Aquascape AquaGarden Tabletop Desktop Fountain Kit with Waterfall, Meditation, Relaxation, Mocha

I have admired the larger Aquascape AquaGarden for a while, but didn’t have a good spot for the size. I decided to try this table top version and so far I am extremely pleased with it. It was easy to set up and even though the material is molded plastic it doesn’t feel cheap. I chose the Mocha color and am very happy with how it looks.I have not experienced pump noise, mine is very quiet. The waterfall is very quiet too, if the water level is lower I can hear a soft sound but I don’t hear it when I have the fountain more full. If you’re looking for a fountain that has a lot of water sound, this isn’t it. That’s not an issue for me because I got it as a water garden for a few aquatic plants and not for the splashing sound. I like the controls and the ability to turn the lights off independently. I have a water lettuce and some inch plant clippings in the top basin and a water hyacinth and water sensitive plant in the lower basin. There hasn’t been any issues with the waterfall or pump moving the plants around.I had an inexpensive metal plant stand from Walmart that fit the fountain perfectly and I added a small aquarium decoration to the top basin. This little fountain has worked perfectly to create a lovely small water garden in a corner of my living room. I can’t speak to the longevity of the unit yet but all other aspects have been excellent.

I recently purchased a tabletop aqua scape garden, and it has completely transformed my house. The compact design fits perfectly on my side table and the vibrant Pothos plants I added to acquire an aquatic life to create a calming atmosphere that helps me focus. Setting it up was a fun and creative process, and I love how it brings a touch of nature indoors. The included instructions made maintenance easy, and I've enjoyed watching the plants thrive and the fish swim around. It's not only a beautiful decoration but also a conversation starter with visitors who enter my home. I highly recommend a tabletop aquascape garden for anyone looking to add some tranquility and beauty to their space!

I've worked with two of these tabletop fountains - one purchased for my mother-in-law, and the other given to me as a gift. They are a cute little fountain, but I have to say the pumps are terrible. Between my MIL's and my own, the pumps have stopped working 5 times in just 6-8 months of operation. I've already replaced the pumps of each one via warranty, but the replacement pumps have also stopped working shortly after I got them. I've had some success with cleaning them thoroughly and getting them running, but it's still only a short time before they stop again. I'm a huge fan of Aquascape and I definitely recommend their larger pond pumps, but this tabletop unit should have stayed in R&D longer, in my opinion.

The media could not be loaded. I’ve taken up plants for a hobby. Plant therapy some might call it. And this was the best addition! My aquatic plants love it. Easy to clean. Nice size for indoors. Doesn’t leak. It looks better in real life than the photo. Light is bright, but not glaring. I’ve had it for about two months now. We just added 2 little shrimp and snails a couple weeks ago. So fun!

Overall, I think it's great but the pump sucks and you need to get one that doesn't suck. I would pay a higher price for a better quality pump. It's louder than the sound of the waterfall, just, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa all night. There should have been an effort to dampen the sound/vibration. It attaches directly to hard plastic. Of course it's going to resonate through. You gotta put some rubba up in that thing. It should be totally reworked so that the pump is in a housing it can suction to and isolate the vibrations.Here's what I did. I threw that pump in the trash and ordered another pump of higher prestige. I stuck it right in the middle and just ran some tubing up to the veg. I epoxied rubber to all sides of the pump and then dumped a bunch of rocks on top to cover it up. Plugged it in, whisper quiet. Give this man a CIGAR!

I've noted in reviews that people are complaining that this is small. Yes, it is -- that's exactly why I bought it. It fits nicely on my very cluttered desk; it takes up about a square foot.Setup was quick and easy. Believe them and rinse the rocks!; an amazing amount of dust came off the pea gravel -- that's the "decorative gravel" part - and of course the leca. I've planted mine with some Creeping Jenny to start with, and I'm going to add some Blue-Eyed Grass toward the center. I wouldn't put a high-light plant anywhere but right under the light, but Creeping Jenny is one of those unkillable plants that can grow almost anywhere. The little light isn't super-bright, but given that my desk is in the darkest corner of the room (by a north-facing window that looks at a bush!) it's definitely useful.The fountain has a very pleasant gurgle -- not loud, but a nice background sound, which is what I wanted. Of particular importance on the desk of a home office, it doesn't splash. The water pours into the bowl right in the center, and the top of the spout is below the rim of the bowl. That's a big improvement over every other one I've tried in that space. I want my little fountain, but not at the cost of a wet keyboard!The pump, though, was way too loud. That's what cost this a star from the review. I measured it at 58 decibels with a phone app. I decided not to fight it (or Aquascape); I just replaced the pump. Also, the wires from the switch unit to the pump, light, etc., are way too short, at least for my application; they disappear around the back and I have to go groping around for them. Amazon does sell extension cables (5.5mm barrel plug, btw) that would solve the problem, though my solution is going to be a bit more drastic and involve some connectors and a soldering iron.Overall, it's a great little desktop fountain, but you might have problems with a noisy pump. And you may want to get some extensions for the control box wires.