Aquascape AquaBlox Large D-Raintank Owner’s Manual
- June 6, 2024
- Aquascape
Table of Contents
AquaBlox Large D-Raintank
AquaBlox® (D-Raintank®)*
Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual
The AquaBlox® modular systems, also known as the D-Raintank® by Atlantis®, use
underground storage and infiltration techniques, resulting in clean water that
can be reused or allowed to re-enter the natural water system. The lightweight
modular design of the AquaBlox® make installation quicker, safer, and cheaper
than traditional options.
· Step-by-step installation Instructions for the following AquaBlox®
Applications: { Pondless® Waterfalls { RainXchange® Rainwater Harvest System {
Constructed Wetland System { Pump Wet Wells
Made in U.S.A. for: Aquascape, Inc. St. Charles, IL 60174 · Brampton, ON, L6T 5V7 www.aquascapeinc.com
*D-Raintank® is a registered trademark of Atlantis® Water Management Systems
AquaBlox®
Table of Contents
1. Tank Assembly Page 3 a. Single Module Assembly Diagram b. Double Module
Assembly Diagram c. Triple Module Assembly Diagram
2. Water Storage Basin Excavation and Tank Installation Page 4-9 3.
Diagrams Page 10-16
a. Pondless® Waterfall Diagrams Page 10-11 · Pondless® Waterfall Large ·
Pondless® Waterfall Micro
b. RainXchange® Diagrams Page 12-15 · RainXchange® Decorative Fountain ·
RainXchange® Permeable Paver · RainXchange® Pondless® Waterfall · Water
Storage Kits · 500 Gallon · 1000 Gallon · 1500 Gallon · 2000 Gallon · 2500
Gallon · 3000 Gallon
c. Constructed Wetland Diagram Page 16 d. Wet Well Diagram Page 16
2
AquaBlox® Assembly Instructions
· Step 1: Evenly distribute and connect the small panels to one large panel. ·
Step 2: Next, working from one end to the other, attach a second large panel
on the opposite side of the first. · Step 3: Once the top and bottom large
panels are attached, complete the sides of the tank module. This is a “single”
AquaBlox®. To build a double unit (or larger), follow the directions above,
connecting the small panels to large panel on the top of a built AquaBlox®.
Proceed with the remaining panels to complete the stacked tank. Completed
AquaBlox® modules should be staged as close to the installation area as
possible.
Single Module Assembly
Triple Module Assembly
Step 1
Step 2
A
B
B
A
Step 3
A B
A A
Double Module Assembly
A
B
A
Common Plate
A
B
A
A B
A A
AquaBlox® Components
Panel C
Panel A
Panel B
14.5″
16″
Panel A
16″
26.5″
26.5″
Panel D
16″
8″
16″ 8″
Small Matrix consists of 8 panels: 2 “A”, 2 “C” and 4 “D” (see chart below for
dimensions)
26.5″
Large Matrix consists of 8 panels: 4 “A” and 4 “B” (see chart below for
dimensions)
Be sure to check all pieces upon arrival for any damages that may have occurred during shipping
Small AquaBlox®
Large AquaBlox®
The Small AquaBlox® is recommended in use with Pondless® Waterfalls using the
MicroSnorkelTM and MicroCentipedeTM and also when constructing an upflow
Wetland using the Large SnorkelTM and CentipedeTM.
Load Bearing Top
Side
The Large AquaBlox® is recommended in use with Pondless® Waterfalls and RainXchange® System using the Large SnorkelTM and ½ or full CentipedeTM.
26.5″
16″
26.5″ Side
Small AquaBlox®
16″
9.5″
Load Bearing Bottom
Side 17.5″
Large AquaBlox®
3
Tank Installation Instructions
Step1: Excavate Storage Basin
It is recommended to lay out the position of the Pondless® Waterfall
Vault/SnorkelTM and AquaBlox® prior to excavation in order to determine actual
excavation dimensions. Please note an additional 6″ of excavation is
recommended per side of the basin to allow for: AquaBlox® dimensions,
sufficient backfill material and compaction required during backfilling. See
the diagrams below for examples of Pondless® Waterfall storage basin
configurations. Larger storage basins can be constructed by increasing the
quantity of Small AquaBlox® and/or using the optional Vault Extension in
combination with the Large AquaBlox®. Liner and geotextile dimensions will
vary according to the quantity and size of AquaBlox® used. Note: Check for
presence of high water table in the excavation, which must be kept at levels a
minimum of 3 feet below the bottom of the AquaBlox® structure at all times.
Step 2: Excavate Location of Pondless® Waterfall Vault/SnorkelTM and
CentipedeTM Filters
Excavate a recessed area for the Pondless® Waterfall Vault/SnorkelTM. This
positions the vault at the lowest point in the storage basin allowing maximum
water availability for the pump system. For RainXchange® Water Storage Kits
please refer to diagram section for SnorkelTM and CentipedeTM locations.
