(Here's a link to another fountain created that might offer alternative ideas: • Make a Recirculating B... )
The nine-plus-gallon porcelain bowl is designed to be used for goldfish and therefore has no hole at the bottom like a garden pot. I was originally intending on drilling a one-inch hole to run the cord through the bottom, but became so fond of its interior detail that I changed my mind and opted to drape the power cord over its rim. The 16 by 14 inch goldfish bowl was purchased in Chinatown from “China Arts & Gifts Trading Co.” at 750 N. Hill St., Suite H, Los Angeles.
The 12 inch terra cotta saucer is a Pennington brand sold at Home Depot, the serving bowl, used as the bath, was purchased from a local thrift store. I used a porcelain drill bit and spray bottle filled with tap water, which not only kept the dust to a minimum but also kept the drill bit cool, as friction and its resulting heat can prematurely wear down the bit’s tip. The Pulaco pump was purchased from Amazon. It’s the same pump used for my other recirculating bird bath. (If you are interested in viewing that video, here’s the link: • Make a Recirculating B... ). The PVC pipe materials used are ½ inch and safe for critters and are often used in outdoor plumbing, gardens and water features.
Consistently keeping the water clean is very important. Check it daily and clean it if the water is less than clear. Remove the topper, pump and PVC platform. Use a small two-quart bucket to bail the water into a larger bucket, a five-gallon size works very well. When the small bucket cannot bail the remaining water, use a Terrycloth towel to mop up the water on the bottom and ring it out into the larger bucket. Wipe down interior porcelain bowl and pump screen if necessary. Rinse and wipe top if necessary. Reassemble, fill with clean water, plug back in, and recycle water in garden. This process takes between three to five minutes.
Finally, it took more time to find the right materials and design I wanted than it did to build it. Whether you decide to do something similar or much different than this one, good luck with your endeavor. My three highlights of this project were searching for and selecting the pot, working the materials, then watching the chirping birds learn to use and enjoy their new recirculating bird bath.
Technical list:
Goldfish Pot: *Weight: 26 pounds *Height: 14” * Top outside diameter: 16” *Top inside diameter: 12.5” *Bottom outside: 11” *Bottom inside: 9.5” *Capacity: 9+ gallons
Pennington Saucer: 12” diameter
Serving Dish: *Height: 3.25” *Width: 10” (unique thrift store purchase)
PVC Materials: four ½” side-corner 90-degree with three outlets. One 10’ ½” PVC pipe. Size with PVC cutter or a hacksaw with teeth for cutting plastic. A standard metal/plastic 1/8” bit was used to drill the holes in the upper legs of the platform. The holes allow water to flow up the legs so the platform does not become buoyant when filling the bowl/pot with water.
Electric drill and porcelain bits (1/8, 1/4, & 3/8”)
G.E. 100% Silicone Caulk (a caulk gun is not necessary if using the squeezable tube).
Coarse sandpaper
Water Pump: Pulaco 160 gallons per hour (GPH) with an adjuster to slow its flow if needed. It is rated 10 watts AC (uses very little electricity and comes with a standard plug). I run the pump 24/7, unless I am cleaning out the fountain. (Link to pump I purchased: www.amazon.com...