UPDATED REVIEW (original below): It's so very pretty, I get a great deal of pleasure when I look at it and occasionally stand or sit in front of it just to do that. However, I didn't buy it to LOOK at it, I bought it to LISTEN to it. And no matter how I adjust the position of the rocks (taking them all out made a very small difference), no matter how I adjust the amount of water (it's slightly more audible with less water in it), no matter what the speed of the motor is (absolutely no difference at all), and no matter how many ways I tip it by putting something as thin as an emery board or as thick as a box of matches to adjust it to every possible angle, even when sitting right in front of it I can barely hear a thing.

It must have something to do with the way it's designed, and whoever did that did a great job making it beautiful, but they didn't know how to design it in a way that it makes any sound. Just because water trickles down it doesn't mean it makes any sound, that element needs to be designed into it. One hates to say, "What do you expect, it was made in China..." So what to do now? Spend the better part of an hour taking it apart, box it up and send it back, or keep it to look at and buy another one?

ORIGINAL REVIEW: After reading all the reviews, and there were so many negative ones, I decided to try my luck because this was the one I liked the best that was under $50. I had to get my doorman to put it together, the directions truly are abysmal, and I had to plug and unplug it only twice before it started to work. Thank goodness that instruction was in the directions, or I would have figured it didn't work and sent it back.

You can fix the vibration of the motor by adjusting the electrical wire until you get it just right - at least it worked for me - but I don't know what you can do to get the sound of the running water to extend more than a foot away from the thing. I tried slightly tipping it by the base numerous ways and would have put something underneath it to maintain that angle had I been able to find one that worked. I read that someone suggested moving the pebbles around, which didn't work for me.

The light is pretty, but like everyone has already written, you can't turn the d__n thing off unless you unplug it and then the water stops running also. If you decide you can live without the light, you can cut the cord that connects it to the motor and just throw away that entire structure. I'm willing to bet that most of the peole who bought it would gladly pay an additional $2-5 just to be able to turn off the light. If anyone is electrical-minded and can tell me how to McGyver it to do that, I'm all ears.

I'm not sure if I'll keep it or not, since the number one reason I bought it was to hear the sound of the water. I'll fiddle around with the pebbles some more and see how irritating it is to have to keep unplugging it all the time.

Great purchase! I was looking for a water element to activate my career area (Feng Shui 101), and this tabletop fountain was perfect. No splashing, and the soothing sound make it very relaxing. I added more rocks, because it came with just a few. Highly recommended.

OK -Then. I just layed electrical wires under water and I'm not shocked. Nice! Sure hope the wire coating lasts a while or it's lights out.-Alright, now, the good and bad. It does look good and it works just fine. The bad is that their are no real step by step instruction with this. Their needed and I'll tell you why. The pump has a slide controller on it to regulate the flow of water. Did you even know that? If you look on the side of the pump, it's the little lever there. But, this is not explained anywhere. Also, the tube that puls into the bottom of the buddah, is too short and I could not secure the pump with the suction cups because it won't reach the bottom, so it just floats. But, this too is not explained. There are not many parts to this but a video or some written instructions are needed. If anyone has a problem, let me know. I'll help you put it together. The light bulb needs to be plugged in real good or it will fall out, and their hard to find. Because there is no on/off switch on this, (there should be), I ran a extension cord to a switched outlet. Now, when I shut off the main lights, this turns off too. So, good fountain for the money but the makers need to add:
1. step by step instructions or post a video
2.make the intake tibe longer
3. supply extra bulb

I love this fountain. Easy to assemble and looks great. I agree with other reviews. Not enough rocks. I just went to my local dollar store and purchased a back full of white rocks and used them instead. Love the light it leaves these beatiful shadows on my wall and ceiling when lights are off and can hear water. Does need an on off switch.

Love it! Love it Loveit!