Nice site. I sent the address to a friend that makes clay fountains and is always looking for new suppliers of pumps etc. and new ideas. Pauline

S_dreamer, that's the smart approach...I learn everything the hard way :) I'm making a new one that is a lot bigger and rigged with lights. Mark, I was new when I did this, but it's still holding water and in one piece. Someone else may have a better strategy for filling the voids. I tried some of that stryofoam spray, but it's pretty expensive and very messy. The paper inside the mesh was used to keep too much tufa from filling all the hollow spaces (to keep the weight down). The paper around the reservoir was wadded into balls and wired onto the outside of the mesh to make the surface uneven. In either case, the paper is still in there. Good luck with your project!

I use bleach in our verandah fountain all the time, I just add some to the moving water and let it work its way all thru the system, then I rinse it out and add fresh water. I keep the dogs inside during this process so they drink it. It only takes a few minutes so I stand guard so no birds try to get a drink, too. I also use a little piece of screening at the hole entrance where the water comes back to the pump and you'd be amazed at how much ucky stuff that captures. I clean that out regularly, too. I think the boiling water option sounds great, though. That's so harmless!

worth a look see.