stagnant water

[phillyj]

Having brought a 3 foot wide barrel water feature, i filled it up with water and stones but couldnt install the pump for another two weeks, once all in and working the smell from the water has been terrible and even though ive tried flushing it out, every time i turn it on the smell is the same. Is there anything i can do to kill the lava and other things lurching in the barrel and will it be safe with 2 cats and children aged 2 and 4 to come into possible contact with it. Also the wife has now put in 3 goldfish in the barrel to try and ease the lava

[BenDToy]

We have a water feature and it is also a closed system. In order to keep it clear (ie not green) we add FiClor granules. This is chlorine based cjhemical dditive which is used for swimming pools. It is very expensive, but you don't need much of it, especially for a barrel. Your local swimming pool supply company will stock it, or google ficlor. I would get the goldfish out first though!! Good luck

[woofgang]

Garden centres that sell water features also sell a treatment to keep the water clean that is safe for pets and wildlife but NOT fish