Simple steps to build a Tabletop Water FountainRachel Paul Water is the essence of life. Creating your own table top fountains is a wonderful way to bring out your creativity and self-expression while simultaneously relieving stress and enhancing your interior décor. There are many unique benefits to having a fountain at home or work:
Building a water fountain can be as simple as putting some stones and a small pump into a container with water. It does not have to be expensive or fancy. Nothing can compare to the feeling of accomplishment from creating your own fountain. Materials Needed: 1 A waterproof container or bowl of proper depth. Choose a container between 8-16 inches across in diameter and depth of at least 4-6 inches. The water has to cover the pump; otherwise, the pump will burn out. You can use ceramic bowls, plastic flower pots, glass, or wood boxes. The easiest and least expensive containers are plastic pots or ceramic bowls. Some plastic pots tend to vibrate when you put everything together. Ceramic bowls are more solid, lessening the vibration Look in your cupboard for a casserole, serving dish, punch bowl, or fruit bowl if youre in a hurry to make a fountain. 2. A small water pump less than 100 gallons per hour and clear plastic tubing 1/2" inner dimension or 5/8" outer dimension. Fish tank pumps are fine. The smallest ones work well for the typical size containers. Some shops supply suction cups with water pumps. Both the pump and tubing can be found at an aquarium, hardware, or garden supply store. To straighten the hose, boil it in water for a while. 3.Rocks; pebbles; slate; crystals; semi-precious stones; drift wood pieces; shells, anything that goes in water can be used. Each item can have a special meaning, thus adding to the individuality of your fountain If you select rocks from your garden make sure you clean them well in a water-bleach bath. You can substitute polyethylene spray foam for bigger rocks thus reducing the need for heavy rocks. 4. Plants add greenery to your fountain. A small clipping will do nicely. You could also use a small pot or glass bottle [baby food jar], fill it with water, put the plant inside and place it inside the fountain bowl. Steps:
Maintenance tips: Check water level daily for the first week, adding fresh water as needed to keep the pump completely covered. Add a small amount of bleach or petri oil to the water to cleanse the fountain and keep the water shimmering. Clean the fountain components every month to remove slime and algae. Every three months, take fountain apart and clean the pump. Pull off the front cover, remove debris from propeller and screen, and wipe the bottom. Reassemble your fountain, experimenting with a different bowl and accents. More Resources: Tabletop Fountain: "Mountain Seep" http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/victorygarden/knowhow/pp/tabletopfountain/ Simple Rock Fountain: http://www.ivillage.com/home/howtoguide/garden/articles/0,,170784_209022,00.htmlarrivalSA=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=2 Under $30 fountain: http://www.stylewiz.com/articles/index.cfmfuseaction=article_page&id=115 Feng Shui Table-Top fountain: http://bellaonline.com/Article.aspid=1033 Copper Frame Fountain: http://www.rebeccasgarden.com/howto/items/19foun01.html
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