The Millstone Bubbler
| The millstone bubbler is one of the most effective forms of small moving water feature. It is ideal if a real millstone can be used, but these are few and far between. However, very creditable composition stone and fibreglass alternatives are available. Often these come as a simply assembled kit complete with reservoir, cover, stone and pump. Here construction from component parts is described.
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 The millstone bubbler is an effective small moving water feature.
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| A millstone should be fitted over a lined excavation or a large container that is sunk into the ground. This is the reservoir for the submersible pump that will produce the bubbling fountain through the centre of the millstone. For a lined excavation mark out an area that is a little larger than the diameter of the millstone. For the most effective installation, prepare a margin around the hole that will support the millstone and can be lined before covering with pebbles. To make the installation as waterproof as possible, ensure that the marginal area has a distinct fall towards the reservoir. Once the excavation has been lined, place the submersible pump in position and tie a string to the outlet hose.
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 Pebble ponds and millstone water features utilise a simple reservoir.
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To provide support for the millstone either purchase one of the ready-made metal grills that are available for such purposes or use carefully positioned metal reinforcing rods. Draw the string and outlet pipe through the supporting grid, then through the stone prior to positioning it and fitting a simple fountain outlet. Finally fill the margin around the stone with pebbles or cobbles. When the pump is operating, water cascades from the centre over the stone.
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To ensure the best effect take care to see that the millstone is absolutely level in each direction, otherwise the water flow over it will be very uneven and spoil the desired effect. The water trickles over and off the stone and into the pebbles or cobbles in the margin around it, thus being returned to the reservoir. Top-up water will need to be added regularly to this margin, for a millstone bubbler like any fountain suffers considerable water loss through evaporation. Keep an eye on this, for if the reservoir gets so low that the pump becomes exposed then considerable damage can be caused, such that it may require replacing.
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 The ammonite is a variation on the theme of the millstone bubbler.
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