Three-tier water fountain made from
terra cotta pots for your garden, patio, kitchen or sun room.

Materials:
Drill; 3/8" masonry drill bit; conical rotary rasp bit
8" bastard file
Small submersible pump, with flow rate of about 60 gal. Per hour
12" length of flexible tubing, with diameter to fit discharge outlet of pump
extra-thick aerosol clear acrylic sealer
One terra-cotta saucer, about 18" in diameter and 3" high
One 6" terra-cotta pot, 5" high; this pot conceals pump
One 8" terra-cotta saucer
One 4" terra-cotta saucer
One 5" terra-cotta pot, 4" high
One 6" terra-cotta saucer
Two 4" terra-cotta saucers

Steps:
1. Apply extra-thick aerosol sealer to the inside of the saucer; repeat to apply two or three coats. This seals the interior of saucer.
2. Mark the center on the bottom of 8" saucer, using ruler and permanent-ink marker. Soak 8" saucer, 6" pot, 6" saucer, and two 4" saucers in water for at least one hour. Remove 8" saucer from the water.
3. Place 8" saucer on scrap piece of wood. Drill hole at marking, using 3/8" masonry drill bit. Enlarge hole, if necessary, using conical rasp bit, so the plastic tubing fits snugly through hole; drill slowly, applying light pressure, and check fit often.
4. File one notch for waterspout in edge of 8" saucer, using round bastard file; angle file toward saucer as shown, so outer lip is higher than inner edge. This angle creates best water flow. Repeat to file one angled notch each in 6" saucer and 4" saucer.
5. File four notches, equally spaced, in upper edge of 6" pot, filing one notch to accommodate electrical cord of pump; the angle of these notches is not critical to water flow. Repeat to file four notches in the remaining 4" saucer.
6. Connect tubing to discharge outlet of pump; if it is difficult to slide tubing over outlet, place end of tubing in hot water for one or two minutes. Insert opposite end of tubing through inverted 6" pot, then through 8" saucer as shown.
7. Position pump and stacked unit in base saucer; adjust cord to fit in notch of pot. Pull tubing taut; trim about 1/2" (above saucer. Seal any gaps between tubing and saucer with bead of sealant; allow sealant to cure, following manufacturer's instructions.
8. Invert saucer with four notches, and center in larger saucer, concealing tubing. Stack middle column as shown, and place in base saucer. Place inverted, unnotched saucer in base saucer, place notched 4" saucer on top for short column.
9. Fill base saucer with water, about 3/8" from rim; plug in pump. Adjust the position of notched saucers and the flow rate of pump as necessary.
10. Add embellishments, such as rocks, gravel, coral or shells. Accent tallest column with potted plant, candle or small statue - this will weigh down the notched, inverted saucer.