The aquarium side planter is a resulting branch of a project where I was trying to develop the least resource intensive method to grow edible vegetables & herbs with a small aquarium. A bit like hydroponics, but still maintaining the aesthetic and beauty of a conventional home aquarium.

By integrating plant growth with a home aquarium, I aimed to create a harmonious and visually appealing ecosystem, while also maximizing space efficiency. The combination of aquatic life with edible plants offers a unique and sustainable approach to indoor gardening, bringing nature into living spaces in a creative and practical manner.

Through thoughtful design and careful selection of plant species, the aquarium side planter serves not only as a source of fresh herbs and vegetables, but also as a captivating display of nature’s interconnectedness. The project represents an innovative fusion of aquaculture and horticulture, resulting in a delightful and functional enhancement to any home environment.

The beauty of this concept lies in its potential to inspire individuals to explore unconventional yet rewarding methods of cultivating their own food, while simultaneously appreciating the visual splendor of an aquatically-inclined botanical arrangement. This innovative approach opens up new possibilities for sustainable urban gardening, promoting self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Growth Sponge Variant (Version 1)

The hang-on-back side planter box version 1 was initially conceptualized and designed to accommodate the standard cubic growth sponges commonly utilized in a variety of plant nurseries, as well as hydroponics and aeroponics applications. This innovative solution was developed with the specific purpose of providing a convenient and adaptable platform for the efficient growth and maintenance of plants, particularly those that thrive in hydroponic and aeroponic environments. By offering compatibility with the prevalent sponges used across these industries, the planter box V1 effectively caters to the needs of a diverse range of growers and cultivators. Its versatility and practical design make it a valuable asset for individuals and businesses seeking reliable and user-friendly solutions for plant cultivation.

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Gardening Soil Variant (Version 2)

After months of consistent testing and observation, it became clear that the optimal growth of the sponges necessitated periodic soaking or submersion in the aquarium water. This was essential to prevent them from drying out and potentially compromising the health of the plants being cultivated alongside them. Consequently, regular top-ups of water were required to maintain the appropriate moisture levels, thereby ensuring the successful growth of the plants. However, this particular requirement also imposed limitations on the variety of plants that could be effectively grown in the planter.

Throughout this period of monitoring, the success of the self-sufficient planters became evident as positive feedback poured in from our initial adopters. Buoyed by this encouraging response, version 2 was developed with valuable insights gleaned from the self-sufficient planter project. As a result, the updated version empowered a broader demographic of our customers and followers to cultivate their plants using their existing aquarium setups.

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