Brainstorming: Reclaiming the sludge fountain

[Shale87]

I've already got a few projects I'm working on, but does that stop me from planning a new one? Of course not! I'm probably in WAY over my head here, but that's why I need help!

I was taking my dog out yesterday and actually did more than just glance at the fountain. I stopped and looked at it. Then I took a few slow steps forward, held my breath, and peered into the murky water. I grimaced, shuddered, and dragged my dog away from that staph-infection-waiting-to-happen.

But just like a staph infection, the fountain festered in my brain. Was it doomed to be nothing more than an algae and mosquito breeding ground? Surely not!

I've seen pictures of fountains turned into planters - which I could do and would probably enjoy - but I'd really like to keep the water feature. Problem is, the usual way requires a ton of maintenance. I was wondering if there might be a way to turn it into a mini "pond" with plants keep the water clean (and possibly some tiny fish to eat any mosquito eggs?).

Here are some pictures to show you how gross this thing is.





Top level


Bottom level


I'm guessing these tiny, white worms are mosquito larvae?


I forgot to measure it, so I'll try to do that tomorrow.

So, anyone have any ideas? Do you think it'd be possible to turn this into a minimal maintenance fountain?

[Roshan8768]

I think you could pot several marginals like iris, lillies ,rushes, etc. and place the pots in the lower layer. You could also find a plant that you could place in the top level that would hang over the rim when fully grown.... like the plants you see in hanging baskets. I'm not too good with plant species, but I'm sure that somebody else will chip in with a suggestion on this. Also... if you have any other tanks with fish you have a lot of mosquito larvae that you could be feeding them at your fingertips lol. It doesn't look like the water is deep enough in either layer to conceivably hold fish, but dimensions would help people better visualize your fountain. I say go for it, it'll take some effort but its definitely got some potential!

[Sharpchick]

Originally Posted by Roshan8768

I think you could pot several marginals like iris, lillies ,rushes, etc. and place the pots in the lower layer. You could also find a plant that you could place in the top level that would hang over the rim when fully grown.... like the plants you see in hanging baskets. I'm not too good with plant species, but I'm sure that somebody else will chip in with a suggestion on this. Also... if you have any other tanks with fish you have a lot of mosquito larvae that you could be feeding them at your fingertips lol. It doesn't look like the water is deep enough in either layer to conceivably hold fish, but dimensions would help people better visualize your fountain. I say go for it, it'll take some effort but its definitely got some potential!

For the top, you might want to try some aquatic creeping jenny. Roots int he water, and a lovely trailing effect. It's widely available.