How to Make an Indoor Rock Garden Fountain
An indoor rock garden fountain adds tranquil sound to the home and creates a visually appealing focal point. A rock garden fountain combines nature and technology into a stress-relieving sculpture. The opportunity to personalize it by selecting favorite rocks, the type and size of container and adjusting the water flow adds a decorator touch to the home or work environment. Fountain making may seem complicated, yet with a few pointers, some basic materials and a fountain pump kit, anyone can design their own indoor rock garden fountain.
Things You'll Need
- Waterproof container at least 5" deep and 12" in diameter
- Rocks
- Fountain pump
- Water
Instructions
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1
Select an appealing container for the fountain. Glazed pots, thick glass bowls or deep ceramic bowls make good choices. It needs to be deep enough to hold plenty of water to cover the pump (See References 1). If you choose a pot, check for glass covering the bottom of it, as terra cotta or unglazed pottery seeps water and can damage furniture.
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2
Choose rocks for the fountain. You can create a one-color fountain with slabs of dark gray slate or a multicolor fountain with a variety of smooth river rocks. You may also choose to use an assortment of mineral specimens and semi-precious stones such as geodes (rocks with exposed crystals), chunks of amethyst crystals, tiger's eyes and other eye-catching treasures. Don't use shale, sandstone or any crumbling rocks, as grit will damage the fountain pump.
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3
Rinse the rocks under running water to remove any sediment.
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4
Read the fountain pump instructions. Some fountain pumps have a power switch. If yours does, turn it on, but don't plug it in yet. If there's a flow setting---a lever or dial on the side of the pump---set it to the middle. Turning the flow setting to the right causes a faster flow, and turning it to the left makes the flow slower. For a meditation area, a slow setting may be ideal. A medium setting provides a relaxing sound for a small indoor fountain.
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Place the fountain pump in the container. For a classic fountain, place the pump in the center. If you prefer an asymmetrical rock garden, place the pump to one side or toward the back.
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6
Set up the rock garden in the container. Place some larger rocks first, to support small rocks. Keep at least a ½-inch clearance around the pump for water circulation. Blocking the pump vents with rocks could cause the pump to burn out.
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Arrange the rocks to your liking. Alternating different colors and shapes adds interest. Overlap some of the rocks for a natural look, the way rocks jumble together in a creek. Keep the hole in the top of the pump unobstructed.
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Put the fountain in the desired location. Add enough water to cover the pump with at least one inch of water. Plug the indoor fountain pump in.
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Tips & Warnings
Refill with water at least once a week. Low water levels cause pumps to burn out.
Allowing the water to sit causes the fountain to get slimy. Run the fountain as much as possible.
Clean the fountain once a month by rinsing all of the parts under running water.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit water fountain image by cyril from Fotolia.com
