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Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please E-mail us info@rockworld.ie or call us at (045) 870 970.
For technical questions please click here.
Where are your showrooms? We are in Allenwood, Co. Kildare. Please click here for address, map and directions.
Can you install our water features? Yes , RockWorld offers a complete service including delivery and installation. We also have a number of features that are very easy to install yourself and will fit in the boot of your car. Click here for installation instructions.
What price are your water features ? Prices are very reasonable. Some pieces are less than €25 each. We aim to have fountains and water features in all price ranges.
Why choose Rockworld? Rockworld has both the design capabilities to produce water features , fountains, ponds and anything related to aquascapes that look impressive but also have key engineering capabilities that make the feature work at its best. We have been in business since 1999 and can offer a wealth of experience on all aspects of water features and water displays for both residential and commercial clients. As we specialise in water features you can be sure of having your projected completed to the highest standards.
Do I need a water supply at the water feature. No, the water is re-circulated using a pump. You do need an electricity supply to power the pump and lights. We can size the exact pump you require so that you get the exact effect you require while using the minimum of electricity.
How often do I need to top up the water reservoir. On average once a month. Simply use a hose pipe. An alternative is to plumb a water supply out to the feature and add a ballcock, then you never have to worry about it again.
What are the electrical requirements? You will need one circuit for the pump and one for the lights (if required). We recommend that you use a qualified electrician. All outside wiring should be protected by a dedicated rcd.
Do you recommend lights be added to my water feature? Yes adding low voltage lights to a water feature is well worth it. It means that the water feature can be enjoyed at night time as well as during the day. The way moving water catches light is fantastic. With our most popular light fitting you can change the colour of the lens, the angle of light and the width of the beam. They come complete with low voltage outdoor transformers.
I want a 5 foot tall rock water feature, can you supply this? Yes we can supply this. It’s important to note that when choosing the height and shape of a natural rock water feature the aim is to recirculate the water between the rock and the reservoir. We want to avoid the water from the rock splashing outside the reservoir. hence we try and size the rock according to the space you have available for a reservoir. As a very rough rule of thumb the reservoir diameter should be at least equal to the height of the rock. Therefore a typical 1 meter high (3 feet) rock water feature will need a 1 meter diameter reservoir
Where are the rocks you supply from? RockWorld source the vast majority of our rocks from Ireland . For more information of different types of rock click here.
Do you supply all the equipment for water features? Yes we supply a range of child safe reservoirs, pumps, filters, lights and pond liners for water features.
Can you bore rocks over 2 meters for water features ? Yes, as we craft many of our features in our own workshop we are highly flexible and can meet most design criteria’s.
What sizes are the rocks you supply? As our range of rocks is extremely comprehensive we have a vast array of sizes. A typical rock would be about from 300mm (1 foot) to 900 mm(3 feet) tall. But we also have rocks over 12 feet tall. So whatever the size we can facilitate you.
Do you offer trade discounts? Trade discounts are available subject to normal requirements. Please fax your company details for further information or email us.
How does ultra violet clarification work? Ultra violet clarification (UV) clears water bourne algae keeping your pond or stream water clear and clean. Many water ulitities use UV to provide greater protection from disease causing bacteria in drinking water. A photochemical effect is created using UV light and vital processes are stopped within the micro organism cells, therefore making the micro organisms harmless. The UV light inactivates the micro organisms by penetrating cell membranes to disrupt DNA molecules and prevent cell replication. This process is often refereed to as flocculation. With our UV clarifiers water flows through an irradation chamber. Importantly a UV must be sized to suit the volume of water flowing through it and the UV bulbs must be replaced once a year. In order to size the correct UV you need to know the volume of your water feature.
Do you supply stainless steel water features and water walls? Yes
Do you have a display area? Yes, our showrooms are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm. Here you can see water features running in natural stone, stainless steel and a range of fountains. We also have a large supply yard filled with feature rock water features (appointment required for yard area, ).
How much do the rocks weigh? They are heavy! Figure approximately 150 pounds per cubic foot or 2400 kilograms per cubic metre. So a rock approximately 3 feet square weighs nearly 2 and a half tons. Don’t worry though as we can arrange delivery and installation if required. We also supply a range of specially designed water reservoirs designed to support the weight of rocks.
Can you make something special for me? Custom orders are an important part of our business. Bring us your ideas and we’ll be glad to work with you. As we craft the majority of our features ourselves we are very familiar with different design concepts to ensure you get exactly the water feature you require.
Confused by all the jargon see our jargon buster section section here
I’m particularly interested in finding out all about commercial stone and rock. What can you tell me ? Please click here to find all you need to know .
I am not sure about my measurements, can you help? Whilst many of us use both metric and imperial measurements we find that for accuracy metric is easier. Just call us if you need more help and we will do the conversions.
I want a fish pond. What are the most important facts?.
Size, shape, plants, fish, location are starting points.
