Build a rock water feature

If you want to have a large flat rock or other heavy water feature with water gently flowing over it how is it done?

First of all the grille needs to be able to support the weight of your "rock" Most "ready made" sumps have a "lid" to support your "rock"

You may need to support the lid /grille with bricks or similar to take the weight of your rock. Because the rock will be heavy it is highly recommended that you have a small "trap door" that will to one side of the rock which can easily be opened to allow you to be able to remove adjust the pump. It is also a good idea in-case the rock had to be initially positioned by a small hoist or similar, once your rock is in situ, you will never want to move it again. The volume of the sump does not need to be all that big, BUT the bigger it is the less often it will need refilling.

The next thing to consider is that the "rock" must be level at the top surface, if it isn't all the water will run to the lowest point.

The way to get the water to flow  across all flat surfaces is to make a small "well"    in the top of the "rock" This reduces the water velocity and  gives a gentle all round flow. If you do not do this and you try turning the pump down you will not get a reasonable water flow.

You will also notice the pump is to one side of the "Rock" this is to make access to the pump easier.

This page is dedicated to Audrey Elliot

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