How To DIY Planted Fish Bowls: 15 Gorgeous Examples

Planted fish bowls are so lush and beautiful. These pretty examples will teach you how to create one for yourself and give you 15 examples of beautiful DIY planted fish bowls.

Are you a newbie to having plants? If you’d like to start keeping plants in your home, some of the easiest plants to care for are an air-purifying plant or some succulents.

Planted Fish Bowls

Learn how to start your own, how to maintain it and see some beautiful examples to get started.

Prepare the Container:

• Thoroughly clean the fishbowl (or other glass container) with water, ensuring there’s no soap residue.
• Rinse gravel or small pebbles under running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Layer the Substrate:

• Start by adding a layer of gravel or small pebbles at the bottom of the fishbowl. This layer will serve as a drainage layer to prevent soil from becoming waterlogged.
• Add a thin layer of activated charcoal over the gravel. The charcoal helps in filtering and purifying the water by absorbing impurities and odors.

Add Potting Soil or Aquatic Plant Substrate:

• Layer the potting soil or aquatic plant substrate on top of the charcoal layer. This substrate will provide essential nutrients for the aquatic plants to thrive.

Planting the Aquatic Plants:

• Carefully plant the live aquatic plants into the substrate. Arrange them according to your desired layout, keeping in mind their growth habits and space requirements.
• Trim any excess roots and remove dead leaves before planting.
• Plant taller plants towards the back and smaller ones towards the front for a visually appealing arrangement.

Decorate (Optional):

• Add decorative elements such as small figurines, stones, or driftwood. Ensure these elements are clean and aquarium-safe.

Fill with Water:

• Slowly fill the fishbowl with dechlorinated (distilled) water until the substrate is fully submerged. Use a water dechlorinator to remove any chlorine or chloramines present in tap water.

Optional Additions:

• If you plan to keep the planted fishbowl in a room with cooler temperatures, consider adding a small aquarium heater to maintain a stable temperature conducive to plant growth.
• Install an LED light above the fishbowl to provide adequate lighting for the aquatic plants. Next, position the light so that it illuminates the plants evenly.

Types of Plants That Work Well In Planted Fish Bowls

• Hyacinth
• Hornwort
• Java Fern
• Anubias
• Marimo Moss Ball
• Cryptocoryne
• Water Sprite
• Betta Bulb
• Sword Plant

Maintenance:

• Place the planted fishbowl in a location with indirect sunlight or artificial lighting to support photosynthesis.
• Monitor water parameters regularly, including temperature, pH, and ammonia levels, and perform partial water changes as needed to maintain water quality.
• Trim and prune the aquatic plants as they grow to prevent overcrowding and maintain the desired aesthetic.
• Remove any dead or decaying plant matter promptly to prevent water quality issues.

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