How to Make a Tabletop Water Fountain
Water fountains have decorated cities and palaces for thousands of years. They provide subtle beauty, peace and places for contemplation. Recent technology has helped to create small fountains that can sit on a tabletop, and you can quickly build your own. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Container
- Rocks, shells, sculpture or other waterproof decorations
- Small water pump
- Flexible plastic tubing
Instructions
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1
Select a container for your small water fountain. I recommend a medium to large glass or steel bowl. However, any container that will hold water and is fairly deep (at least 6 inches deep) will do. Make sure that you know the total number of gallons your container holds.
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2
Clean the container and all decorative elements thoroughly. Any dirt or debris in the container may clog the pump. Select large- to medium-sized decorative elements. Small rocks or shells could clog the pump and destroy the fountain.
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3
When you purchase a small water fountain pump, select a pump with a gallons per hour rating that corresponds with the size of your container. The pump should circulate all of the water in the container at least once per hour, so you need a pump designed to circulate the maximum number of gallons held by your container. The pump should list the general size of container for which it is suited--if it does not simply use the total number of gallons your container can hold as a maximum amount of gallons per hour for the pump. Select a pumps with a suction-cup base to hold the device in place.
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4
Experiment with various design and configuration options. Place rocks and decorative elements throughout the bowl until you have found a pleasing arrangement. Connect a flexible plastic tube from the top of the pump to the point in the fountain where you want the water to emerge.
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5
Fill the container with water. The pump needs to be completely submerged by at least 2 inches of water at all times. Cover the cord for the pump with a large rock or decorative element. Plug in the pump.
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Tips & Warnings
Place your fountain among water-loving plants to improve their health and growth. Clean the fountain and all parts every couple of months. Reorganize your fountain periodically to provide some variety.
Never turn on the pump if it is not completely submerged in water. Keep the fountain away from major electrical appliances.