Pondless® Waterfall Vault
Note: An additional 6″ of excavation is recommended per side.
Pondless® Waterfall Vault location when using 3 AquaBlox®
SnorkelTM Vault and CentipedeTM
For maximum structural strength on larger storage basins locate Pondless® Waterfall Vault between AquaBlox®
4
Step 3: Prepare Base
The base of the excavation should be smooth soil, flat and free of lumps and
debris. Check the size and depth of the excavation by placing the AquaBlox®
into the excavated area. There should be approximately 6″ between the
AquaBlox® and the soil. 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″ minimum depth and compacted.
Step 4: Install Outer Geotextile
Lay the geotextile into the excavation covering the bottom and sides. Multiple
sections of geotextile can be overlapped to accomplish complete coverage.
Step 5: Install Liner
Lay the liner into the excavation and position to cover entire storage basin.
Do not trim the excess liner material until later in the project.
5
Step 6: Install Optional Inner Geotextile
It is recommended using a second layer of geotextile within the lined storage
basin to wrap around the bottom and sides of the AquaBlox®. This is a
precautionary step that helps protect the liner. Note: All RainXchange® Water
Storage Kits include enough geotextile for both the inner and outer geotextile
installation. Lay the geotextile into the lined basin before installing the
AquaBlox®. The geotextile does not need to be wrapped over the top of the
AquaBlox®, just the bottom and sides.
Step 7: Install Pondless® Waterfall Vault or SnorkelTM/CentipedeTM
Place the filter into their proper location.
Pondless® Waterfall Vault
SnorkelTM Vault and CentipedeTM
Note: If using the SnorkelTM/CentipedeTM small cobbles will need to be
backfilled around the excess excavated perimeter of the filter in order to
provide a sufficient base for the AquaBlox® to sit on.
6
Step 8: Install AquaBlox®
Install AquaBlox® in the storage basin, butting them tightly against each
other. After placement of the tanks, bring the inner geotextile (if using) up
the sides of the tanks. For the RainXchange® Water Storage Kits please refer
to the RainXchange® Water Storage Kits diagram that is being installed for the
proper tank configuration.
Note: When stacking AquaBlox® only one panel “A” is required between the two joined AquaBlox®. See tank assembly instructions for more detail.
Tank Module Orientation
Proper Orientation: The AquaBlox® must be installed with the correct orientation to ensure maximum load bearing capacity. See images below.
UP
17.5″ 16″ 9.5″ 16″
16″
17.5″
16″
9.5″
7
Step 9: Backfill Sides
The excess excavation along the outside perimeter of the storage basin can be
backfilled once all of the AquaBlox® are installed. Use sand or compactible
free draining material to backfill evenly on all sides to secure the AquaBlox®
into position. Note: Make sure to evenly distribute backfill material around
the perimeter of the basin, working your way up to final grade. This will
prevent AquaBlox® from shifting while backfilling. When backfilling be sure to
add the material between outer layer of geotextile and liner. This will help
with holding the AquaBlox® in place and drainage. Backfill materials
containing clay should not be used.
Backfill gravel here
Step 10: Install Overflow (RainXchange® Systems)
The RainXchange® Water Storage system requires an overflow to be installed in
order to manage any excess water entering the basin. The overflow should be
located as high as possible in the storage basin in order to maximize the
amount of water storage. The overflow is installed by cutting a hole in the
liner to the diameter of the male threads on the bulkhead adaptor included in
the overflow kit. The bulkhead can be installed into the liner with the rubber
gasket located inside the storage basin and the plastic gasket located on the
outside of the storage basin liner. A small bead of silicone can be spread
around the rubber gasket where it meets the liner to help ensure a water tight
seal. Tighten down the large bulkhead nut being careful to not over-tighten
and crack the bulkhead. An adjustable overflow elbow is included with the
overflow kit. Add Teflon tape or silicone around the threads of the elbow and
install into the bulkhead on the inside of the storage basin. This will allow
fine adjustment of the overflow height. Add Teflon tape or silicone around the
threads of the PVC male pipe adaptor and install into the bulkhead on the
outside of the storage basin. PVC pipe can then be primed and glued into the
overflow and run to the overflow location making sure to maintain a decrease
in elevation of 1 inch for every 10 feet in run of overflow pipe for proper
water flow by gravity.
Managing the overflow will be determined by the conditions on the site. One
easy method of managing the overflow is to create an infiltration area using
the AquaBlox® wrapped in geotextile material. The quantity of AquaBlox®
required will be based on the site’s soil percolation characteristics. See
diagrams for example of overflow configuration using AquaBlox®. There may be
other options based on the site characteristics, such as discharging the
overflow to a drainage location on the property or directly back into the
stormwater drain. Choose the best solution based on the site’s
characteristics.
