For some reason I want expecting plastic. It's plastic. But doesn't look like it. When the pump is set to high you can hear the pump over the trickling water. So put the setting in the middle it's prefect. you can't hear motor and the water noises are so calming. There is a light inside the Lotus flower. It's too bright for me but it will function with our without the light. I'm putting mine in a meditation area. It's a perfect size for a large table.