any recommendation on how to protect the battery from the elements? do i put it inside of my tent? or is that a big no-no fire hazard....

According to spec on that pump, the max height is 45cm (about a foot and a half) That doesn't look good to me. It's 7 volts, so you might burn it out with 12 volts. This one works!!! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultra-quiet-Mini-DC-12V-3M-240L-H-Brushless-Motor-Submersible-Water-Pump-New-RF-/18146808987...

Alright FIGJAM, I'm working on building one of these bad boys... I think I have every part I need (I've bought basically everything you mentioned in your original post, except I got http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solar-Water-Pump-Power-Panel-Kit-Fountain-Pool-Garden-Pond-Submersible-Watering-/281103543945...

Alright FIGJAM, I'm working on building one of these bad boys... I think I have every part I need (I've bought basically everything you mentioned in your original post, except I got http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solar-Water-Pump-Power-Panel-Kit-Fountain-Pool-Garden-Pond-Submersible-Watering-/281103543945?...