I first want to apologize for the "one star" rating. However, the skeptics will gravitate to the one star ratings by nature. In fairness, I would rate this "three stars" (my original rating was 5 stars plus one equals average of 3-in case you do the math). Like the heading states, I have had this for six years. If you think you're the GOT product reviewer, think again. I am the grandmaster and by admission I should feel shame or pride depending upon your perspective. I take it to the next level (the next lower level is 5 tiers down) before I can make an informed decision including the obvious reviews as well as working examples and feedback from YouTube (aka beginner stuff). The reason I drew you in (with the one star rating) is that it is doubtful that anyone worth their reputation would waste time on a ho hum 3 star review-the authentic do not eat quick grits which is why I will summarize with a very concise PRO/CON summary below (the method that my favorite and most revered of verified buyers use to post reviews-isn't this the world we live in? No more gimmicks, scams, misrepresentations or false advertising will prevail. We are in the information age and people genuinely want to share their "experience" to pass along their "insight" in an empirical and forthright critique-personal preference, belief system, and biases notwithstanding). So back to my advanced vetting process that allows potential buyers the benefit of vicarious hindsight. I purchased the top 3 rated pet fountains. In my case, it pertains to providing a minimum of 2-3 days of water for two dogs (20-30 lbs. each). In addition, this product (consider it the 4th among the 3 current purchases), will constitute the primary functionality and engineering difference among the 3 I just purchased. The design is far superior to the Pioneer Pet and here's why: Pioneer Pet (again, this is an updated 6 yr. review) PROS: 1. It is a solid build, stainless steel has endured without any signs of rust or corrosion (kinda obvious though). Suction cups are not great, one tore off and has ever since created a PITA to keep it seated while reassembling the filter pump housing-major flaw-see cons for clarification. 2. The pump is built to last. The first went 5 yrs. before replacement 3. It's quiet until inevitably the gurgling starts unless it's refilled (which means the quickly deteriorated quality of the water should be changed altogether-"topping off" as my original review species is not going to provide enough "fresh" water to restore the adequate volume of water and clarity/taste/color, etc.) 4. That's about all I can come up with now. CONS: BACKROUND data collection: At the time I purchased this fountain, it was just about the only game in town. With the perspective of 6 years of usage and realization that I lost too many hours to quantify (time lost that I could've spent researching other products on Amazon-loving you), I feel like I just discovered self cleaning ovens or something akin. 1. the design of a shallow basin, enclosed filter, and allowance of return water to enter the reservoir as well as, biggest peeve, the necessity to remove the power cable from the filter housing in order to clean it ARRRRGGGGHHH!!! 2. too little volume. The water will get "shallow" at about the half full line. The pump gets staved-thanks to the obtrusive filter that gets in the way and is in the wrong location entirely. Trust me on this. There is no "tight seal" between the water entering and the pump intake). The gurgling starts as soon as the larger particles clog the intake and/or the water is too low. 3. Filters-please. Not reusable, seriously. If you are sold on the "active charcoal" b.s., have at it. The charcoal is inactive as soon as a small amount of dog slobber coats the 3 grains wedged between the cotton filters-yes I disassembled one years ago and realized the granular size does nothing to provide any realistic function other than a great concept. If you already own one of these, rinse out the filter (leave the charcoal intact-unless you want to break it open which it is not meant to be-and flush it out with some vinegar or highly diluted bleach and then rinse and reuse. The only way to keep flowing water fresh in this low of volume is to constantly change it-every day is most likely IF you have a dog that doesn't like tainted water). Wow, long parenthesis there. 4. It is a chore to clean-quickly in the sink-without wasting so much water and/or necessitating a dishwasher run which also takes a toll on the rubber and plastic components. The filter housing-again, bad design, will require fine bristle, crevice worthy, attributes. A pre-soak is typically required 5. To many, this may be the deal breaker. The bowl itself is not well thought out. This harkens back to the low level factor in terms of water. The bowl is too wide in ratio to its height. The "fountain" is great if your animal (sorry, didn't mean to alienate the cat people-I have 4 outdoor cats as well) only drinks from the flowing water. If they drink from the bowl, they're angling their neck and having a smaller surface area of water to access (the top portion-call it the cap or lid or whatever-reduces the "bowl" surface area by a good 50%). Remember, I am differentiating this fountain from the "better" designed models available-more about this later if you're into novels. 6. The filters. As I mentioned, they need to be snapped into place and change frequently, do very little to prevent fine hairs, lint, airborne nuisances, etc. from bypassing it, and are stuffed into the "clamshell" outer housing that rarely stays put so aligning the spout with the top is a problem. Did I mention that this outer housing is both unnecessary to the models out there and the primary "mold reef" of the entire unit. 7. Water flow. I am positive that the shape and location of the filter-sucks through the bottom instead of the side-allowing all the bottom particles that naturally precipitate and flocculate-to be at the same level of the filter so that they are always "stagnating". What I mean is that the MANDATORY natural downward flow of the circulating water passes through the filter (think mountain spring water as it flows through porous rock) rather than being pulled from the water sitting at the bottom of the river bed (again, analogically speaking). To me, this is the deal breaker. 8. Cleaning requirements are far too frequent. Here's the math: Shallow basin + poor circulation + ineffective bottom-up filtering + slime accumulation = daily cleaning and unhappy pets. In summary, I recommend circulating pet bowls that work in a literal "circle". Water is pumped from a tall water basin, best if filter is a side inflow, cascades THROUGH a filter element-reusable indefinitely, and has an open, large basin from which your pet and a friend can drink simultaneously OR without tilting downward their muzzle. Believe this, the difference between a 45 degree and 30 degree neck bend in thermal dynamics (flow of air, water, or other matter through an enclosed space) is major. Consider it more work for your pet and less efficiency (like an exhaust vent for your drier-the more bends in it, the less air is passing through AKA CFM reduction). The one I like the best has a 3 L capacity, is entirely transparent to easily detect any mold growth or discoloration, is easy to clean, has a large open basin with optional "spout", consists of fewer parts, and made of high quality, heavy gauge, BPA free plastic (in terms of break resistance, SS is best but unfortunately not transparent). Plastic will outlive SS in case you're planning for a million years ahead-extra super value in that case. I dare to drop names but you've gotten this far (kindred spirits-you like insurance seminars too? I figure I'd put you out of your misery. I owe you that. Conclusion (hallelujah). In a completely perfunctory fashion,I settled on the one that checked all the boxes. I may be updating this review in 6
