An indoor tabletop fountain might be just what you're looking for if home d'cor is your game, and they are a lot easier to build than you might think! Some will tell you that you need a long list of specific parts that put a big hole in your wallet ? but that couldn't be further from the truth. All you need is a little planning and common sense and your well on your way!

The concept of a tabletop fountain is actually pretty simple. A submersible pump circulates water in some type of bowl or container that propels water through a small spout that distributes the water in a pleasing manner. That's it! Now let's get started.

First you're going to need to get the basic supplies: the pump, flexible tubing or a hose for the pump and a small copper elbow to point the water downward. All pumps aren't created equal so make sure you get a knowledgeable store rep to help you choose. A dual speed pump is a plus, but not needed.

After you find your pump, you'll need to purchase a large bowl or container that will house the entire apparatus. The type of bowl you choose is very important. For starters, make sure the bowl is large enough to fit the pump that will be circulating the water. Another benefit of a larger container is that the more water it can hold, the less often you need to refill it with water. It would also be wise to buy a bowl with a flat bottom that is wide enough to fit the pump and the curve of the cord.

Now you will need to either purchase or build something to protect the pump. Eventually you will decorate the tabletop fountain with rocks and you don't want the weight of the rocks on your pump. Most people use a small decorative pot with a hole in the bottom for the pump cord. If your budget is tight, another option is to build a small den out of rocks that surrounds the pump. Then you can use slate or large flat rocks to serve as a shelf, covering the top, and protecting the pump.

The next step will require a little creativity on your part but that's half the fun. You need to build the ?body? of the fountain with rocks of your choice. I advice to use large flat rocks near the bottom as they are much easier to clean, and your hands will thank you for it. Assembling the entire fountain is easy, but I advise you to do it outside if it's your first time. You don't want water splattering all over your walls and carpet, do you? Once you're finished, pat yourself on the back on a job well done! That wasn't so bad was it?