How to Build an Indoor Hydroponic Garden in a Fish Tank

Hydroponic gardening is the process of gardening without the use of dirt. This form of gardening uses a nutrient-rich liquid to supply plants with all of the nutrition that they need to grow. Most hydroponic gardening is done in professional settings, but you can also convert an old fish tank into a suitable hydroponic garden for smaller plants and vegetables. Make sure the tank is clean before using and place it in an area that receives enough natural sunlight for the plants to grow.

Styrofoam sheet 1-inch thick
Utility knife
Aquarium air tubing
2 air stones
Hydroponic nutrient solution
Aquarium air pump
Aluminum foil
Tape

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the Styrofoam sheet to fit inside the fish tank. Make the sheet slightly smaller than the tank so that it can float freely inside the tank.
- 2
  Cut several 1/2 inch round holes into the Styrofoam. Make one hole for each plant that you intend to place inside the tank. Cut two holes into the sides of the Styrofoam large enough to fit two pieces of air tubing through.
- 3
  Attach the tubing to the air stones. Place the stones in the bottom of the tank. Place the other side of the tubes outside of the tank.
- 4
  Fill the tank with the nutrient solution to about 2 inches below the top of the tank. Attach the other ends of the tubing to the air pump and turn it on.
- 5
  Cover the sides of the tank with aluminum foil to prevent light from reaching the roots of the plants.
- 6
  Fit the roots of the plants down into the holes in the Styrofoam block. Place the Styrofoam block inside the tank.

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