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In this page we have prepared answers to everything you wanted to know about water features – and perhaps a few things you had not thought about.

Important notice! Check with local council for pond depth regulations when placing your water feature at the front of a house for children’s safety. You can fill a larger pond with large river pebbles to make the water shallower. Most of our pumps are 240 volt, so you either need an electrician to connect outdoor power safely – this means a conduit 50cm underground – or you need to plug into a very close power source. If you do use an electrician, make sure to ask him about lighting as well – this can add to the atmosphere of your water feature at night. A high voltage cord must never run loose through the garden, in case you should cut it while gardening. If the power source is some distance from the water feature, and must go through the garden, a 24volt pump and transformer is required with a low voltage cable.

1.	How long do Universal Rocks last?
2.	Can they blow away?
3.	How hard are Universal Rocks to assemble?
4.	Can they be put into swimming pools?
5.	Does the waterfall have to run 24 hours?
6.	How do Universal Rocks compare with real bush rock?
7.	What do I do about algae?
8.	What about cleaning?
9.	Can I put fish and snails in a pond?

1.	How long do Universal Rocks last?

	Originally tested by the CSIRO, Universal Rocks tested very positively under normal weather conditions. Universal Rocks will react to the weather the same as natural rock. Algae will grow and colour may vary.

2.	Can they blow away?

	When constructing the water feature, you can use stainless steel screws to hold the pieces in position. You can also use a product called Sikaflex (polyurethane glue) to glue the items together and then apply sand or an oxide to hide the join. We have had no experience of the product blowing away once it has been laid in position.

3.	How hard are Universal Rocks to assemble?

	The hardest part of installing your waterfall is digging the hole for the pond. The product can be cut (with a bread knife) to fit into a restricted space, for example against a wall. Also, the waterfall and cascades can be cut so they fit over the pond and into each other.

4.	Can they be put into swimming pools?

	A range have been designed to overhang into a swimming pool (see swimming pool section). If these are used, a 40mm water outlet fitting is required as the waterfall is hooked up to the pool pump and needs a larger outlet to accommodate the pressure. Ensure that the pump is turned off when using shock treatment as excessive chlorine can bleach rocks.

5.	Does the waterfall have to run 24 hours?

	You can attach a timer to your pump so that it only runs at certain times. Remember though that stagnant water can begin to smell and mosquitoes can start to breed. An operating pump will help chew up and larvae to prevent this. Pumps are similar in cost to run as an indoor light. If you have a biological filter, you will need to run it most of the day.

6.	How do Universal Rocks compare with real bush rock?

	Universal Rocks are lightweight, easy to move, durable and environmentally friendly. Bush rocks are heavy and often inaccessible, with heavy machinery required to transport them. This limits where you can position them. Bush rock can often crack over time due to contact with water. Bush rock is becoming harder to get as you are no longer allowed to remove it from the bush. Prices are comparable when transport and machinery costs are considered.

7.	What do I do about algae?

	There are two types of ponds - clear water ponds and planted ponds. Generally, a clear water pond will grow algae quickly. Thankfully, there are natural anti-algae chemicals available. NOTE: Do not use chlorine in the pond as it will affect your pump very quickly and could bleach the rocks. Planted ponds are very popular, however to control the water quality, the ecology has to be set up correctly. Your pond size will determine the amount of plants and fish etc required. There are two main types of plants required when setting up your pond. Decorative plants: Lilies, water fringe, nardoo, water poppy etc. These plants obviously make your pond attractive and enjoyable, however they play a major role in the ecology of your pond. They provide surface cover for your pond. You need approximately 70% surface cover for your pond. If not, too much direct sunlight will cause rapid algae growth. Oxygenators: these are not decorative, they are working plants that grow beneath the water and control algae by competing for the nutrients in the water. The best oxygenators are Vallisneria and Elide. Oxygenators can be burnt by direct sunlight and benefit from the protection of decorative plants.

8.	What about cleaning?

	There are many types of filter systems, such as biological and ultraviolet that can be used. The pump however is primarily used to circulate the water flow. It has a sponge in the end, which is a large particle filter and needs to be washed out regularly. The ponds can be emptied and scrubbed if necessary - the pump can be used to siphon water out by removing it from the waterfall outlet and redirecting it to a drain.

9.	Can I put fish and snails in a pond?

	Yes. Fish and snails play a vital part in maintaining cleanliness of a pond. The fish will eat the mosquito larvae and the snails are extremely good at cleaning the pond sides. Both these animals can be destructive if they breed to excess or grow too large. They can then start eating the plant life, which will cause the water to become dirty quickly.

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