Yes, this is probably a very stupid question--I know that too much bleach will kill the birds, but will a small amount (say a quarter of a cup?)--the fountain holds about 5 gallons of water and is getting pretty green and fuzzy. Is there an alternative that will keep it clean and is bird-friendly? Thanks.
2007-09-18 17:05:40 · 11 answers · asked by Corozal 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
there is a wonderful safe algaecide sold at Lowes and at pet stores that will solve the problem of the green water and goop and still not hurt the birds... get some.... bleach will kill your pump... don't use it!.... five gallons?... dump and clean and refill it.... don't use soap... use a rag, a brush and some sand to scrub it.... then rinse and fill and add the algaecide.... there's even a 'block' called Fountain Blocks that will keep the water clear without a lot of fuss, too.... another thing that helps is..... overfill..... if the fountain is like a bowl or tub, turn on the hose and fill it till it spills over and then a bit more.... adding new water, which has the city chlorine in it, will 'freshen it' and cool it some.... the heat and the sunlight encourages the algae to grow..... shade DOES help, but if you cannot move a big fountain, that's out..... the season for it is going to be much better here soon... cooler weather means less algae growth.... get the right stuff and enjoy your fountain!!!....
2007-09-19 00:50:39 · answer #1 · answered by meanolmaw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When we hear from the experts that bleach will harm the birds, the bird eggs and shells plus babies can die before hatched why use the bleach? Sure we can see the birds drink the fountain water with the bleach, how ever a small amount, the birds fly away and we think, all is well no harm done. Let me ask, do you watch the bird nests every day, do you see any damage to their eggs or babies? No, we don't see that and we think all is fine - well it is not fine. Listen to the experts we can all learn new things every day especially not harming wild life. A good question was asked by another comment. Why not get a glass of water and just put a drop of bleach in the class - would you drink it? Remember, the birds only weigh an ounce or two that can be dramatic on their little bodies.
2015-09-13 09:20:45 · answer #2 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Algaecide For Fountains
2016-12-31 08:28:32 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would you drink 1/4 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water? How much more do you weigh than 3 ounce bird? Look into an algae eating fish or use the good old fashion scrub brush and change water frequently. Besides bleach isn't really a good algicide.
2007-09-18 17:14:16 · answer #4 · answered by r0cky74 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Bird Water Fountain
2016-11-09 19:45:04 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-04-16 09:48:43 · answer #6 · answered by blanche 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello------I am a Certified Master Gardener.
Do NOT put bleach (even a teaspoon) in your fountain, unless you want to kill birds, or cause them to have severe problems with having eggs with shells so thin or malformed, that their baby birds die prior to hatching.
The green fuzzy stuff is algae. It occurs when water is in mostly full sun. You could clean your fountain with Comet, BEING CAREFUL TO RINSE ALL TRACES OF COMET AWAY COMPLETELY. Do this once a month, whether it appears to need it or not. Don't wait for things to get green and murky.
Move your fountain out of full sun, placing it in indirect light instead, if possible.
Put a small recirculating pump in the fountain, which will keep the water in the lowest level moving, preventing MOSQUITOES from laying their eggs. Mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus, amongst other things.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
PAMELA J.
2007-09-18 17:22:38 · answer #7 · answered by JUDGE'S JUNGLE 2 · 2⤊ 4⤋
I personally don't think bleach is a good idea. You probably need to drain the fountain and scrub it out.
2007-09-18 17:13:43 · answer #8 · answered by Michael B 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have had fountains for years and put about 1/4 cup per 5 gallons. Birds often drink from pools or other clorinated supplies and it does not harm them. In small amounts (You can even do about 1/6 a cup if you are concerned) it can keep the water clean and the birds will not suffer. Play around with it, try a few tablespoons and see if it keeps it clean.
2007-09-18 17:13:54 · answer #9 · answered by caromelheart 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I think the smell might drive them away. Bleach used in small amounts (2-3 drops per gallon) will actually purify the water. What ever you do don't use antifreeze. cruel, inhumane, and awful to watch.
2007-09-18 17:22:43 · answer #10 · answered by RedMtMan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