You will need a container of some type to use for the fountain, and for this the rules are few. Anything waterproof, at least ten inches in diameter, and two inches deep will do. Terra cotta can weep, so seal these containers first with Clay Pot Sealer, and plug the hole with silicone sealant. As you build your fountain you will need something to keep rocks and other fountain components away from the pump. This is accomplished with either grid or a pump housing.
Grids are available in a variety of sizes to fit various sized containers.
The grid can also be glued to legs composed of cut PVC pipe or other material. Place over the pump and cover with rocks, shells, or other items of your choice. A pump housing is a small plastic or slate box which fits over the pump, keeping the water space around the pump clear of debris. It is important when building your fountain to allow a way to get to the pump for cleaning or replacement. There are several different types of adhesives which are suitable for fountain building.