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. Does this Spark an idea?
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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
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1
Measure the dimensions of your fish tank using a tape measure. For reference, use a 30-by-20-by-10-inch fish tank.
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2
Cut an acrylic glass sheet to the dimensions of 30-by-20 inches, using a table saw and acrylic glass blade.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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7
Insert seeds into the soil according to the directions provided. Your seeds are now ready to grow.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective gloves, goggles and a mask when handling a table saw and power drill.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
