Marshall McPeek likens the effect of experiencing his "pet tornado" to the calmness of absent-mindedly watching a fish tank. Yet, given that it is also known as a "vortex fountain," the creation of the North Side resident would undoubtedly prove hazardous to any aquatic inhabitant.

Marshall McPeek likens the effect of experiencing his �pet tornado� to the calmness of absent-mindedly watching a fish tank.

Yet, given that it is also known as a �vortex fountain,� the creation of the North Side resident would undoubtedly prove hazardous to any aquatic inhabitant.

A spurt of water is sent shooting around the cylindrical acrylic tank, with a volume roughly estimated at no more than 4 gallons. A whirlpool forms inside the device, developing into a tornado of sorts before water spills over the rim.

A water reservoir sustains the fountain, yielding a mesmerizing spectacle made more soothing by the white noise of the falling water.

The invention has captivated counless people online, many of whom wonder where to buy such a fountain � or how to build one.

A little more than a week ago, McPeek � a meteorologist for WSYX-TV (Channel 6) � posted on his Facebook page a video of the fountain in action.

The feature has since been viewed more than 15 million times and elicited more than 13,000 comments.

�This is so cool,� one commenter observed.

�Dogs would love this,� posted another.

One man, perhaps less impressed, quipped: �Great, now I have to go pee.�

No one seems more surprised by the viral spread of the video than the contraption creator himself.

�I think part of what�s happening,� McPeek said, �is people are finding in the video the same kind of thing I find about the fountain in person: It�s just mesmerizing. You can just watch it over and over and over.�

Whatever the reason, the video has not only drawn attention but also inspired hope among potential buyers.

McPeek, 47, has filed paperwork to secure a patent � �in case we decide to go down that road,� he said.

He began his tinkering in April after a friend sent him a photo of a fountain in front of a mansion. Using tubes and hoses, he created a vortex in a bucket.

Three or four versions later, he settled on the dimensions and water proportions that keep the fountain running perpetually.

American Plastic Distributors, on the Northwest Side, custom-fabricated the acrylic cylinder and used lasers to cut holes for the tubing.

From there, he finished joining the pieces in his backyard � where his vortex fountain will remain as a decorative piece until cold weather compels him to move it inside.

McPeek kept his colleagues abreast of the project but didn�t unveil it to the public until he completed it late last week.

�It�s a very fun �nerd� project,� he said. �Maybe next year, I�ll have to make another one.�

elagatta@dispatch.com

@EricLagatta