Tabletop Fountains

Materials:

1. Place the pump in the bottom of the container and cover the pump with a sturdy plastic container, with places cut out on the sides for the cord and water intake (figure B) and a place cut out of the top for water outflow. The plastic container will protect the pump from the weight of the heavy rock. Add a length of tubing to the pump outlet.
   
2. Surround the plastic container with PVC pieces (figure C) and place a piece of plastic embroidery grid (available at craft stores) and a piece of window screen (available at hardware stores) on top of the PVC pieces (figures Dand E); make sure the pump tubing extends through the top of the grid and screen. (The grid and screen support a layer of filler rocks and protect the fountain so that if debris falls in, it won't enter the water supply and clog or disrupt the pump flow.)

3. Place decorative filler material (rocks, pebbles, etc.) on top of the window screen (figure F). Use any material that won't fall apart over time. Flagstone, quartz, polished rock and many kinds of river and beach rocks are all good choices. Avoid material such as sandstone, lava, mica and moss rock, which will eventually degrade with the water flow.

4. Add the copper elbow to the end of the tubing (figure G), directing it so that the water flows where you intend, then conceal the tip with another decorative rock. Fill the container with water (figure H) and plug in the pump.

5. For a final touch, surround your new tabletop creation (figure I) with plants of your choice. You won't be able to plant directly into the fountain. If you want to add plants, make sure they are completely contained within a leakproof planter (figure J).

Important notes: