If you want to install a fountain in your garden or pond, there are a few things to keep in mind. Many fountains range from simple to elaborate, including aerating and floating models. The key is to choose the right model for your needs and budget.
Floating Pond Fountains
Floating pond fountains are a great way to keep a pond looking beautiful and clean. They can also provide much-needed aeration. Adding oxygen to the water can reduce excess nutrients and decompose more quickly. Aeration can also help combat foul odors.
A floating pond fountain can be a great addition to any pond. Depending on the model, you can have a variety of different features. For example, some fountains have lights. These can be powered by a photocell or by a control panel.
Most pond fountains will also have several spray patterns. You can choose from basic spraying trumpets to complex patterns with multiple streams of water. Some fountains are equipped with hand tools that allow you to change the spray pattern.
When purchasing a pond fountain, consider the pond fountains price and the warranty. The price of a fountain will be higher if it comes with a 5-year or more manufacturer’s warranty. However, there are many loopholes in most warranties.
One important thing to keep in mind when choosing a fountain is the power cord length. Ideally, the cord should be long enough to reach where you want the fountain installed. Avoid burying the cord in the sand. This can lead to a damaged cord.
Another item to look for is the pump. The pump is the most expensive part of the fountain. It can be either bolted to the float or mounted horizontally.
Flow rates are another important aspect of a fountain. High-powered pond fountains can flow 90,000 liters per hour. Higher flow rates mean a more aesthetically pleasing display.
The water is often pumped up through a nozzle mounted on a plastic float. A float can be tethered to the shoreline or anchored to the bottom of the pond.
Several companies offer unique lighting options. LED lights are available in several colors, including white and multicolor versions. Light sensors are also available to shut off the light at dawn and dusk.
The AquaMaster brand is known for its high-quality, corrosion-resistant components. Their fountains come with the longest warranty in the industry.
Aerating Fountains
Aerating fountains are a great way to enhance the beauty and clarity of your pond. They help to prevent algae from growing and increase the overall oxygen levels in your pond. These are also a way to keep your pond free from dead fish.
The type of fountain you choose depends on the size and shape of your pond. For instance, a floating fountain is ideal for a shallow pond, while a sub-surface unit is better for a deeper pond.
Floating fountains work by deflecting the water on a disk or other surface. You can also install light kits to enhance the display at night.
Using an aerating fountain can improve the quality of your pond and keep it healthy for your pets and wildlife. They can even help to reduce hydrogen sulfur buildup, which can result in foul odors.
When shopping for an aerating fountain, you’ll want to ensure that the unit has enough horsepower to aerate your pond. Also, you’ll want to ensure you get a quality product. This is important, as a low-quality unit can cause damage to your pond and aquatic life.
Several types of aerating fountains are available, and they are all designed to add a splash of style to your pond. Some of these aerating systems include LED lighting packages.
Most aerating fountains operate off of 115 volts. However, some of the higher-powered models run on 230 volts. Higher voltages are often more expensive, so if you can afford it, go with the 115-volt model.
Kasco is one of the world’s most trusted manufacturers of aerating fountains. The company has been around for over 50 years and is known for its high-quality products. It has also been recognized for setting the gold standard in the manufacturing of water quality solutions.
Kasco’s VFX line of fountains includes multiple options for different applications. This line of fountains is easy to operate and delivers superior aerating performance.
Kasco also provides a virtual fountain viewer, so you can easily visualize the type of aerating fountain you need. After you’ve decided on an aerating fountain, you’ll also need to decide on the correct power cord length and horsepower.
Sub-Surface Air Diffusers
Sub-surface air diffusers are an effective method to improve the quality of a pond. The bubbles released by these devices help oxygen transfer from the bottom to the top of the pond. This improves the overall water quality and helps prevent algae blooms.
These devices are most beneficial in shallow ponds. The bubbles will not be effective if your pond is deeper than 8 feet. They do, however, provide excellent circulation.
Sub-surface aerators work by creating a vortex-like circulatory action. This is achieved by pushing air from a land-based compressor to a pump at the bottom of the pond. After that, the air is transported to the pond’s surface through a membrane diffuser. A variety of different diffuser types exist. You’ll want to choose the best type for your pond.
There are two main types of diffusers: coarse and fine bubbles. Coarse bubble diffusers are more effective at mixing water. However, they do not transfer as much oxygen into the water column as the fine bubble diffusers do. Coarse bubble diffusers need less maintenance and do not tend to plug up.
Depending on the size and shape of your pond, you’ll need multiple diffusers. It is important to distribute the diffusers evenly throughout your pond. In addition, you will want to make sure that the diffuser is protected from the weather.
A sub-surface air diffuser system uses a land-based compressor to pump air through various diffusers. As a result, the aeration system will break up the water’s surface tension.
For example, placing a diffuser at a one-foot depth will create a two-foot diameter opening. You’ll need more diffusers to aerate the entire area for a shallow pond.
Whether you install a sub-surface aerator or a fountain, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to maintain a healthier and cleaner pond. Fountains also add a nice display to your pond. Besides, it can be fun to hear the bubbles rise from the pond’s surface!
Once you’ve decided on an aerator, you’ll need to decide where it should be installed. You can’t put it directly on the ground because it may prematurely fail.
Calculating The Lift Of A Fountain
You must consider the lift when choosing a fountain pump for a pond. This is the vertical height from the water level to the head of the fountain. The more powerful the pump, the higher the head will be. However, if you choose a too-weak pump, you will get a sad trickle. To avoid this problem, purchasing a pump with at least a one-and-a-half times lift is best.
It is also important to consider the size of the pond. A pond can range from a little over a quarter of an acre to two acres. If you are installing a fountain in a pond that is less than a quarter of an acre, you should use a pump with a lift of at least one and a half times the pond’s height. Generally, purchasing a fountain pump with a flow rate of at least 200 gallons per inch is a good idea.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a pump is the length of the tubing. Tubing sizes vary from 1′ to 10′. Ideally, the tubing you choose should match the pump’s discharge diameter.
Other factors to keep in mind include the amount of fish. Ponds that are densely stocked require a pump that circulates the whole volume of water at least twice as often. Ponds with little fish should not have pumps that circulate more than a few hundred gallons.
In addition, you should measure the hose length from the pump to the outlet. This measurement will help determine how much tubing is required to achieve the maximum lift. Using a high lift pump will increase the water climb’s strength.
A pond pump with a high lift can also help you control the water’s flow. You can install a ball valve or PVC pipe in the pond to restrict the flow. Pumps with flow control help you get the perfect flow and height combination.
You should consider the height of your waterfall as well. For example, a 12-inch spillway will require about 1200-1800 gallons per hour.
