In this viewer inspired video, find out how to use aquarium water when watering your houseplants. If you have an aquarium, the water is a rich source of nutrients for your houseplants. You only want to use fresh water aquarium water. Sometimes aquarium water can also take the place of fertilizing.
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This is another viewer-inspired video today, and this one comes from Raheem, who commented that he uses his aquarium water to water his houseplants. That is a great idea! It’s actually something that I also do, so I was really happy to have that comment because it made me realize, wow, that’s going to make a great video.
As Raheem says, he uses his aquarium water to water his houseplants when he does his water changes. As he mentioned, the great thing about aquarium water is that it’s very rich in minerals that the houseplants love. It doesn’t contain harmful substances like ammonia and fluoride that regular tap water would have; instead, it has nitrate-rich fish waste in the water, which feeds your houseplant soil. Then, the soil converts those nitrates into usable fertilizer for the plants. Nitrate is commonly found in nitrogen fertilizers, and nitrogen is one of the main ingredients in a complete fertilizer.
Here are some tips for using aquarium water:
First of all, you want to use water only from freshwater aquariums. You would not want to do this with saltwater because saltwater is very bad for your houseplants.
Second, ensure that the aquarium water is warm before applying it to your plants. I’m going to put some on this Dracaena, which is definitely thirsty and ready for watering.
You want to use the water when it’s warm or at room temperature, as I always mention—you do not want to use cold water on houseplants. Since your aquarium is likely in your house and may even be heated, you typically won’t have a problem with that.
If the water is very dirty, you may want to filter it a bit. It depends on your preference. It’s not going to hurt necessarily if you just take the water, even if you haven’t done a water change in a while and it’s very murky. However, some people like to filter it.
Now, questions may arise regarding this method: If I use aquarium water, do I have to fertilize my houseplants? Some people have had great success just using their aquarium water. However, it will depend on your aquarium and how often you change it. The more frequently you change it, the fewer nutrients will be in the water. Additionally, some plants require more fertilizer than others, so you’ll need to assess this on a case-by-case basis.
You could use aquarium water for several months and monitor how your plants respond. If they seem to thrive, great! If you plan to fertilize in addition to using aquarium water, you should use an organic fertilizer with a low NPK ratio. Organic fertilizers typically have low NPK values. For instance, my fertilizer linked below, the Green Gourmet House Plant Food, has an NPK of 3-3-2, which is very gentle yet nutritious for your houseplants.
When combining aquarium water with fertilizer, avoid using chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers can kill beneficial bacteria in the soil. One of the advantages of using aquarium water is that it introduces beneficial bacteria into your houseplant soil, which is a significant benefit. You want to preserve that advantage, so keep that in mind. I also have a video on the benefits of beneficial bacteria in your soil, which I mention often.
Lastly, I need to mention something important: if you have turtles in your aquarium, they can spread salmonella. You should be more cautious in that regard and may not want to use that water if you have turtles. I know this from experience, as I have had turtles over the years and have maintained aquariums for many years.
So, there you have it—why you want to use aquarium water on houseplants, how good it is for them, and how to use it as a great natural fertilizer filled with nutrients and beneficial bacteria.
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FAQ: Using Aquarium Water for Houseplants
What type of aquarium water should I use for my houseplants?
You should only use water from freshwater aquariums. Saltwater is very bad for your houseplants.
How should I prepare aquarium water before using it on my plants?
Ensure that the aquarium water is warm or at room temperature before applying it to your plants. Avoid using cold water on houseplants.
Can I use dirty aquarium water on my houseplants?
If the water is very dirty, you may want to filter it a bit. However, it’s generally okay to use murky water as long as you haven’t done a water change in a while.
Do I need to fertilize my houseplants if I use aquarium water?
Some people have had success just using aquarium water. However, this depends on your aquarium and how often you change it. You may need to assess the nutrient levels on a case-by-case basis.
What type of fertilizer should I use in addition to aquarium water?
If you choose to fertilize in addition to using aquarium water, use an organic fertilizer with a low NPK ratio. Chemical fertilizers should be avoided as they can kill beneficial bacteria in the soil.
Is there anything to consider if I have turtles in my aquarium?
If you have turtles in your aquarium, be cautious, as they can spread salmonella. You may want to avoid using that water for your plants.
What are the benefits of using aquarium water for houseplants?
Aquarium water is rich in minerals and beneficial bacteria that help nourish your houseplant soil, making it a great natural fertilizer.
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