How to Make an Aquaponics Flower Bed

Though green thumbs typically grow edibles in aquaponics systems, this versatile gardening method also supports flowers. Aquaponics combines the methods of hydroponics, growing plants in water without the need for soil, and aquaculture, or raising aquatic animals. By creating a symbiotic relationship between the two, aquaponics flower beds present an innovative and effective method for growing flowers.

Grow bed (plastic storage bin lid, or similar object larger in length and width than aquarium and 2 or 3 inches deep)
Electric drill
3/16-inch bit
1/2-inch bit
Fish tank gravel
Pot for boiling
10-to-20-gallon aquarium
3-watt to 4-watt submersible water pump
1/2-inch diameter plastic tubing
Air tubing
Aquarium air stone
Nail
Hardware scissors
Electrical tape
Coconut coir
pH tester
pH increaser or decreaser (optional)
Aquarium-sized fish
Fish food
Flower seeds

Instructions

- 1
  Drill evenly spaced holes in the plastic storage bin lid with an electric drill equipped with a 3/16-inch bit. Drill in rows, leaving about 2 inches between each hole. Drill a larger hole in any rear corner of the bed with a 1/2-inch drill bit. You can substitute a cat litter pan, oblong dishpan or similar flat surface as long as it is flat, has a 2- or 3-inch raised rim and covers the length and width of the aquarium. This will act as the grow bed for your flowers.
- 2
  Clean and disinfect the gravel by boiling it in a pot of water and rinsing it thoroughly. Spread the gravel evenly along the bottom of the aquarium. Use about 2.5 pounds of gravel for every gallon of aquarium. Likewise, every 10 gallons of water supports about 1 foot to 2 feet of growth area in the flower bed.
- 3
  Connect the 1/2-inch diameter plastic tubing and the air tubing to the corresponding outlets on the water pump, and place the water pump in the aquarium. Attach an aquarium air stone to the air tubing and place it in the tank. Fill the aquarium with water.
- 4
  Feed the plastic tubing through the 1/2-inch hole in the grow bed as you place it with its rimmed side facing up on top of the aquarium. Wind the tubing so it runs around the inside perimeter of the grow bed. Puncture this portion of the tubing every 2 inches with a nail. Cut off excess tubing with a pair of hardware scissors, fold the cut end into itself, and wrap the end tightly with electrical tape.
- 5
  Distribute coconut coir evenly over the surface of the grow bed, filling it with a 1-inch- to 2-inch-thick layer. This will act as your growing medium. Plug the water pump in, and switch it on.
- 6
  Dip the end of a pH tester into the water to test its pH level, which should ideally read 7.0. Add pH increaser, according to the instructions on the packaging, to water with a pH lower than 6.8, or add pH decreaser to water that reads higher than 7.2. Let the water sit for at least 24 hours.
- 7
  Add small, aquarium-sized fish to the water. As a rule of thumb, add 1/2 inch of fish to every gallon of water. Allow the fish to thrive for a month, feeding them daily.
- 8
  Gently toss flower seeds over the surface of the coir. Distribute the seeds as evenly as possible.

Do You Need to Pinch Back Calliope Geraniums?

The Care for Heliconia Plants

Growing Flowers