Aquarium Fountain

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September 4th, 2008 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Aquarium Fountain

Water Features for Backyard Ambience

A water feature can add a spectacular aspect to the atmosphere of your backyard. Ponds, fountains and waterfalls are all examples of water elements that can create a harmonious feeling to your personal outdoor space. They can also be a fun home improvement project for the entire family.

The local home improvement store or garden center is a sensible place to begin your project. You may be able to get a kit or purchase the supplies to create one from scratch. Be sure to locate your water feature in an area where there is an accessible water source. Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for health hazards like mosquitoes and germs. If you don't already have your landscaping in position, be sure to install the pipe work for the project before you put in grass or gravel.

There are two different ways to go about creating a pond, depending on the purpose you have in mind for it. If you want to keep fish in your pond, you'll need to dig a hole at least six feet deep and as wide as you can. Remember that a larger surface area means more oxygen exchange and hence bigger, healthier fish. You'll then need to line it either with a specifically made pond liner or with heavy duty plastic. Weigh down the upper edges of this with stones. Once it's full, you can plant reeds among them to create a natural look. Take your time about filling the pond and keep checking the water with a pond or aquarium test kit, which is available from your local pet store, to make sure it's safe for fish.

If you're not interested in keeping fish in your pond, creating it is much more simple, but it will still have to be at least two-and-a-half feet deep to avoid damage caused by evaporation and frost. If you line it with rocks or porous plastic, it will gradually leach out water into the surrounding soil, helping to support your plants, but it may also become contaminated by chemicals in the ground, making it hazardous to wildlife. Test it regularly if you aim to provide a safe watering hole for local animals.

Some fountains require a pond, but the easiest to establish are free-standing fountains, which usually come with a pump already built in. They're obtainable in a wide range of shapes, sizes and materials, so you can find one to satisfy your imagination and match your style. Take care when picking your material though. If you live in an area which gets frosty, some faux stones can crack, and this is difficult to repair. If you don't have space for a regular fountain, consider installing a wall-mounted one, which can be attached to any wall or fence and will still give your yard character as well as creating that delightful sound of bubbling water.

Buying a complete unit can eliminate the hassle of constructing a custom fountain if you do not have the time or capacity to make one on your own. But, if you want something fancier than what can be readily purchased, you could ask for a referral from your neighborhood nursery employee. They may be able to recommend someone or they may do this kind of work themselves. Even a small addition can alter the atmosphere of your garden and increase the amount of time you spend outdoors in the fresh air.

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About the Author

Anita has a BA in English literature and writes for real estate interests.