Don't get me wrong, this tank is great for what it is, but it's not much, especially for nearly $100.
First, you really need a heater to keep anything more than a goldfish alive in this tank. We bought it for a betta, so we added a heater. And another expense.
Second, it's far from self cleaning. Keep it from sunlight and the plants don't grow to do their part. Give it enough sunlight for the plants and algae grows. Enter an algae eater and now you've got more poo than the plants can clean. Yes, I can go longer between cleanings in this tank than I can in our bigger tank with a traditional filter, but that tank is also ten times easier to clean since I don't have to disassemble the 8,000 piece top (I may be exaggerating) and clean every freaking grow stone for the other tank.
Third, it's really not enough of anything. The amount of rocks they provide doesn't even cover the bottom of the tank. There are no plants, decorations or any other hiding place for a betta. For a $100 kit, it really should come with everything you need.
Still, it's a neat science lesson for the kids, so I've played along so far. BUT...here we are, 9 months in and the filter dies. What my daughter really wanted was one of those $9 vase and lily systems where she could watch her betta and have a pretty flower. What I got was a huge headache and yet another expense, since now I'm shopping for a new filter.
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From the brand
Our story
How we got our start?
In a college class, we learned that mushrooms could grow entirely on spent coffee grounds. After watching hours of how-to videos and turning our college apartment into a science experiment, we gave up our corporate job offers and became full-time urban mushroom farmers in Oakland, CA.What makes our product unique?
Our indoor gardening kits were created from a passion to reconnect families to food. We want to inspire everyone to ask where their food comes from and experience the magic of growing it themselves.Why we love what we do?
We feel so fortunate to be able to work every day towards a mission we love and are so passionate about. We think there is a false divide in business - of "not for profits" or "for profit companies" - they should all just be "for purpose"!From the manufacturer
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Organic* Microgreen SeedsFast-growing and nutritious, these greens are perfect starter crops to get your aquaponics system up and running! |
More value insideKeep growing & save on refill fish food, seeds, grow medium, tank heaters and more! |
GrowstonesThe perfect growing medium for your plants to take root and access the nutrient-rich water flowing through your ecosystem. |
Coupons for Fish, Nutritious Food, & DechlorInside is a coupon for Betta fish from one of our nationwide partners, and also nutritious fish food & natural dechlorinator to help your new finned friend be happy, safe and settled in his new home! |
Experience The Magic Of Aquaponics
For thousands of years, farmers all over the world have used aquaponic growing systems (raising fish & plants together) as a sustainable & efficient way to grow food. Aquaponics can use 90% less water than traditional farming!
Now, you can bring the magic of aquaponics inside with the Water Garden — this easy & fun closed-loop ecosystem is perfect for any home or classroom! Just feed your betta fish, and watch the plants on top start to grow within days — all without any soil!
Ready, Set, Grow!
While this Water Garden comes with months of organic* seeds, it’s really a blank canvas for all your gardening dreams! Water Gardeners across the country are experimenting with unique, fun plants like philodendrons, orchids, and even bamboo! What will you grow in your Water Garden?
*Certified Organic by QA International, C0165292-NOPHPH-5, 04-NOV-2015
Compare with similar items
 | AquaSprouts Garden, Self-Sustaining Desktop Aquarium Aquaponics Ecosystem Kit, fits Standard 10 Gallon Aquariums | Penn-Plax Aquaponic Betta Fish Tank Promotes Healthy Environment for Plants and Fish | biOrb Classic Aquarium | Tetra LED Cube Shaped 3 Gallon Aquarium with Pedestal Base | Elive Betta Fish Bowl / Betta Fish Tank with Planter, Small 0.75 Gallon Aquarium, LED Light Timer, White | |
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| Customer Rating | (1616) | (341) | (1933) | (1577) | (3656) | (91) |
| Price | $68.16 | $179.95 | $18.98 | $281.81 | $47.00 | $20.99 |
| Sold By | Amazon.com | AquaSprouts | Amazon.com | Pilipos & Co | Amazon.com | premier liquidation |
| Color | White | Black | No Gems | Silver | Clear/black | White |
| Size | Deluxe | 28 x 8 x 17 inches | 0.5 Gallon | 16 Gallon | 10 D x 10 W x 10.512 H inches | 0.75 gallon |
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Love this. We painted the back of tank with black paint and added a submersible light. I recommend soaking the seeds for a few days till they sprout before putting on rocks. We added;aquatic plants, guppies, African dwarf frog , mystery snail, nerite snails and blue velvet shrimp. It's a very happy ecosystem.
