I've wanted a tabletop fountain for a long time, but every one I tried seemed to spit water all over the place and get yucky water. So I really did my research before buying this one. The reviews said it does not spit water, and it doesn't. It has a nice flow from one level to another. It arrived in a box in a box arrangement, packed well in styrofoam. It was heavier than I expected. It looks like cheap plastic from the pics, which I didn't like, but the actual fountain really does look like granite, and looks and feels substantial. There is a warning sheet inside for electrical safety but no instructions on how to put together. The middle bowl has a square peg on the bottom that slides into the bottom bowl, the top then slides down over that. The pump has to be placed under the middle bowl, using the suction feet to stick to the bottom. Place the tube from the top bowls over the peg on the pump. Then make sure you fill with water over the pump. I added a drop of Fountec to the clean water to avoid the slimes. It makes a lovely flowing water noise straight from the box, no need to add rocks, etc. The pump is extremely quiet. I love to sleep to the sound of the flowing water, and my houseplants like having the extra humidity. I'm very happy with purchase and would recommend to others.
(If your fountain splashes, try moving the switch on the side of the pump to a slower flow. I have mine on the lowest setting.)