How to Make a Greenhouse Out of an Aquarium

Making a greenhouse from a large aquarium provides the perfect environment for young seedlings in early spring. Not only is it convenient to keep them all in the same place without the worries of being knocked off a window sill or table, it is easy to maintain the humidity level they require. Aquariums provide the ideal set up for attaching grow lights to the top and providing just the right amount of light for your young seedlings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seedlings
• Grow lights/florescent lights
• Light hanging kits

1. Place an aquarium in a location where it receives indirect light from a window or skylight. Although direct light from an east window may be suitable, western and southern windows may provide intense light that overheats the aquarium in the afternoon.

2. Place plants or seedlings in their original pots or flats on the bottom of the aquarium. Water thoroughly so the soil is evenly moist.

3. Attach grow lights to the top of the aquarium so the lights hang a few inches above the top of the plants. You can purchase grow lights at your local hardware store, but florescent lights work just as well. Select lights that are the appropriate size for the size of your aquarium and be sure to purchase the necessary hardware for hanging the lights (see Resources for light hanging hardware).

4. Turn lights on for 16 hours a day to provide adequate light for seedlings. Check the soil for moisture and water when the soil begins to dry. Mist plants daily. Monitor the height of the lights and adjust upwards as the plants increase in height.

Resources

• Light Hanger Kits/Supplies