Check out the Barley Straw Pellets and water treatment products at our store

Did you know?

Barley is a natural way to control algae and there are different forms of barley:

• barley bales
• barley pellets

What they do: once in the water they start to release barley extract which is the key ingredient that prevents algae growth. It’s not an algaecide, it’s an all-natural way without any chemicals to help control algae. It’s not the fix-all though, and sometimes it’s not enough. In these cases we use barley extract in conjunction with an algaecide like AlgaeFix to get a good grip on it – most of the time.

Factors that contribute to algae growth:

• lack of plants because having other plants in the water will steal nutrients that algae needs to grow
• any type of phosphates that get into your water can contribute to algae growth
• fluctuations in PH can also contribute to algae growth

So there are a lot of things that contribute to it, but if you stick to the plan of using bacteria, barley extract, and an algaecide like AlgaeFix you can keep it under control instead of trying to figure out the problem, asking, where am I getting this algae growth? It’s coming from the sun mainly.

Interview with Jason Romero

SFWG has many varieties of fountains that are all in one; self-contained units that can be placed indoors or outdoors.  Everything is contained in the unit and does not require excavating.  We have a large variety of slate fountains, resin cast fountains, and some we make here including stainless steel spheres, and boulder fountains.

Q: Can you put one of these units in an apartment?

A: Yes the cast resin fountains are an excellent choice for apartments; especially upper floors because they weigh less. It can be difficult to put a granite fountain upstairs because it is heavier.

Q: What are the benefits of having a fountain inside of your home?

A: There are many benefits.  One of the benefits is that water naturally attracts pollutants from the air; like dust, mites, and all different kinds of particles floating around in the air.  So having a circulating fountain will attract the airborne particles and turn into a slime on your fountain. To treat the slime you can use beneficial bacteria to decompose it, or even better, you can use a UV (ultraviolet) filter to zap the airborne particles. The result is that you have created a natural air purifier for your home,
while also adding beneficial humidity into the air.

Q: What is the cost of a UV filter?

A: It depends on the fountain.  There are many different sizes.  For example, you can put in a smaller UV filter that is submerged in the water in the price range of $220.  It is connected to your pump which runs the water through the UV filter and then through the fountain.

SFWG has many options under $500.00.  Below is a range of what is available:

• Stainless Steel Spheres range from $156-$236, plus the pump (starting around $50)
• Pots on a basin — start at $150
• Buddha resin fountains — start at $329, Mini Buddha — start at $139
• Boulder fountains — We purchase moss rock from local vendors, drill and fit them with a pump and tube for easy installation — and yes they do ship! Prices start around $500

Call the store for consultation on the best fountain option for your space and take advantage of SFWG’s unbeatable customer service.

steel sphere indoor fountains made in-house

Buddha resin fountains

Brown slanting jar fountain on basin

Blue ceramic pot - fountain on a basin

Click to view the full size image - RainXchange by Aquascape

Absolutely nothing if a RainXchange system lies beneath it! We’re talking about a system that collects rain water, recycles it, filters it, adds oxygen, and gives it back for irrigation, water features, and many other uses. This system can be circulated through a living pond and this captured water becomes a premium fertilizer for your lawn or garden. Amazingly, 1 inch of rainfall on a 2,000 sq. ft. roof yields 1,250 gallons of water.

Santa Fe Water Gardens carries and installs this revolutionary product in the heart of the southwest – Santa Fe, New Mexico – where we know drought! Call to get the full specifications and pricing.

Check out the short list of the incredible benefits of this system

• water reuse reduces water bills and helps avoid strict water schedules
• water reuse reduces the need for traditional water sources
• manages storm-water and decreases flooding
• provides for clean filtered water storage
• adds property value and beauty to your landscape
• supports the wildlife in your neighborhood as a small portion of the stored water is brought to the surface for aeration
• LEED credits for green building projects

The RainXchange system is expandable and flexible, and can incorporate a full water garden and fountain or simply use a pond-less waterfall filter. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a desert oasis in your backyard or courtyard, let Santa Fe Water Gardens make it a reality for you. Call Jason for more information at 800.505.1997.
Download the RainXchange diagram (PDF) here.