How to Make a Miniature Fountain

Miniature fountains bring the refreshing sound of water to cozy areas.

Add the soothing sounds of running water with a miniature fountain. Depending on the materials you choose, this fountain can be used inside or out in a garden or patio area. Craft supply stores, pet supply shops and home improvement stores sell the supplies needed to make small fountains. If you have pebbles, shells or beach glass collections, these can be used in the fountain, giving it more personal touch. This project takes less than a day to make.

Things You'll Need

• Small water-tight bowl or other container
• Water pump
• Clear plastic tubing, about 14 inches in length
• Rocks, glass, pebbles
• Embellishments such as figurines or small plants
• Water

Instructions

1. Use a container at least 6 inches deep for the base of the fountain. The water has to be deep enough to cover the pump. Make sure there are no holes in the container. You can use a deep ceramic bowl that has a fairly wide opening. This allows plenty of room to fit the other features of the fountain.

2. Place the pump in the container. Drape the power cord over the edge of the container. Usually this becomes the back of the fountain. Attach the clear tubing to the pump. Tubing size depends on the type of pump used.

3. Fill the container partially full of pebbles. Aquarium rocks also work well. The pebbles help hold the pump in place and give weight to the fountain. Make sure the open end of the tubing is above the rocks.

4. Add plants or figurines to the fountain. This could be pieces of larger rock, a small statue or a bamboo plant. Fill in around the plant or figurines with shells, pebbles or glass. Cut the tubing to the desired height. You can trim it close to the rock base or leave it sticking up a little bit. If it sticks out, there will be more of a splashing sound.

5. Add water to your fountain. Make sure the pump is covered. Plug in the pump to test the fountain. Make any adjustments to water pressure or tubing as needed. Place the fountain in the desired location and plug it in.

Tips & Warnings

• Aquarium pumps make good fountain pumps.

• Some pumps have a suction cup to attach to a container bottom.

• Add water to your fountain when the level begins to drop, otherwise you risk burning out the pump.

References

• University of Hawaii: Building Your Own Indoor Tabletop Water Fountain; Kent Kobayashi
• PBS; Tabletop Fountain; Dorcas Adkins; 1999