Water Elements
Sheffield Admin Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 11:51AM 
If you want a touch of the outdoors indoor and you don't have a green thumb, try an indoor water fountain. They can come in many different flavors - tabletop fountains, free standing, or wall fountains. Fountains are made of natural stone such as slate, river rocks, pebbles or metals such as copper and steel. They can boast of bamboo spouts, lighting, chimes, and even a device that creates fog - now that's atmospheric!
Each fountain has at a minimum four elements: some kind of base - they come in a variety of forms such as a basin, a vase, or a frame; a water pump; tubing; and water, of course. The amount of water you fill the fountain with depends on the size of your fountain - follow the directions and fill your fountain with the recommended amount of water. Use distilled water instead of regular tap water as tap water has sediments that will eventually clog up the tubing. Make sure you position your fountain near an electrical outlet as the water pump will need to be plugged in to pump the water.
Your fountain needs some maintenance. Eventually fountains may develop algae bloom and turn your water green. You just need to treat your water with anti-algae liquids found in any garden store and this will retard its growth. If the water flow is too loud, you may have the wrong type of pump. Pumps come in different flow rates - measured in GPH - gallons per hour. A small fountain - less than a foot high - needs only a GPH of 45-65. If there's too much water splashing around, you may have too much water or too little water. Add or cut back on the amount of water you fill.
Once you have chosen an indoor water fountain that you like, you can enjoy its many advantages. Water fountains act as a humidifier - decreasing the dry air around you. The trickling of the fountain can mask other noises around you such as outdoor traffic. The water flow also can provide stress relief and a focal point for meditation. Finally, they provide a beautiful and serene decorating element to your home.
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