How to make a Terrarium Waterfall

This is a complete tutorial that shows you , step by step, how to make a terrarium waterfall. It is something you can do in a few hours depending on the materials you use, the size you want to make it, and how long it takes the paint to dry. The biggest challenge is getting yourself a water pump. I used the pump from an inexpensive table top fountain that I purchased in a discount store. I have a selection of water pumps you can buy at the bottom of this page. And, if you prefer to just buy a waterfall I have a page of them here: (terrarium waterfalls)The picture below is the waterfall I make in this tutorial. I also have a video that shows you the whole process. It is further down this page.

The most important thing you are going to need to make a waterfall is of course the waterpump. The follwong picture shows the pump I am using for this tutorial. I purchased a table top water fountain at a dollar store (cost $5) and took the pump out. In this case of this one it is battery operated which is easy to use but you can't run it for days at a time. You choose choose and select when you want to run it. There are plenty of pumps you can buy that are 120V operated (wall plug in) and I have resources on this page and on my terrarium waterfall page.

a small water pump After the pump a lot of the materials you will need can be improvised and I used insulating foam that comes in sheets. You can purchase this foam online, at a local hardware store or at an arts and crafts store like Michaels or AC Moore. The only real requirement is that it of course be waterproof.

Most small water pumps like this are submersible which means you just have some kind of container of water and you put the pump right into the container so it is submerged.

the Container

Here is the plastic container I am using to hold the water and the pump. I trimmed down the height of it. You can also see the foam I am using. I cut out a hole in the foam to fit the plastic container.

The pump in the container

This picture shows the basic layout and concept of the waterfall. Use a hot glue gun or a waterproof glue to affix the plastic container into your first sheet of styrofoam.

You will add successive layers of foam to build up the shape of the waterfall. You can see I have put the pump inside the container. This is the basic set up. The bay has water in it. The pump sits in this water and forces water up the hose to the top of the waterfall. The water will cascade down the steps you make and return to the reservoir.

So from here it is just a matter of gluing on more foam pieces then carving them into a waterfall shape.

Let's Continue on with this tutorial on how to make a terrarium waterfall ( You can also watch the video just below, or check out the pumps and waterfalls you can buy

RESOURCES and PUMPS

Simple Fountains

What's more soothing than the sound of moving water? Redirecting a stream to run through your home or office may not be practical, but tiny, reliable electric pumps make it possible for you to create a small, indoor tabletop fountain; install a spouting sculpture in your backyard; or even build a full-size waterfall on your property.

This new paperback edition of Simple Fountains gives you illustrated, precise, easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for building 20 aesthetically interesting waterworks at a fraction of the cost you'd pay for those found in upscale catalogs. Using readily available materials (Adkins even includes hints for finding suitable recyclable materials) and simple crafting techniques, you will learn to custom-design your own water-filled masterpiece.In this beautifully designed, inspiring book, Adkins reviews the types of materials you can use for your fountain, including wood, bamboo, ceramic, stone, and copper. She discusses accessories such as flowers, shells, bonsai trees, sculpture, and fish. And she recommends specific products that will make you happier with the finished product (small magnet-driven fountain pumps, for example, tend to be the quietest on the market). Even if you consider yourself non-crafty, Adkins's can-do attitude will give you the confidence to build a beautiful fountain for any corner of your office, home, or garden.

Submersible Fountain Pump For Creating Your Own Indoor Fountain-Pumps Water Up To 34 inches

Fountain pumps for indoor use are great for dish gardens and other small container type water features. This terrific and compact little indoor pump will amaze you with its high quality and power. It's less than 2-1/2 inches long but it can pump water to a maximum height of 34 inches and a maximum flow of 120 gallons per hour. It is designed with a built-in adjustable flow control. and it is furnished with a variety of fittings plus 3 feet of clear tubing, a set of instructions and a limited warranty. The pump has a set of rubber suctions cups on the bottom to keep it in place and it comes with a 6 foot black cord. Overall measurements are 2-1/4" long, 1-3/4" wide and 2" high. For hundreds more craft, art and hobby products be sure to visit our National Artcraft Storefront. We have the creative component you need

It's Easy To Create An Indoor Fountain With This Compact, Reliable Pump

Make your own indoor dish garden, tabletop fountain or other small water feature using this reliable little pump. It raises a column of water up to 24 inches and pumps 70 GPH. Simple in construction and low in cost, it is fully submersible and requires no lubrication and almost no maintainence except for an occasional cleaning. Included with the pump is 2 feet of flexible tubing to attach to the outlet. The pump features a built-in flow control, a 4-1/2 foot, two prong cord and it only uses 6 watts of energy. It measures 2-1/8" long X 2" wide X 1-1/2" high and carries a 1 year manufacturers warranty. Suitable for use in small indoor designs as well as small aquariums, this sturdy pump will provide years of service. For hundreds more craft, art and hobby products including other fountain pumps for indoor or outdoor use please visit our National Artcraft Storefront. We have the creative component you need.