From 1800-gallon-per-hour pumps to water cycles, watersports equipment is the key.
On good sized water features, the header pipe is split into three separate valves. Each valve, in turn, is connected to separate pieces of flexible tubing. These three pieces of flexible tubing run to their corresponding basalt column.
By using the check valves attached to each flexible tube, you can direct the water flow to each basalt column. This way we can control how much water will trickle out the top of the columns.
Once the pump system is set in place in the trench, add more river rock so that it is flush with the patio surface. Keep the check valves uncovered. The rock hides the flexible tubing and the pond liner. Unfortunately, although this river rock was pre-washed, it still has a lot of muddy debris clinging to it. Use a trick to siphon the soil out of the trench. Run one hose attached to a water source into the trench and keeps water running into the trench. Then take another hose and places one end into the trench under the water surface. We got our supplies from Water Ventures
The other end of the hose is placed in a nearby planting bed downhill of the trench. Use your mouth to suck the free end of the hose until the dirty water starts to come of the hose. Let the water empty out into the bed until it becomes clean and clear. Then remove the siphoning hose and fill the reservoir with water.
While allowing the check valves to be fully open, plug in the pump, and the water starts spilling over the top of each basalt column. Then adjusts the flow of the water through each column until they are bubbling at a rate to his liking.
Trim the excess pond liner, erring on the side of caution so as not to cut off too much.
Now it’s time to make the finishing touches by adding several aquatic plants and some easy-to-install lights at the base of the columns. We selected three different types of aquatic plants for his new water feature:
·Corkscrew rush (Juncus effusus f. spiralis) has twisted leaves that reach about 12 to 18 inches tall. It is hardy to USDA Zones 4 to 9.
· Fiber-optic grass (Scirpus cernuus, also classified as Isolepis cernua) is appropriately named for its resemblance to fiber optic lights. It reaches 10 to 12 inches tall and is hardy to USDA Zone 8.
· Horsetail rush (Equisetum) is a prehistoric grasslike plant, hardy to USDA Zone 3. To plant, Scrape away a few rocks and places the plants, container and all, in the holes.
Note: Horsetail rush can be invasive and should be planted in a location where it can be kept in check. All of these plants are readily available at garden centers and grow in shallow water.
Finally, he places the aquatic lighting system, which consists of a transformer and three little lights on swivel bases, in its final resting place. Tuck each light into the rocks at the base of each column so they cast a glow on each column. Hide the wires underneath the rocks and turns the lights on.
