You can efficiently turn flowing water into source blocks using kelp by creating a vertical water column originating from a single source block at the top and then placing kelp within that column.
Using kelp is a popular and easy method in Minecraft to create full water source blocks in a vertical shaft or area, saving you the effort of placing a source block in every single block space.
Understanding Water and Kelp
In Minecraft, water can exist as a source block (still, infinite in lakes/oceans, or placed directly) or flowing water (created when a source block has space to spread). Normally, to fill a vertical shaft entirely with source blocks, you'd have to place a source block in each layer, or use the bucket method (placing water and picking it back up repeatedly) which is tedious.
Kelp simplifies this process significantly. As the reference states, kelp converts flowing water into source blocks.
The Kelp Method Explained
The core principle involves leveraging kelp's ability to turn adjacent flowing water into source blocks. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Create the Structure: Build the shape you want to fill with water. This is typically a vertical shaft or a pool with vertical sides. Ensure the sides are enclosed so the water doesn't flow outwards unexpectedly.
- Place Top Source: Go to the very top of the vertical area you want to fill with source blocks. Place a single water source block there.
- Let Water Flow: Allow this water source block to flow downwards all the way to the bottom of your structure. This will create a column of flowing water.
- Place Kelp: Obtain some kelp (found naturally in oceans). Go into the water column and start placing kelp blocks from the bottom layer upwards. You can hold down the place button to quickly place kelp all the way up to the surface.
- Observe the Change: As you place the kelp within the flowing water column, you will notice the flowing water blocks around the kelp immediately turn into static source blocks.
- Remove Kelp (Optional but Recommended): Once the entire column is filled with kelp and thus converted into source blocks, you can break the kelp starting from the bottom. The water source blocks will remain, leaving you with a perfectly filled area of static water.
This method is much faster than manually placing water source blocks throughout the entire volume.
Benefits of Using Kelp
- Efficiency: Saves time and resources (only one water bucket needed to start the flow).
- Ease of Use: Simple process of placing kelp vertically.
- Reliability: Consistently turns flowing water into source blocks.
Example Use Case: Creating a clear, static water elevator or filling a large swimming pool or aquarium section.
Summary of the Process
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Area | Build the enclosed structure (e.g., vertical shaft). | Container for water is ready. |
| 2. Add Initial Source | Place one water source block at the very top of the structure. | Water starts flowing downwards. |
| 3. Place Kelp | Place kelp blocks from the bottom upwards within the flowing water. | Flowing water around kelp turns into sources. |
| 4. Finalize (Optional) | Break the kelp blocks starting from the bottom. | Fully filled area with water source blocks. |
By following these steps, you can effectively use kelp to create water source blocks in Minecraft, relying on its unique property to solidify flowing water.
