Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. But have you ever considered having a garden that’s actually part of a fish tank? It might seem like an unconventional idea. But it’s actually an eco-friendly system that cuts down on the maintenance you have to do for both the plants and the fish. And now, thanks to startup AquaSprouts, you can buy all that you need for a fish tank garden in one simple kit.
The AquaSprouts Aquaponic Garden has a pump at the bottom that takes the fish waste and converts it into nutrients for the plants. The pump works on a timer, so on top of feeding the plants, it also cleans the water for the fish.
Of course, some people might not like the idea of having their vegetable garden fertilized by waste from their goldfish. But as AquaSprouts CEO Jack Ikard explains to The Huffington Post, it’s not really that different from other types of gardens:
“That’s just the way the world works. If it’s not waste from your fish it’s some other kind of poop.”
Aquaponics has been around for years. But this specific system is different because of a sleek design that’s pretty user friendly, according to those promoting it. In fact, it even comes with seeds for tomatoes, lettuce, kale, mint, basil and wheatgrass, if you so choose. But you could also elect to use your own sprouted starter plants, or even plant flowers instead of edible plants.
Currently, the AquaSprouts Aquarium Aquaponic Garden Kickstarter campaign has collected more than $50,000 of its $60,000 goal with a little under a month left to go.
Ikard says he would like to start selling the aquaponic fish tank gardens in January 2015 if the funding campaign is successful. So far, it looks like that will probably happen. But after that, will people be interested in buying them?
It may be a natural process and not actually any ickier than other types of garden fertilizer. But the question is whether consumers at large will be comfortable with a garden that’s fertilized by their fish.
Image: Kickstarter
Now that’s an extremely cool idea. I love that it cleans the tank and feeds the garden. I love that the fish waste isn’t…well…wasted 🙂
In answer to your question, yes, I’d have no problem with a garden fertilised by fish waste. At the end of the day, it’s manure.
Annie Pilon
Yes, it’s all the same basic concept. I think some people just might not like seeing the evidence right in front of them. But it’s a really cool system that makes a lot of sense.
Hehe! I hear you re: evidence! In which case, the fish tank garden looks like a pretty neat way around it.
Aira Bongco
I would if it is completely natural. I don’t care if it is poo. Have you seen a fertilizer that’s not made of poo? I’d like to know.
There’s probably fertiliser not made of poo. You can get plant fertilisers, I think.
Annie Pilon
Yes, I think there are, but people have been using this type of waste for fertilizer for so long. It’s not like it’s any more gross than that.
I’m thinking fish poo probably doesn’t smell. I mean, I’ve never smelt it! But, I don’t know, I get the feeling that it’s not.