Abstract: According to a first aspect of the instant invention, there is provided herein a new solids separator which will preferably be used in conjunction with a skimmer/filter combination of the sort traditionally utilized in ornamental ponds. According to a second aspect of the instant invention, there is provided herein an aerator for use with an ornamental pond or the like. Finally, in still another preferred embodiment there is provided a diffuser which is designed to provide a smooth flow of fluid therefrom when it is used as, for example, a waterfall feature.

Abstract: There is provided herein a skimmer apparatus for use in ornamental ponds and the like. According to a preferred embodiment there is provided a skimmer that has a submersible pump directly connected thereto and which is designed to sit within the pond itself, e.g., it might rest on a pond's plant shelf, or might hang by straps or other mechanical means from the pond's edge. Preferably, a submersible pump external to the skimmer body is attached thereto to draw surface water into the skimmer where leaves and other debris will be removed from the water. The submersible pump might either be mounted to a sidewall of the skimmer or mounted to its bottom, the latter being especially appropriate for installation in ponds without plant shelves. The skimmer preferably contains at least a leaf strainer or basket for debris removal.

Abstract: There is provided herein a new skimmer apparatus and a new filter mechanism for use in ornamental ponds and the like. According to a first preferred embodiment there is provided a skimmer apparatus which has an enclosing container with a lower terminus that has a perimeter that is larger than that of the upper terminus. This allows the skimmer to be weighted/locked down within the pond itself and substantially reduces or eliminates the risk that the skimmer will float upward if it is emptied of water. Additionally, there is provided a filter which includes a spline and grove combination to firmly attach a pond liner the filter underneath its snout. Further, there is provided a pond filter which contains a true sedimentation chamber within the bottom portion thereof. Finally, there is provided an adjustable-width skimmer snout.