How to Make a Greenhouse With a Fish Tank

While normal greenhouses are quite large with a recommended size of three acres, a smaller-scale fish-tank greenhouse provides a safe area for smaller plants. Just like its larger counterparts, the miniature greenhouse should follow similar precautions for water and heat. Fish-tank greenhouses improve the thermal properties of plants to create a better growing environment. You can make a greenhouse out of your old fish tank with a few items available at your local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Acrylic glass sheet
Table saw
Acrylic glass blade
Power drill
Quarter-inch drill bit
Activated carbon

Gravel
Potting soil
Thermometer
Hot glue gun
Two 200-watt bulbs
Two grow lamps
Seeds

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the dimensions of your fish tank using a tape measure. For reference, use a 30-by-20-by-10-inch fish tank.
- 2
  Cut an acrylic glass sheet to the dimensions of 30-by-20 inches, using a table saw and acrylic glass blade.
- 3
  Drill three rows of 1/4-inch holes into the sheet. Place the holes in the center of the sheet with 3-inch spacing between the holes. The holes are used for ventilation of the fish tank. Use a power drill and quarter-inch drill bit.
- 4
  Pour a 1-inch layer of activated carbon on the bottom of the tank. The activated carbon filters the water of the tank. Next pour a 1-inch layer of gravel over the activated carbon. The gravel provides a barrier between the soil and activated carbon. Last, pour a 3-inch layer of potting soil over the gravel.
- 5
  Place a thermometer on the inside of the fish tank. Attach the thermometer with a hot glue gun. The thermometer should be placed toward the center and readable from the outside of the tank.
- 6
  Position the greenhouse near an open sunny window. If sunlight cannot reach the tank, place two 200-watt-bulb grow lamps above it. Position the bulbs at least 4 inches from the top to prevent heat damage.
- 7
  Insert seeds into the soil according to the directions provided. Your seeds are now ready to grow.

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