How to Make a Miniature Waterfall

The sound of a waterfall can help ease stress.

Creating a miniature waterfall is a wonderful project for kids and adults alike. By adding the gentle sound of rushing water to your work space, you can relax after a long day, or leave it in your bedroom to help you sleep. Indoor water fountains not only help to keep the air in the home moist, but they also help to keep your skin from drying out too. Moving water releases negative ions into the air, and these ions promote better moods and better concentration.

Things You'll Need

• Seashells, rocks or gemstones
• Container
• Plastic tubing
• Pump
• Plants (optional)
• Glue (optional)

Instructions

1. Lay out all of the items you have chosen for you fountain. Place the pump in the container and make sure the container is large enough.

2. Use the plastic tubing to extend the spout on the pump if it is not long enough. Stack the elements around the tube or the spout (if the spout is long enough you do not need the tube).

3. Build the structure as high as you want it, and high enough to hide the pump and the tube.

4. Fill the container with water and turn on the pump. Check that your structure allows for multiple layers and levels for your water to splash over.

5. Turn off the pump and re-arrange your structure if you are not satisfied. If you are happy with the result, you can glue the stones and shells into place, or you can leave them loose to change the fountain as you would like.
   Place plants around the fountain to protect the table top from splashes and to hide the cord.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add a few drops of bleach to the water to stop algae from growing.

• Check the water level daily; if the water drops below the pump you can burn out the motor.

References

• Web MD: Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes
• Education: Make a Mini Waterfall
• The Artful Crafter: Simple Steps to Build a Table Top Water Fountain

Resources

• Pondless-Waterfall: Do-It-Yourself Kit
• NinjaKidsRock: DIY Mini-Pond With Waterfall