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2018
Style: AquaponicVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2017
Style: AquaponicVerified Purchase
Love this. We painted the back of tank with black paint and added a submersible light. I recommend soaking the seeds for a few days till they sprout before putting on rocks. We added;aquatic plants, guppies, African dwarf frog , mystery snail, nerite snails and blue velvet shrimp. It's a very happy ecosystem.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2019
Style: AquaponicVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2018
Style: AquaponicVerified Purchase
I love this product. Love it.
Since pets can be too much responsibility for a New Yorker, I decided to try a single fish as an adult. I was a kid when I used to have fish and times were simpler then, but now there's so many accessories and things to worry about. I wanted a simple eco-friendly solution, with a nice presentation, that gave me food to eat, and something pretty to look at. This water garden checked all the marks.
— SET UP —
Setting this up was incredibly easy. There is an included brochure that walks you step-by-step throughout the process with illustrations and easy to understand instructions: wash all the pieces, pour in tap water in tank, add dechlorinator, attach pump, add top white piece, add sponge, add grow rocks, add beneficial bacteria, add seeds, add gravel, add fish, and add additional decorations (purchased separately). Pretty easy.
— GROWING —
This comes with three growing trays, and you are provided with two different types of seeds: wheat grass, and radish micro-greens. They take anywhere from 7-10 days to be ready to eat, with the wheatgrass good for one extra regrowth. I was hesitant about throwing seeds on wet rocks and expecting something to happen, but three days in and they are all sprouting! (The radish are the faster, more obvious grower). I make shots with the wheatgrass, and use the radish on pizza. I also grow scallions (green onions) in here—which is easier to clean because the roots don't get tangled.
— CHOOSING A BETTA —
You are provided a $3 coupon at Petco for a Male Veiltail Betta. This is enough to make it free. I would suggest seeing how well you can take care of your first Betta and if you are successful, maybe consider a prettier but more expensive Betta (but don't put them together, of course). I didn't use the coupon and got a Double Veiltail for about 2.5x that price.
— ADDITIONAL DECOR —
I spoiled my Betta and got him live plants (to rest on), extra gravel, and two snails to clean any possible algae, along with food options. You are free to decorate how you wish. I do have to note that the gravel provided is minimal so you may want to get more.
— THE ECOSYSTEM —
If everything is done correctly, this system should basically be the circle of life in a 3-gallon tank: you feed your fish, the fish poops, the poops turn into food for the plants, the plant's roots clean the water, which your fish will enjoy living in to continue eating. I threw in live plants and snails, so we'll see if that helps to maintain overall cleanliness and liveliness.
Also, this may not be obvious, but you *need* to be growing something on top. If you have dead/dying plants on top, it will throw things off and the water will turn gross. Try to have at least one or two trays growing something.
— MAINTENANCE —
As with any aquarium, you will have to take clean this at least once a month minimum. For me, I usually do a 25-35% water change every week. I take out water and pour distilled water back in. The rocks on top might grow fuzzy mold if you don't have good airflow in your home, so that will require taking the containers out to clean, along with the rocks. The tube will also have to be cleaned out regularly so that water can flow up. This is all part of the package of owning an aquarium. It will require upkeep.
— THINGS TO NOTE —
Don't put this in direct sunlight because your fish will hate you, and algae will grow faster. Also, the pump can be noisy; adjust the cord so it isn't vibrating too loudly. There should only be the sounds of humming and drops of water from the tray, which creates a soft white noise in whatever room you put this in.
— SUMMARY —
I happened to get this during a sale, which made it worth it to me. This is a wonderful idea well-executed (this is version 2.0 of the product, btw). You get to take care of a low-maintenance fish, grow food you can eat on a weekly basis, and beautify your home. Recommended.
Since pets can be too much responsibility for a New Yorker, I decided to try a single fish as an adult. I was a kid when I used to have fish and times were simpler then, but now there's so many accessories and things to worry about. I wanted a simple eco-friendly solution, with a nice presentation, that gave me food to eat, and something pretty to look at. This water garden checked all the marks.
