Aquascape Fountain Bowls are perfect for a wide variety of uses and applications, including container water gardens, elegant fountains, or even decorative pond filters. This instructional guide makes it easy!
Fountain Bowls are easy to set up as a complete water garden or ‘patio pond’ in almost any setting such a patios, decks, porches, or balconies.
Rinse to remove leftover debris from the manufacturing process.
Add a small spitter for added interest and to enjoy the soothing sound of running water. Choose from a variety of spitters and pair with the proper sized pump.
Note: A convenient notch in the back of the Fountain Bowl is available for electrical cord placement.
The Fountain Bowl Shelf (sold separately) makes it easy to create platforms for small fountains, plants, driftwood, rocks, and more. Get creative!
Place a pump (if using) beneath the shelf to conceal it from view.
Note: Shelves are not available for 50” and 60” (127/152 CM) Fountain Bowls.
If desired, add Aquascape underwater lights .#84030 shown
Add pond plants to turn your bowl into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind water garden. For best results replant the pond plants using Aquascape Pond Plant Potting Media, Aquatic Planters, and Once-A-Year Pond Plant Fertilizer.
Always remove soil and fertilizer when pulling the plant from its original container.
Fountain Bowl Hanging Planters can be used to add plants at the edge of the bowl, if desired.
Note: Planters not available for 50” and 60” (127/152 CM) Fountain Bowls.
Simply mark the drill points and drill the correctly sized hole in the edge as shown and insert using the included fasteners. Practice caution when drilling so as not to damage the edge.
Note: Always wear mask and glasses when cutting or drilling fiberglass.
Next, add your favorite plants, such as Creeping Jenny, impatiens, pothos, and more.
Two small holes are in the bottom of the planter for drainage. If desired, larger or more holes can be drilled to allow more water in and out of the planter.
Note: Use Pond Plant Potting Media and top with a layer of gravel, if desired.
Naturalize with rocks, driftwood, or gravel!
Fill the Fountain Bowl with water. Add Pond Detoxifier to make the water safe for fish or plants. If using a garden hose, run the hose for a few minutes to flush the hose of stagnant water before filling.
If desired, add two or three small goldfish or rosy reds.
Apply Beneficial Bacteria to optimize the water quality and reduce maintenance. We also recommend a 10-15% water change weekly to help optimize water quality.
It is recommended to completely drain the Fountain Bowl and store it in a frost-free location. Remove the standpipe to drain for winterization. If you are unable to store inside, drain the bowl and basin and cover with tight fitting cover. Prevent water, snow, and ice from accumulating on top of the cover, causing it to sag into the bowl and basin. Note: Fountain Bowls set up as Biological Filters must also be winterized properly.
Select a location and place the bowl securely. It is recommended to install Fountain Bowls atop pond liner to prevent leaks. When choosing an installation location, take into consideration the water flow, spillway position(s), and viewing angles.
Plumbing: There are a wide variety of plumbing options. Choose the option that works best for your application. One easy option is to use Rubber Bulkheads. These are available in multiple sizes and make it easy to connect the bowl to Schedule 40 PVC.
Use the hole saw size recommended for the Rubber Bulkhead. Other options include traditional bulkheads or foaming around the pipe once inserted.
| Rubber Bulkhead Size (mm) | Pipe O.D. (mm) | Holesaw Size (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 19.2 mm | 27 mm | 32 mm |
| 25.4 mm | 33 mm | 44 mm |
| 32 mm | 48 mm | 51 mm |
| 38 mm | 60 mm | 76 mm |
When plumbing the bottom of the unit, find the center point and use the proper hole saw size to drill and create the opening. Once drilled, insert the Rubber Bulkhead.
Once the Rubber Bulkhead is inserted, apply silicone grease to the inside edge of the fitting as well as the tubing to be inserted. This is important as it will allow you to insert the pipe into the tight opening for a good seal.
If desired, create a removeable standpipe by marking the pipe coming through the bottom of the bowl. Then remove and cut the pipe.
Reinsert the elbow and stub. Then add a coupling and another stub of pipe to complete. If desired, paint standpipe black to conceal it.
Note: The standpipe should be removed in colder weather to allow the bowl to drain. If desired, a small drill hole can be added to the bottom of the bowl for complete drainage. Be careful not to drill a hole in the liner beneath.
Connect the pipe from the pump to the fitting at the bottom of the bowl as shown. Note: Use PVC cement/glue to provide a watertight connection.
Once set securely in place and plumbed, use a bubble level to ensure the bowl is sitting level from front to back and side to side.
Waterspout Options
Fountain Bowls are designed with customization in mind. Get creative with unique options for water flow. Cut multiple spouts of varying sizes or create other cool effects.
The included cord slot can be used as the primary waterspout. Using this spout will limit water flow. The cord slot can also be enlarged for higher flows. If desired, the cord slot can also be secured in place using clear silicone.
Spouts can be added using a saw or multi-tool as shown. Always wear mask and glasses when cutting or drilling fiberglass.
It is recommended to completely drain the Fountain Bowl and store it in a frost-free location. Remove the standpipe to drain for winterization. If you are unable to store inside, drain the bowl and basin and cover with tight fitting cover. Prevent water, snow, and ice from accumulating on top of the cover, causing it to sag into the bowl and basin. Note: Fountain Bowls set up as Biological Filters must also be winterized properly.
Fountain Bowls can also be configured as filters by adding a Fountain Bowl Biological Filter Kit. Each kit is specified based on the shape and size of the bowl.
Turn a Fountain Bowl into a biological filter with the new Fountain Bowl Biological Filter Kit. Using a Fountain Bowl as a biological filter is a g...
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Turn a Fountain Bowl into a biological filter with the new Fountain Bowl Biological Filter Kit. Using a Fountain Bowl as a biological filter is a g...
View full details
Fountain Bowl Biological Filter Kits bundle everything you need to turn any fountain bowl into a powerful filter.
Kits include support shelves, custom filter mat, bio-media net, BioBalls Biological Filter Media, and plumbing fittings.
The components are easily installed, allowing you to quickly add a decorative filter to any application.
For plumbing and spout customization instructions, please refer to the plumbing section above.
It is recommended to completely drain the Fountain Bowl and store it in a frost-free location. Remove the standpipe to drain for winterization. If you are unable to store inside, drain the bowl and basin and cover with tight fitting cover. Prevent water, snow, and ice from accumulating on top of the cover, causing it to sag into the bowl and basin. Note: Fountain Bowls set up as Biological Filters must also be winterized properly.
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