A tabletop fountain offers a great way to bring a water feature’s soothing sounds and tranquility into your home. These small fountains also act as natural humidifiers and add negative ions to the air, promoting better health and a positive mood.
Most tabletop fountains consist of a submersible pump; a container; rocks and marbles to camouflage the pump; flexible tubing that fits the pump; and a copper elbow to direct the water downward.
Water Pump
The water pump is one of the most important parts of a tabletop fountain. A properly sized and adjusted pump will allow you to turn the fountain’s water at the rate that you want, thereby providing proper aeration.
You can purchase a good quality, adjustable fountain pump specifically made for use with your particular model of fountain from a fountain parts supplier. Look for a pump with a good GPH rating (gallons per hour) and a quiet motor to be used inside your home or garden without irritating your neighbors.
A good quality pump will also feature a water flow adjustment that allows you to adjust the water’s speed as needed. This will also help to keep the pump from running too loudly and causing damage to your fountain.
There are many different kinds of pumps, including electric, battery-operated, and combination pump that uses both electricity and batteries. Check with your fountain supplier to be sure that the pump you choose is compatible with your particular model and will function properly for years to come.
To help the water pump flow efficiently, fill your container about an inch from the top with rocks and stones. Arrange the rocks to create a wide variety of irregular paths for the water to travel.
Plants are another way to add color and interest to your fountain. Most plants can be rooted in the water and can be placed anywhere in your fountain. Just be aware that the roots will eventually intertwine with the rocks. If your plants start to wilt, you might need to replace them with fresh ones.
You can buy a wide variety of rocks, pebbles, slate, crystals, a bronze sculpture, semi-precious stones, and driftwood pieces to use in your fountain. Some of these items can be more expensive than others, so consider your budget carefully before choosing.
Once you have your basic fountain design, you can purchase plastic tubing to carry the water from the pump spout to the bowl. This can be purchased separately, or you can purchase a premade set with the tubing already attached.
Bowl
When it comes to deciding where to put the water in your tabletop fountain, you have a few options. You can use a ceramic bowl, a plastic pot, or a glass or wood box. It’s best to choose a container with no holes in the bottom and at least 8-16 inches across in diameter. This will prevent the pump from getting clogged and the fountain from becoming too large for your space.
The shape of the bowl can have a huge impact on the style of your tabletop fountain, so it’s important to choose one that fits well with your decor. Some of the best choices include a round bowl or an orb-shaped one. These are aesthetically pleasing and make adding a touch of calming beauty to your home easy.
If you want a fountain with a more unique look, you may wish to consider a bowl with a channel design. These channels allow water to cascade down in a more natural way. They’re also more durable and easier to maintain.
A channel-style fountain is also less expensive than a bowl-style model. You can buy them from online stores or in department stores. They’re available in a variety of colors and sizes and are great for adding a unique touch to your decor.
These fountains come in a variety of materials, including wood, stone, and polyresin. They also have unique accents, such as LED lights or candle holders.
They can be used as a centerpiece in the garden or placed on the counter to create a soothing atmosphere in the home. They’re also a wonderful addition to a yoga room or office.
This is a very affordable option that’s easy to maintain. Its mesh filter helps keep the water flowing smoothly, and the pump is whisper quiet.
Its modern design is also very attractive, making it a perfect addition to any home. It is small, compact, and doesn’t take up much space, but it is still a high-quality piece that will make your room look more peaceful.
Topside Display
The topside display is a big part of the tabletop fountain experience. There are several types to choose from, so the decision process is often a matter of trial and error. Using the right material and the best design for your needs can make the difference between a flop and a masterpiece that will be a centerpiece for years to come. Using the correct materials can also help you avoid that dreaded water damage, which can be a real hassle for many people. The trick is to find a balance between cost, durability, and functionality. The most important element is likely to be your budget, as you will want to avoid spending more than you can afford. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there to suit your taste and your wallet. The key to success is to keep your eye on the prize, which you can easily do with a little trial and error.
Plants
Using a fountain to water your houseplants is a great way to get the benefits of a garden without the work. The water helps humidify the air in your home, allowing many plants to thrive, and the natural look of a fountain makes it a nice addition to any room.
Several types of plants will grow well in a fountain, depending on the size and depth of the basin. You’ll want to choose a plant that won’t take up too much space, so you can easily move it around your fountain as you change the look of the water feature.
One option for larger fountains is the Lobelia Cardinalis, which blooms above or on top of the water’s surface with gentle red flowers. These plants are easy to care for and attract hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial wildlife.
The Water Poppy is another good choice for all fountain sizes, showcasing heart-shaped green leaves and graceful yellow petals. This aquatic plant is fairly easy to maintain and limits the growth of cyanobacteria, which can make your water dingy.
Some other plants that are easy to keep in a fountain include the Four Leaf Clover, which floats in the water and creates a downy green carpet of foliage. It’s also a great choice for small fountains with plantable basins because it takes up only a portion of the water’s surface and does not require much maintenance.
You should avoid putting too many plants in the fountain, as they can create an unnatural look and cause the water to get dirty. This can lead to a variety of problems, including bacteria and algae.
Placing a fountain in a spot where the water will naturally drain away is important. This can help prevent mold and fungus, according to Cho.
Keeping your fountain in good condition will ensure that it provides you with years of enjoyment so that you can enjoy the sound of running water and the visual appeal of your new garden feature. It’s important to clean the pump regularly, so you can keep it free of clogs and debris that could interfere with your fountain’s performance.