— SET UP —
Setting this up was incredibly easy. There is an included brochure that walks you step-by-step throughout the process with illustrations and easy to understand instructions: wash all the pieces, pour in tap water in tank, add dechlorinator, attach pump, add top white piece, add sponge, add grow rocks, add beneficial bacteria, add seeds, add gravel, add fish, and add additional decorations (purchased separately). Pretty easy.
— GROWING —
This comes with three growing trays, and you are provided with two different types of seeds: wheat grass, and radish micro-greens. They take anywhere from 7-10 days to be ready to eat, with the wheatgrass good for one extra regrowth. I was hesitant about throwing seeds on wet rocks and expecting something to happen, but three days in and they are all sprouting! (The radish are the faster, more obvious grower). I make shots with the wheatgrass, and use the radish on pizza. I also grow scallions (green onions) in here—which is easier to clean because the roots don't get tangled.
— CHOOSING A BETTA —
You are provided a $3 coupon at Petco for a Male Veiltail Betta. This is enough to make it free. I would suggest seeing how well you can take care of your first Betta and if you are successful, maybe consider a prettier but more expensive Betta (but don't put them together, of course). I didn't use the coupon and got a Double Veiltail for about 2.5x that price.
— ADDITIONAL DECOR —
I spoiled my Betta and got him live plants (to rest on), extra gravel, and two snails to clean any possible algae, along with food options. You are free to decorate how you wish. I do have to note that the gravel provided is minimal so you may want to get more.
— THE ECOSYSTEM —
If everything is done correctly, this system should basically be the circle of life in a 3-gallon tank: you feed your fish, the fish poops, the poops turn into food for the plants, the plant's roots clean the water, which your fish will enjoy living in to continue eating. I threw in live plants and snails, so we'll see if that helps to maintain overall cleanliness and liveliness.
Also, this may not be obvious, but you *need* to be growing something on top. If you have dead/dying plants on top, it will throw things off and the water will turn gross. Try to have at least one or two trays growing something.
— MAINTENANCE —
As with any aquarium, you will have to take clean this at least once a month minimum. For me, I usually do a 25-35% water change every week. I take out water and pour distilled water back in. The rocks on top might grow fuzzy mold if you don't have good airflow in your home, so that will require taking the containers out to clean, along with the rocks. The tube will also have to be cleaned out regularly so that water can flow up. This is all part of the package of owning an aquarium. It will require upkeep.
— THINGS TO NOTE —
Don't put this in direct sunlight because your fish will hate you, and algae will grow faster. Also, the pump can be noisy; adjust the cord so it isn't vibrating too loudly. There should only be the sounds of humming and drops of water from the tray, which creates a soft white noise in whatever room you put this in.
— SUMMARY —
I happened to get this during a sale, which made it worth it to me. This is a wonderful idea well-executed (this is version 2.0 of the product, btw). You get to take care of a low-maintenance fish, grow food you can eat on a weekly basis, and beautify your home. Recommended.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
HumbleBumble
DO NOT BUY
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 5, 2021Style: AquaponicVerified Purchase
Claire
Disappointing
Reviewed in Australia on August 17, 2020Style: AquaponicVerified Purchase
Fiona L
Why the water is so cloudy all the time?
Reviewed in Canada on June 23, 2021Style: AquaponicVerified Purchase
Fiona L
Reviewed in Canada on June 23, 2021
Later, I cleaned up the tank and filter and changed the whole water (no fish) for a week. It’s still very cloudy and smelly even there’s no fish inside.
I have been raising betta fish for a few years using other systems without a problem.
Did anyone have the same issue? How did you fix it?
Thank you very much for sharing!
Images in this review
Marie-odile Benoit-biancamano
N'achetez pas une imitation!
Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2022Style: AquaponicVerified Purchase
Rachelle S
Cracked :(
Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2017Style: AquaponicVerified Purchase
Rachelle S
Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2017
Unfournately, the company doesn't ship to Canada and it's proving difficult to get a replacement.
My fish also had constant fin rot while in this tank. Even with weekly water changes, he plants just aren't enough filtration to keep the tank clean.
Images in this review
