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Removing algae
It will not be nesessary to clean algae from the filter. The fountain has a large copper filter at the intake of the pump. Unlike stainless steel or any other material, algae does not grow on copper. Algae will grow on the bottom of the pad, but not affect performance of the fountain.Other debris may accumulate at the filter. If nesessary, rince with running water.
Removing mineral deposits
The top of the fountain will need cleaning once in a while as mineral deposits accumulate, shading the solar cells. Bathroom cleaning solvents such as Kaboom and LimeAway work good to remove these deposits. Abrasives cleansers do not work and may scratch the surface. Brushing 409 on the silicone rubber frog makes it look and feel new again. Rince thoroughly with water to dilute and remove any remaining solvents.
What to do if rotation stops
There is a tiny hole in the elbow of each brass tube. This allows for a small jet of water to squirt out, creating enough propulsion to rotate your fountain. Once in a while a piece of debris stops it up, even while the plume is working fine. When this happens the rotation of the fountain is affected. Rotation slows down or even stops. The best remedy for this is a bristle from a broom. Pull off a bristle and wiggle it into each jet hole to losen any debris lodged in the hole. The debris will flush out at the orifice and rotation will commence again.
Caution -- Do Not Drop
Solar cells are a glass product. They are about as brittle as a potato chip. If you drop the fountain on a hard surface, like asphalt or cement, the impact of the fall will probably fracture one or more of the cells. Once that happens the curcuit is broken and electrons cease to flow, and the fountain will not work. Pratique cannot be responsible for broken solar cells.