A rule of thumb for fish stock levels: Insert a maximum of 1 kg fish per cubic meter with a minimum depth of 1 m. however many fish will live quite happily in 400mm of water. If you have constructed your pond in autumn, you should wait to introduce fish to your pond until spring. This way the pond and the fish do not have to cope with the difficulties of Winter immediately.
How do I decide which pump I need? We will be glad to help you decide which pump you require? As a rule of thumb when it comes to water features there are 3 different types of pumps. One for fountains, one for water courses like streams and water falls and another for filtration. A detailed technical guide can be found here.
I’m building a stream, how do I decide which pump I need? To choose a pump for a stream we are interested in flow rate of the pump. We have to choose a pump capable of outputting about 1.5 to 2 litres of water per minute for every cm width of the stream at the maximum height of the stream allowing for friction losses in the pipe. So a 30cm wide stream at 2m high will require a pump capable of outputting 60 litres per minute at 2m high. So we then look at the pump graphs to find the correct pump. Do not worry, once you have some measurements we can size an appropriate pump for your needs.
What other benefits is there to having a water feature? Besides the great visual value of our water features, they provide additional benefits such as sound. The sound has a calming relaxing stressless effect as the water falls gently down the face of the feature. Sound can also provide some privacy in an open lobby/reception area or with nearby gardens and balconies. Sound is also of great benefit to anyone with a sight deficiency as it acts as guide .Additional benefits are airborne particles are attracted to the running water of the feature which in return cleans the air developing a cleaner environment as each day passes. Along with cleaner air, another major benefit is occurring. The feature is evaporating water into the surrounding air, humidifying your environment. Humidity benefits skin, hair and reduces the static in clothes.
I have/want a pond. What can you do to make it child safe ?. Rockworld can supply and fit a customised safety grid. Please call for details.
I’d like to create my own pond but I’m not sure where to start. What are the basics of designing one? First you should have a basic scaled sketch of your garden. Include pathways, house outline, sheds, trees and such like. Then choose a proposed location for your pond. When deciding on a location it is a good idea to consider how you will view the pond, for instance can it be seen from the main living area of your home or is it close to a seating area. Aim to have a pond of at least 4000 litres and one meter deep. So a pond 2 meters long and 2 meters wide and one meter deep holds 4000 liters.{2x2x1=4 cubic meters = 4000 litres}. Take your drawing with you when seeking advice and we will be able to fine tune your design with your proposed plans. If there are any underground services present don’t forget to add these to your sketch. Alternatively you can book an appointment with Rockworld to have an expert visit your home and discuss the options available. See here for further information.
I’d like to use old railway sleepers when constructing my pond but I’m concerned about preservatives leaking into my pond. Do you have any recommendation’s? Old railway sleepers may contain preservatives that are not good for wildlife as well as plant life. Railway sleepers that contain creosote have been banned by the EU due to their carcinogenic effect.
Our garden is average sized and we are trying to decide on a formal or informal pond shape is best, what advice can you offer? The main point is scale, the water feature should be sized to fit into your garden. Formal ponds can be very good for small gardens due to their distinguishing clean shapes (squares, oblongs, circles or semicircles). An informal pond is designed to look more natural. It should blend in with its surroundings and is usually planted to link the garden, water and marginals together.
Which is better a raised pond or a sunken pond?. Both options have merits and pitfalls. Above ground pools can be harder to build but easier to maintain. Raised ponds can be safer as it is harder to fall in but they are more exposed to temperature fluctuations which can effect fish health. They can also be difficult to hide filtration equipment.
I love my water feature during the day and I am very proud of what I have achieved. The one thing that could be improved upon would be effective night time lighting. have you any suggestions? You are right to consider making the most of your water feature in the evening. One of the great pleasures of water features is to be able to relax on a warm evening with the sound and sight of moving water. If your water feature is positioned such that you can see if from your house, adding lights will make a dramatic improvement on the amount of enjoyment you get from it. Spotlights are used to create a subtle effect with dramatic shadowing. Lights with different lens colour also create wonderful effects. Lighting from below your water feature with two spotlights placed apart often works best as it creates the most interesting shadows and effects as the water moves. What we want to do is enhance the feature in a subtle manner rather than floodlighting a mass area.
I have a small balcony and no garden, I’d love a water feature but is it possible.? water features can be placed anywhere, as they don’t require a permanent water supply any space can be transformed into a tranquil oasis with the aid of trickling water. Wall water features work particularly well on balconies as they take up so little space.
Location, location. I’d love a water feature but am not sure where to locate it. Try to locate your water feature where you are able to see it from your main window or patio and remember you will need a power source.
How do you pronounce Oase? Oase is a German word meaning oasis or haven. Its pronounced “oh ahh zay”, but don’t worry we will know what you are talking about, we have heard several variations.
Do you offer gift vouchers? Yes we are pleased to accept payment for gift vouchers.Vouchers are valid for 6 months from date of purchase for the amount specified. Voucher are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged, either fully or in part for cash of any amount. Voucher are the responsibility of the customer and any vouchers either lost or stolen cannot be replaced.
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