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Solar pump

FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
in Problem solving
Morning All,

I have a tall chunky ceramic pot (approx 50x 38) that Id like to turn into a pebble fountain. I don’t want it gushing, just a gentle bubbling sound. I was thinking of a solar pump.
Do I need a reservoir underneath- or can I silicone the drainage hole and have a self contained feature? I realise it would evaporate faster but would be easy to top up, while I’m watering the garden.
If I go for the reservoir, is there a solar pump with battery back up that anyone could recommend please- or a particular brand that is reliable? I don’t want to spend a fortune, but I’m not sure what I’m looking for and would rather spend an extra £20, or so on something that will last longer! I’ve seen the L/per min measurements but I don’t know what this means- is there a formula you use to work it out?
thanks 😃

Posts

  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    I know nothing about solar water pumps @Flinster but I bought one last year intending to finish my 'waterfall' however a scarcity of strong armed people to move the rocks and watercress for my sinus issues has driven me to make a small watercress tub in an old alpine pan.

    Lined with an old compost bag, pump in, covered with pebbles and add water. I had to put the pump on just the small spout (after being sprayed by the fountain attachment!) but it seems to work. Don't know about evaporation as it has rained enough to keep it going so far. I know have a gentle bubbling sound and fresh watercress  :)
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    That is a brilliant idea I love watercress! Are the birds bathing in it lol? I’m in the mood for construction but something creative! I have so so many big jobs- building pergolas etc to do and that won’t happen very soon so just wanted a small win lol! I want to experiment with hypertufa and concrete. Going to get my paints out this afternoon, as I’m really missing my art class now and haven’t painted in weeks. I think that is fuelling my need for creativity!😃

  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    Go for it @Flinster! Anything that makes you feel better, personally I struggle to paint walls but hey  :D 

    The birds are not bathing. Maybe because they have three other options, all a bit bigger than the alpine pan, or they are just not in the mood for a Jacuzzi.....

    Decades ago my husband made me a trough from our old Belfast sink covered in cement and hypertufa. Looked great and the covering aged with time and lasted a good twenty years. Probably would have lasted longer but the children grew and got more boisterous and the final straw was the gales in '87. But it was lovely while it lasted so go for it and good luck.
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    No bathing but I just caught the baby sparrows trying to pull the watercress out! Cheek!
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    Sparrows have been eating my spinach and pea leaves.. like the slugs aren’t enough lol! Haven’t done anything creative yet... although I did make banana bread and got my sourdough starter fed which sort of counts lol!! 🤨
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