Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased this foundation because the pump on my previous fountain burned out. After 8 years it was going strong-I never even cleaned it- but I accidently left it running without enough water. My old fountain was also made by Homedics. I was so happy with it I searched Homedics for another one. This fountain is what I found, and from the picture, it looked close to the one I had so I quickly ordered it. When it arrived, much to my shock and horror, I couldn't believe how cheap this one looks and how poorly it is made. I would have returned it if I had kept the box and package materials upon my initial reaction. But I gave it the benefit of the doubt, put it together and displayed it for a week or so until I ended throwing it away because it just looked horrible. $20 wasted but at least I am rid of this atrocity. I have distinguished the differences which led to my dissatisfaction with this fountain as compared to my old one: Base: Old one: metal base. New one is plastic and smaller. The water reservoir bowl holds less water and you'll have to refill more often. Slate tiers: The slate tiers on the older were built-in all the way around the fountain making the top portion very sturdy and can be displayed from any angle. On this version, you have to manually insert the slate tiers. Incredibly, the tiers only go on the front of the fountain allowing the mechanical portions exposed on the back and sides. Therefore, this fountain must be placed with its back against something to conceal the exposed areas. And don't even think about displaying it in front of a mirror (as my old one was displayed) because the back will be reflected and thus seen. I added LOTS more rocks and seashells to try to cover up the exposed areas but it still looks ugly. Construction: The older model was built sturdier. The slate top portion was all one piece. Assembly is required on this newer one as much of it comes in pieces. Pump: Old one had a much more powerful pump: 18 watts. The water flowed out from it. This new pump is only 4 watts; the water only to trickles out. The motor is quiet but then of course it is at only 4 watts!! I am surprised it can pump any water through at all. Not to mention, I am sure it will not last long; a 4 watt motor isn't built for longevity. Light: The new one has a bulb about half the size and over half as bright as the older one--think 18 watt bulb as compared to a 4 watt bulb. No comparison. The light on my old fountain would light up the surrounding area. This one can barely light the fountain itself. Thankfully, the light still works on my old founttain. Conclusion: I point out the differences not because consumers can do anything about it--the new fountain is what it is, take it or leave it. But as the adage goes, "You get what you pay for" and I want to caution you on what you are actually getting. It is a shame this company took the cheap route and opted for revenue over quality because their older fountain was marvelous and stylish. I was heart-broken when it died. After I saw what this company is producing now, I scoured the internet (including eBay) to see if I could find an older one. Once you have seen how nice a good water fountain can be it is very difficult to accept anything less. I would pay three times as much to have my old fountain back. Unfortunately this is what companies like Homedics don't understand. People will pay more for quality if given the opportunity. I'd rather spend $60 dollars to have a nice fountain than $20 on a piece of plastic junk. Homediscs has lost my business until they produce better quality items.