Making an Asian Style Recirculating Bird Bath

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.
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

[rebekahbunch]

My cat loved this video. He does not have thumbs or a yt account of his own, so I upvoted on his behalf.

[haro]

Finds out later that his porcelain bowl is from the Ming dynasty and is/was worth millions! Lol. Love the video. Now I’m shopping for a look alike. Thanks for posting!

[jsmcguireIII]

Came for the birdbath, stayed for the birds. Nice little sanctuary you've created, thanks for sharing.

[BakerMikeRomeo]

marrying a brief and efficient how-to to fifteen minutes of adorable animals giving their testimonials was a stroke of genius. I could sit and watch those little guys splash around all day.

[yellowstonekv]

Thank you for keeping the video on for so long. The birds and critters in the beautiful birdbath is mesmerizing and calming 🤗💖

[hossenfeffer]

This is the *best* small fountain build I have seen yet. It is exactly what I am looking for, and thanks to your demonstration, I think I can do it. Perfect size for a small yard with lots of birds. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and for showing us your very beautiful garden. My cats also enjoyed watching. 🇨🇦

[Apocalypz]

My goodness, I was truly rooting for that hummingbird to finally have a quick sit. Lovely bird bath, and wonderfully documented steps to create. Thanks!

[DivinelyGuided]

That is the most beautiful bird bath I've ever seen. I love your garden. You have hours of viewing pleasure from your window. Thank you for sharing. 🐦 💦 🐦 ❤

[tikitiki]

i could sit for hours and watch the birds and the water in your garden. thank you again

[janicebrowningaquino]

Lol, I like the previous comment about the cat! THIS project is the NICEST personally designed bird fountain idea I have ever seen on YouTube! It is clever, it uses blue and white, (my FAVORITE design element) and it fits into its environment perfectly. We all were even treated to a lovely extended video of the birds using the fountain!!!! Thank You SO much for posting. Now, I could try this myself if I could find the blue and white coy pot and the beautiful bowl also 😊!

[pjaneheil]

I just love the sound of running water 💦 outside, it's so calming and relaxing ❤️❤️❤️

[reneekirkpatrick]

loved the one hummer who ALMOST got into the water, and then the bird who FINELY got into the bowl, after playing around the edges!

[daureenesmith]

You should be very proud of yourself. You created a functional and decorative bird bath. It looks really good in your garden. Now you can sit back and enjoy the birds using it. Just love it 😊💗

[wolfsangeleyes]

Beautiful bird bath and so many visitors, even your dog and a squirrel.

[rrfirefly]

I'm surprised that the porcelain doesn't crack. But I suppose that is a function of the special drill bit. yes?
Bravo for making highly attractive versions of the bird bath. Great inspiration.

[DS___]

This is the best video of its kind! I love this so much. It was a pleasure for me and my mom to watch. Thank you for sharing!

[DanielaSanchezJasmin]

What a Beautiful elegant bird bath you created! Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏽

[god-inspiredpeacecontentme]

This was so enjoyable. Loved watching the birds and different views after your assembly.

[cindybogart]

That’s a lovely piece your drilling there. ⚜️

[LizMcNamara]

Hope you don’t mind me saying I would replace the terracotta saucer with a white porcelain plate, I think it would maintain the colour.