by Stephanie L. Ogle
An indoor table-top water fountain is a great way to bring the water element inside. With various styles out on the market now, who not tap into your creative side and do-it-yourself? Below are some instructions from design expert Ingrid King.
To get started, you will need the following materials:
1) watertight container and a pump (available at most craft supply stores or from pond supply stores) with water flow control
2) a sturdy plastic container, cut to fit over and protect pump assembly
3) tubing, black or clear
4) pieces of pre-cut PVC pipe
5) plastic embroidery grid, cut to fit fountain container
6) window screen, cut to fit fountain container
7) marbles, river rock, beach rocks, polished pebbles, pink quartz or flagstone
8) copper elbow to direct water water
First, you'll want to place the pump in the bottom of the fountain��s base and cover the pump with a sturdy plastic container, with places cut out on the sides for the cord to run through and for the water intake as well as 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.
Next, you want to surround the plastic container with PVC pieces and place a piece of plastic embroidery grid (you can get from any craft store) and a piece of window screen (from any hardware store) on top of the PVC pieces. You want to make sure the pump tubing extends through the top of the grid and screen.
Now the fun begins! Place the decorative filler material (rocks, pebbles, etc.) on top of the window screen. Use any material that won�t fall apart over time.
Everything��s starting to come together. Add the copper elbow to the end of the tubing, directing it so that the water flows where you intend it, then conceal the tip with another decorative rock. Fill the container with water and plug in the pump.
Ingrid offers some tips:
--- To protect tabletop surfaces, place the fountain on a Masonite-backed cork mat. Water will tend to spatter from the fountain.
--- If you live in an area that has hard water, you�ll want to use distilled water to avoid mineral deposits.
