket.
Q: What size pump do I need to use with the AquaSkim?
A: The AquaSkim requires a pump with a flow rate between 1,600 and 4,200 GPH. If your flow is too low (under 1,600 GPH), the skimmer won't create enough suction to effectively pull in debris. If your flow is too high (over 4,200 GPH), it can overwhelm the skimmer. The AquaSkim works especially well with Oase AquaMax Eco Premium pumps, which have an adjustable secondary inlet perfect for connecting a skimmer while still running your waterfall or fountain.
Q: How does the float ring work, and why is it important?
A: The float ring sits at the top of the telescoping tube and floats on the water surface, keeping the skimmer opening at the optimal position for collecting debris. As your pond water level changes due to evaporation, rainfall, or water changes (up to 6" of fluctuation), the float ring automatically adjusts up or down to maintain the correct skimming position. This means you don't have to manually readjust the skimmer height—it adapts automatically to keep working efficiently regardless of water level changes.
