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Fountains: FAQWhich fountains make a lot of sound? Your best bet for a fountain that produces a lot of sound are those that have water cascading into water. For example, fountains that have tiers in which water drips or cascades from one pool of water to another tend to generate a good deal of sound. A number of our contemporary fountains also feature sheets of cascading water. Fountains made from our bamboo kits produce good sound as the water flows into a container as do many of our wall fountains which "spit" water into a basin. In general, fountains in which the water bubbles up and then adheres to and trickles fown the sides of a stone or pot, do not make as much sound, but they are a striking focal point. What is the white residue on my indoor fountain? When water evaporates from a fountain, it leaves a white residue, primarily calcium deposits. It can be prevented by several methods. Distilled water leaves no residue because the minerals have already been taken out. Or you can add a scale remover to the water that will eliminate mineralization from occurring. Usually less than a teaspoon is needed for a gallon of water. We offer a product called Protec that works very well. Also, when refilling a fountain run your finger along the water line to break the water surface tension and loosen the mineralization at that point. What is the stringy black substance in my indoor fountain? If your fountain is in area where it receives a moderate amount of sun, algae will grow. Algae come in several varieties, but string algae are the most bothersome. They can be controlled by changing the water frequently or by adding an algaecide, such as Fountec, to the water. It requires adding only a drop or two per gallon per week. Never use bleach or similar products – they will attack the gaskets of pumps and create worse problems. My fountain does not pump as much water as it did when it was new, what’s wrong? Every two to three months, the pump should be removed from an indoor fountain and put under running water. If it has a filter attached to it, take it off and separately cleanse it thoroughly under running water. After the pump is cleaned up, it will pump like new. Most pumps have adjustments to regulate water flow and that can be adjusted. Increasing the flow will work in the interim until you flush the pump. You can also follow these instructions for the pump on your outdoor fountain if it should slow down, too. The frequency with which you might need to clean the pump on an outdoor fountain will vary depending on how clean you keep your outdoor fountain. My pump stopped working, should I buy a new one? Most fountain pumps are designed to last for 3-4 years. Sometimes when a pump is turned off it will not start up again. This can be caused by a tiny piece of grit caught between the impellor casing and the impellor when it shuts down. Usually it can be removed by flushing the pump with water. All but the very smallest pumps can be taken apart to flush the parts individually. How can I control the algae in my pond? Algae will naturally occur in ponds without filtration. Typically in the spring, ponds will have an algae bloom. The water gets green for a week or two and then clears up. If you do not have a UV, sand or biologic filter, algaecides can control the problem in a small pond or a self-contained fountain. The long-term solution is to keep the surface of the water in half shade. Water plants are the best solution for this. As soon as the water warms up to support plant growth, cover half of the water surface with plants like water hyacinths, water lettuce, and duckweed. You can also use an algaecide, such as Fountec. What should I do to winterize my outdoor fountain? It varies according to the type of material used in the construction of a fountain. You must remove the pump from the water if you think that the water may freeze. If the fountain is in a pond that is 20" or more deep, you may not have to remove the pump. Natural stone fountains that are made from granite or basalt require little or no care. Ice will not bother them. We run our granite tiered fountain all year on all but the coldest of days. The pump is in 20" of water and has not suffered any damage the last few winters. In our shallow ponds, we remove the pumps from the water, dry them out, and set them next to the pond wrapped in plastic. All other types of fountains will require some form of protection. Ideally, all self-contained cast stone fountains should be disassembled and stored indoors away from the elements. But if a fountain bowl must be left outside, remove all the drain plugs and cover the fountain with plastic or a fountain cover (available at Birdsall & Co). Pump, finials, and small components should be stored inside. The base of the fountain should be elevated off the ground on strips of wood to keep it away from soil and paving which might contribute to freeze-thaw damage. Make sure no water leaks into the bowls. Fiberglass-based and other synthetic fountains should be drained, disassembled, and stored inside. Fiberglass products tend to get brittle in cold temperatures and an accidental bump may cause the fiberglass to crack. Metal fountains like our brass cranes, fish, frogs, and human figures are best brought inside. If that is inconvenient, make sure that the brass figures are above the waterline, well-drained, and all openings that would allow water inside the fountains are covered. How do I make a pot waterproof so that I can use it for a fountain? Once you have selected a pot, seal the drainage holes.Fill the holes with silicon and then pressing on a small piece of pond liner (quarters, poker chips, pieces of plastic will work as well) over the hole on the outside and inside so that the silicone in the hole is sandwiched in. Don't try to be too neat, the silicone should be put on thickly. Then apply another layer of the silicone over the piece of pond liner that is on the inside of the pot. After the silicone has setup for at least a day, coat the inside of the pot with melted paraffin or beeswax. Let it set for several hours and then fill the pot with water. If there are no water spots below the pot you are all set. If you find water, empty the pot, let it dry out, and re-wax or re-silicone as necessary. Another product to consider for coating the inside of the fountain is evaporative cooler undercoating and sealer. It comes in a spray can, seals very well, and its black color makes water in the pot very reflective. Add one of our bamboo fountain kits to your pot and you'll have a custom fountain for indoor or outdoor use. | ||||||||
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