Operating Tips
1) About the pump: This is the smallest pump available that is strong enough to lift the water to the neccessary height; but even on its lowest setting the water flow volume may be too great. The small white gizmo on the tubing is a flow restrictor; use it to fine tune the intervals between the filling/emptying cycle of your fountain.
2) The loudest "thump" is achieved by allowing the bottom end to strike a rock. Best for scaring deer and irritating your neighbors perhaps, but the potential exists for the fountain to batter itself to the point of shortening its lifespan. I recommend a piece of rotten wood instead; or just let it hit the ground, if you don't need or want the noise.
3) If you run the fountain "fast", i.e. short intervals between filling/emptying, splashing may occur resulting in your reservoir losing water. Slow it down a little.