Biological water filter without algae bloom & replacements

A natural water filter that counteracts algae bloom in pools, ponds, and fountains. For effective water purification with simple maintenance.

30+ years of development & experience. 100,000+ installations. 6 continents.

How algae bloom occurs

Common to all bodies of water is the constant influx of nutrients and algae spores. Nutrients arrive with wind and rain in the form of organic waste and phosphate from the soil. The water is purified through the nitrification process, or the nitrogen cycle.

The nitrogen cycle runs from organic waste to ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, which plants and algae take up. Phosphorus is added from the soil.

It is only when this nitrogen cycle fails to complete — when plants cannot absorb nutrients fast enough — that algae bloom occurs.

Why algae take over

Plants and algae compete for the same nutrients. But in artificial systems, algae always have a natural advantage.

While plants can only absorb nutrients nearby, algae can reach them everywhere. In an unbalanced system, algae take roughly 88 percent of the nutrients and plants only 12 percent.

But AQUASCAPE ECOSYSTEM locks the nutrients into the plants before algae can occupy them.

How AQUASCAPE stops algae bloom

Aquascape Ecosystem™ is adapted to different types of water features, but the principle remains the same. A stable nutrient deficit starves the algae.

Collection: Floating debris, leaves, and pollen are captured at a collection point before they can break down and release nutrients.

Neutralisation: The water is then treated with fish-safe copper ions that inhibit the growth of algae spores.

Filtration: Water is pushed up through a filter where microorganisms convert organic waste into nutrients delivered to plant roots.

Movement: Streams, waterfalls, jets, and air systems create optimal movement of oxygen-rich water, supporting microorganisms and preventing dead zones where algae can take hold.

Balance: An optimal blend of bacteria is added automatically.

The Components

BioFalls — Compact treatment plant. A compact vertical filter that also serves as the start of a waterfall. Water rises through a specially designed filter system that captures particles and provides maximum contact surface for essential bacteria. Primarily used in ponds, but can also complement nature pools with additional streams.

Wetland Filter — Complete treatment plant. Like a BioFalls for nature pools. The horizontal filter bed of rocks, gravel, and aquatic plants provides a complete nitrification process in one place: organic waste becomes nutrients quickly absorbed by plant roots. Can also enhance purification in ponds and streams on larger properties.

Signature Skimmer — Captures organic debris. Keeps the water surface clear by drawing floating debris into an easily accessible basket with a powerful pump. When organic waste is captured before sinking, nutrients are prevented from being released into the system. Primarily developed for smaller water features like ponds, but can also complement nature pools.

Intake Bay — Gravel filter and pump. A larger-scale skimmer designed for nature pools. Water and floating matter are drawn into a shallow bay where it can be easily removed. A gravel filter then captures suspended particles. This keeps the water surface clear and drives the entire cycle. Primarily used in nature pools, but can also be used for larger ponds where a skimmer fills up too quickly.

Negative Edge — Gravel filter with infinity edge. On sloping properties, the Intake Bay can be upgraded to a Negative Edge with broader functionality. Water cascades over the pool edge like a stream or waterfall into a hidden reservoir. This can be converted into a Rainwater Harvesting System that replenishes the system. Primarily used in nature pools and standalone streams.

IonGen — Neutralisation. In the pipes, the water is treated with copper ions. These attach to algae cell membranes, preventing cell division among other effects. This does not affect plants, fish, or beneficial bacteria. Used in nature pools, garden ponds, and standalone streams.

Streams & waterfalls etc. — Oxygenation and movement. The water is oxygenated through streams, waterfalls, and air pumps. The oxygen supports essential aerobic bacteria. In nature pools and garden ponds, strategic jets are placed to prevent debris accumulation or dead zones where algae can take hold. A natural part of all Aquascape systems.

Auto-doser — Enrichment. Automatic dosing of various specialised blends for different systems and occasions. Primarily beneficial bacterial strains that complement the living ecosystem. The blend is adapted to different systems and occasions.

The entire water volume is filtered 24 times per day so you don't have to fight nature.

One system. Four adaptations.

Aquascape Ecosystem™ is fully modular and differs between water features.

Nature pool — As close to waterfront living as you get without moving. Swim year-round, with fish. Aquascape Ecosystem™ Pool

Garden pond — A living ecosystem for your fish. Without the algae blooms. Aquascape Ecosystem™ Pond

Stream & waterfall — A babbling stream with rushing waterfalls. Needs less maintenance than your lawn. Aquascape Pondless System™

Fountain — Bubbling water on a minimal footprint. The simplest way to water in your garden. Aquascape Fountainscape™

It all started in 1991

Aquascape began in a backyard in Wheaton, Illinois, where a young Greg Wittstock tried to create an algae-free pond for his beloved turtles.

Many ponds later, it was done. The mailman who had followed his experiments ordered one just like it. In 1991, AQUASCAPE was born.

With over 100,000 installations, the system is the world leader in biological water features, where natural beauty and function always go hand in hand.

BÄCKAHÄSTEN is Sweden's most experienced Aquascape™ Team

Malcolm's background in award-winning AQUASCAPE projects in Australia, together with Max's experience in biological stormwater systems, makes BÄCKAHÄSTEN Sweden's most experienced AQUASCAPE Team. Together, we bring unique expertise where natural beauty and function always go hand in hand.

Malcolm Grieve, award-winning Aquascaper. Sweden's most experienced Aquascaper with an award-winning portfolio from Australia.

Max Johnsson, experienced water contractor. 6 years of experience strengthening stormwater systems in the world's first climate-neutral area.

We adapt every water environment to your vision, property, and budget. Each one becomes a unique, handcrafted work of art that continues to enchant year after year.

Long experience. Master Landscaper Award. Sustainable Landscape Award.

From newly built to self-regulating ecosystem

An Aquascape Ecosystem™ doesn't deliver full capacity from day one. The bacterial colonies and plants need time to establish themselves.

Year 1 — Establishment. During the first year, microorganisms and plants establish themselves. Since nutrient levels in the water are still low, thread algae mainly appear in streams and waterfalls. Adding essential bacterial cultures accelerates establishment.

Year 2 — Balance. Microorganisms and plants have started working together but are still at an early stage. Nutrient levels have increased, offset by the system's growing ability to absorb them. Some care and observation needed — but the system takes over more and more.

Year 3 — Self-cleansing ecosystem. The ecosystem has matured. Microorganisms efficiently convert organic matter into plant nutrients, which are then absorbed by the plants' roots. Around 15 minutes of maintenance per week.

Which AQUASCAPE do you dream about?

We adapt our water features to your vision, property, and budget. Each one becomes a unique, handcrafted work of art.