How to Build a Table-Top Fountain

Table-top water fountains provide soothing natural sounds for stress relief. Items needed to build your own table-top fountain are available in home improvement, garden and aquarium shops. Table-top fountains require small water pumps with a variable flow knob and plastic tubing that is usually 1/2 inch in diameter. Plastic mesh baskets, such as berry baskets from grocery or kitchen supply stores, provide protection and shape around the pump.

Things You'll Need

• Small fountain pump
• Tubing
• Large shallow bowl
• Decorative rocks or crystals
• Plastic mesh basket
• Distilled water
• Towel
• Scissors (optional)

Instructions

1. Position your pump on the shallow bowl, taking care to extend the power cord outside the bowl. Secure the suction cups to the bottom of the bowl, and if your pump has adjustable flow settings, turn the knob to the low setting.

2. Fill the space around the pump with large rocks, taking care not to obstruct the intake valve protruding from the bottom of the pump. Be sure to leave access to the flow adjustment knob.

3. Insert the tubing into the top spout and invert the plastic basket over the pump, creating a protective cage. Pull the tubing through the top of the basket. (You may need to cut the top of the cage to make room for the tubing.)

4. Fill the shallow bowl with distilled water (enough to cover the surrounding rocks by at least 1/4 inch but avoid splashing from an overfilled bowl).

5. Plug the power cord into the outlet. Evaluate the flow of the water through the tubing to avoid splashing. If necessary, unplug the cord and make adjustments to attain the desired flow, such as adding more rocks to elevate the height of the cage or adjusting the flow knob.

6. Unplug the cord and create a mound of rocks and crystals to cover the cage and exposed tubing.

7. Add more distilled water to the bowl. Plug the power cord into the outlet and evaluate the flow of the water among the rocks; rearrange the rocks as needed to achieve the desired effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Add small candles or small plants to your table-top fountain for variety. Place plants and candles in small clear jars or vases to prevent particles obstructing the intake valve. Check your water level biweekly and add distilled water to replace water lost by evaporation. Regularly clean your bowl and rocks or add a few drops of an anti-algae agent to the water.

• Carefully consider the placement of the fountain to avoid ruining wood furniture, or place a protective cork pad under the fountain. Never leave your table-top fountain running unattended.

References

• Fountain Pump and Supply: Specification Table
• PBS: Victory Garden Projects