Overflow Bulkhead Connection
Overflow Infiltration
8
Step 11: Backfill Top and Finish Edges
The AquaBlox® can be covered with a layer of 1 ½” or larger decorative gravel.
Boulders can be placed around the perimeter of the water storage basin to
complete the edges of the basin. The liner edges can be trimmed to at least 3″
above the maximum water level in the basin and backfilled behind the boulders.
Permeable paver applications installed on top of the water storage basin
require a woven geotextile (Item #30219). The geotextile is laid directly on
top of the exposed AquaBlox®. This will provide a base for the paver screening
to be spread.
Note: Do not use the inner and outer non-woven geotextile (underlayment) on
top of the AquaBlox® as it will potentially clog.
The built-in water level inspection port on the Pondless® Waterfall Vault allows the lid of the Pondless® Waterfall Vault to be buried.
9
Application Diagrams
Pondless® Waterfall Vault application using:
· Pondless® Waterfall Vault using 3 AquaBlox® · For maximum structural
strength on larger storage basins locate Pondless® Waterfall Vault between
AquaBlox®
Diagram A
Diagram B
Diagram C
Diagram D
Pondless® Waterfall Vault
Pondless® Waterfall application using:
· Large SnorkelTM and ½ CentipedeTM Filters · Large AquaBlox® (additional
AquaBlox® can be used to create larger storage capacity)
Pondless® Waterfall Vault with Extension
Diagram A
Diagram B
10
Pondless® Waterfall application using:
· MicroSnorkelTM Vault and MicroCentipedeTM Filter · Small AquaBlox®
(additional AquaBlox® can be used to create larger storage capacity) Diagram C
Diagram D
11
RainXchange® Applications
The following diagrams include examples of options associated with the
RainXchange® System.
Decorative Fountain
RainXchange®
Rain Water Harvesting System
Non-Potable End Use
10
High Powered Booster Pump
9 8
7
12 5
To Booster Pump
To Decorative Water Feature
6
Side Note- A snorkel extension is needed for double or triple stacked
AquaBlox®. It may be necessary to cut off the top portion to get required
final grade height.
Aquascape, Inc. 901 Aqualand Way Saint Charles, IL 60174 Ph.
1-630-659-2000 www.aquascapeinc.com
1. Gravel-Decorative 1/2″ dia. plus 2. Gravel- 1 1/2″-3″ dia. plus 3. Non-
Woven Geotextile 4. 45mil EPDM Liner 5. AquaBlox® 6. AquaSurgeTM High Flow
Pump 7. SnorkelTM CentipedeTM Pump Vault 8. 3″ or 4″ Corrugated Drain Pipe 9.
Downspout Filter 10. SnorkelTM Extension
3
To Overflow Infiltration
Overflow Infiltration
4
5 3
Size varies based on potential overflow quantity and site soil characteristics
Decorative Fountain with Permeable Paver
12
Pondless® Waterfall 13
RainXchange® Water Storage Kits
The following diagrams include the storage basin dimensions, AquaBlox®
configuration and location of the SnorkelTM and CentipedeTM Filters. Note:
Overflow location and design are dependent on the site characteristics. See
install overflow RainXchange® section of instructions for more information.
Basin sizes listed for each storage kits are approximations. It is recommended
to lay out AquaBlox® and position of SnorkelTM prior to excavation in order to
determine actual excavation dimensions. Please note an addtional 6″ is
recommended per side for free-draining backfill.
500 Gallon System, 6’x9’x4′ Finished Basin, 16 AquaBlox®, 4×4 configuration
Side View of 500 Gallon System, 4’Deep
1000 Gallon System, 6’x9’x5′ Finished Basin, 32 AquaBlox®, 4×4 Configuration, 2 Layers
Side View of 1000 Gallon System, 5′ Deep
1500 Gallon System, 8’x9’x5′ Finished Basin, 48 AquaBlox®, 4×6 Configuration, 2 Layers
Side View of 1500 Gallon System
14
2000 Gallon System. 11’x9’x5′ Finished Basin, 64 AquaBlox®, 4×8 Configuration, 2 Layers
Side View of 2000 Gallon System, 5′ Deep
2500 Gallon System. 11’x12’x5′ Finished Basin, 80 AquaBlox®, 5×8 Configuration, 2 Layers
Side View of 2500 Gallon System, 5′ Deep
3000 Gallon System. 11’x9’x6′ Finished Basin, 96 AquaBlox®, 4×8 Configuration, 3 Layers
Side View of 3000 Gallon System, 6′ Deep
15
Constructed Wetland application using:
· Large SnorkelTM Vault and CentipedeTM Filter · Small AquaBlox® – single
layer along the bottom of wetland to promote good water circulation throughout
the filter and maximize the sediment
storage and clean out efficiency.
Pump Wet Well application using:
· Large SnorkelTM Vault and CentipedeTM Filter · Small AquaBlox® – single
layer along the top of the centipede to provide good water inflow for the
pumps
16