Oxygenating Fountains

One of the practical uses for setting up a water fountain is to provide oxygen for wildlife such as Koi fish. The extra movement of water that a fountain provides enriches the water with oxygen. This not only provides oxygen for the creatures you choose to inhabit your water feature but also keeps the water from going stagnant and attracting wildlife you do not want -- such as mosquitoes. Oxygenating fountains are most practical additions for garden ponds.

If your primary intention is to create more oxygen for your water feature, it is advisable to purchase the largest water pump that you can afford. Place the water pump directly onto the fountainhead nozzle and set the nozzle to then produce the most complex spray formation. The spray formation is not only to make your fountain aesthetically interesting but it also stimulates the water to produce larger amounts of oxygen. For example, a geyser fountain whose water formation is dense will produce more oxygen than a fountain that spews out thin sprays of mist.

Types of Fountain Spray Formations

A popular type of fountain pattern is the geyser. Geysers are always exciting because they are slightly erratic and produce a thick, foamy flow of water. This is a great choice for open and breezy sites, as the water will not be dispersed all over. Geysers definitely invite an audience, especially delighting children. This type of fountain lends itself well to a tropical themed pond setting decorated with many heavy lava looking rocks.

Fountain jets produce a very simple water pattern. Fountain jets are a no nonsense type of décor that simply does its job. The appeal to these types of fountains is that they are relatively inexpensive and they look good in any kind of pond. You can have a very simple plain cement pond or have a colorful ceramic tile pond and the fountain jet will lend itself well to both. They are flexible.

Bell jet fountains are always interesting. The water falls over like a smoothly shaped bell or mushroom appearance. These give a structured effect that lends itself well to small, formal ponds. The water falls in a more relaxing fashion. Having a bell jet would also call for seating next to your water feature so that guests can sit and relax. This truly invites people to become one with their natural surroundings.

Last, single spray nozzles are a good choice if you want to create a bold, dynamic effect for your water feature or pond. These shoot sprays that are higher and more daring than other fountain nozzles. This might be a good choice for a contemporary look and definitely for a front yard rather than the back. These types of water formations call for attention and it is definitely something that should be seen and not hidden.

When installing both the pump and the nozzle of your choice, make sure your hands are clean and that the water is free from debris. Any sand or soil that gets into the pump or nozzle will affect the water flow. You definitely want to achieve the most efficient water flow, as your whole intention is to produce the most oxygen for the wildlife inhabiting your water feature.