About Tabletop Water Fountain Treatments
Indoor fountains bring the movement and sound of running water into your environment. These fountains need to be kept clean to perform at their best. Smaller fountains can be unplugged, disassembled and scrubbed to remove algae or mineral buildup, but a larger wall-mounted or very heavy fountain doesn't offer those options. There are several fountain treatments that can be used to prolong the time between cleanings and promote the longevity of the pump motor and tubing. Does this Spark an idea?
Distilled Water
Fill and maintain your indoor fountain with distilled water. Water that is boiled and then condensed through a steam process is called distilled water. It has had impurities removed that might cause mineral buildup and clog your fountain system. If distilled water is unavailable, soft or filtered water is preferable to tap water. With each liquid treatment listed here, treat a gallon of distilled water rather than the fountain itself.
Vinegar Treatment
Mix 1 tsp. of white vinegar into each gallon of water. Vinegar is a herbicide and will act against the growth of organics in the fountain water. Acetic acid (sometimes called ethanoic acid) in vinegar works best against plants that have thinner protective cuticles. According to a 2002 article by Don Comis published by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, higher concentrations of vinegar demonstrated an 85 to 100 percent kill rate of weeds.
Chlorine Bleach Treatment
Add 2 tbsp. of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water. A chlorine treatment has drawbacks: Bleach can deteriorate pump components and damage copper. The chlorinated water may also be unsafe if small pets drink the water in the fountain. In addition, some people may be sensitive to the small amount of chlorine emitted by the fountain.
Lemon Juice Treatment
Add 2 tbsp. of lemon juice to each gallon of water. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which acts as a herbicide against some plants. Often this is mixed with vinegar for a stronger effect. Lemon juice solutions might etch some surfaces and should not be used with some types of stone.
Listerine Treatment
Add a teaspoon of Listerine (an antiseptic) to each gallon of water. Listerine contains a carbolic acid (phenol) that inhibits the growth of micro-organisms. Use only the original Listerine, not other colors and flavors.
Mineral Deposits
Calcium buildup can be cleaned off with a product such as Lime Away, but the product may damaged painted surfaces, bronze and slate and some other stones. Prevention of mineral deposits is a better option, because it is difficult to remove buildup from inside a pump motor.
Penny Treatment And Ionic Silver Treatment
Put a few pre-1982 pennies or a small piece of solid copper in the bottom of your fountain. Copper helps kill algae. Consider a ceramic water filter. These are found at backpacking stores with the filter built into the cap. A silver ionic stick is another product that will purify your water for a long time. Look for replacement sticks where silver ionic room humidifiers are sold. Submerge the stick or small cartridge in your pump cavity. The stick size should match the amount of water circulating in your fountain system. This is the ultimate in nano technology for water purification and the removal of bacteria and algae. Some sticks also include demineralization cartridges, which are an excellent option for preventing mineral buildup. Most fountain retailers have commercial versions of these same products. Opt for the treatment that works best in your circumstances and with your budget.
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