The AquaFarm Hydroponic System I Installed For My Betta Fish. Grow Wheat Grass For Your Cat, too
My Beautiful Red Betta Fish
I have had many fish tanks in the past. My children enjoyed watching the small fish we would purchase from the pet store, such as the common Gold Fish.
Keeping the fish tank clear was always a challenge. No matter what filtering system I bought, our tank never looked nice and clean. I spent way too much time and money trying to maintain a small aquarium for our fish.
I even added snails to the tank because I was told they eat the algae, and would help keep the tank clean. They were too busy multiplying to do any cleaning!
After a year or two of my disappointing aquariums, I gave up. When the last fish died, I decided to give up! I saved the tank, gravel, and pump hoping one day I would become excited again about keeping fish.
I Purchased A Beautiful Red Betta Fish
I always check out the fish at the pet store because I am just fascinated with them. I saw some small glass containers with the most beautiful blue fish swimming all alone. There was no pump or filter attached to this fish’s tank.
I looked at the label. It was a Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish). I couldn’t take my eyes off this beautiful fish. There was a beautiful blue Betta in another tank, but I just knew I had to buy this gorgeous red Betta.
I was assured by the salesperson the Betta is extremely easy to keep and care for. She said they only need a small glass container, and required very little care. I was sold.
Facts About The Betta Fish
Facts about the Betta Fish:
They are small colorful fish, ranging from one inch to five inches.
They are known as anabantoids which just means they breathe atmospheric air. This is why they thrive in low oxygen water conditions that would kill most other fish.
As their name implies: they are a fighting fish and must be kept alone.
They are native freshwater fish from Thailand and Cambodia.
The Betta is a hardy fish and can eat almost anything, including worms, insects, and smaller fish.
My Cat Loves To Watch The Betta Fish
I named my fish “Sammy”, and he was so much fun to watch in his little tank. These fish are truly a fighting fish, so they have to live alone. I got a mirror and I’d put the mirror up against the glass. He would think it was another fish! Oh, my! He would swim right up to the mirror and come alive. His fins would fan way out. I wouldn’t do that for very long, because I was afraid I would stress him out too much.
I have a cat, Smokey, who loved watching Sammy! I had to put a top on his tank; otherwise I think my cat would have had Sammy for dinner.
I had Sammy for about four months, and I was enjoying him very much. Mother’s Day rolled around, and I received a gift from my daughter for Sammy.
What In The World Is This AquaFarm System?
When I first opened the box, my first reaction was: What in the world is this? It was a product called the AquaFarm® I read the enclosed information and learned this system is based on the principals of Aquaponics. Aquaponics is a sustainable farming system whereby growth of plants uses the ammonia rich waste from the fish. The ammonia is converted to nitrites, which are food for plants.
As all this is taking place, the water is constantly cleaned for the fish. This all sounds really good, but is it going to be practical? Will the system be difficult to set up and maintain?
I should be able to grow wheat grass, basil, mint, lettuce or parsley right on top of Sammy’s tank using this system.
The AquaFarm® came complete with:
- A three gallon acrylic tank
- Five separate planters (these will be placed on top of the tank)
- Several packs of wheat grass, a lettuce mix, and basil
- “Grow stones”. This is the medium in which the seed will be planted.
- A water pump and tubing
The AquaFarm System Was Very Easy To Set Up
It took me about 45 minutes to set up the Aqua Farm®. Detailed instructions were included with the product.
As with any fish, when their water is changed, the fish is scooped up and placed in a small plastic bag.
After the new tank has been filled about halfway, the bag containing the fish is floated in the new water for about 15 minutes.
The grow bed is attached to the top of the tank, the grow stones are added, then the seeds. I chose to grow the wheat grass first.
The wheat grass sprouted very fast!
The Wheat Grass Is Sprouting Very Fast!
Top Of The Wheat Grass
Smokey, The Cat, Loves To Eat The Wheat Grass
My cat, Smokey, when right for the wheat grass! I was concerned about that until I researched as to the safety of cats eating wheat grass. I discovered wheat grass is very beneficial for cats.
Seems wheatgrass is safe for all pets! It has many nutrients.
I think I’ll be growing wheat grass for Smokey’s enjoyment rather than the herbs I had planned to grow.
Yummy Wheat Grass For Smokey, The Cat
An Introduction To The AquaFarm
Do You Enjoy An Aquarium?
I Would Recommend The AquaFarm System
If you enjoy watching fish swimming around in an aquarium, but you don’t want to be bothered with spending time and energy cleaning the tank, I would encourage you to get a beautiful Betta fish. If you have a cat, consider buying an AquaFarm® and raise wheat grass for him to eat!
I would recommend an AquaFarm ® for any fish tank; not just for Betta fish. I’ve had mine now for almost two months. I already have a couple of new packs of wheat grass I will plant so Smokey, the cat, has more to eat.
Source: https://www.backtotheroots.com/
Comments
How clever....I will have to share this with my daughter.
We had betas over the years just not right now. She has spoken of getting some for Lil Man so this will be an interesting addition to the adventure.
Hoping all is good with you, Mary.
Hope too you are staying dry...lots of rain and ponding and flooding (but not dangerous or destructive in our area). Take care of you.
Angels are brining blessings your way ps
I have never heard of this before, what a great idea this is, Mary.
Adding plants makes sense. This is a nice addition.
This is a great multi-purpose fish tank. Smokey is really blessed to have fresh growing wheat grass. Is the tank sturdy enough? I'm a little concern that he may tilt the tank over as he leans on it.
Great hub. Voted up and useful.
A great hub Mary especially growing Wheat grass for cats since our two have become indoor cats. voted up and enjoyed.
Eddy.
Mary you tackle your subjects with gusto and knowledge. This is a great hub with lots of good information and it looks like an easy way to keep a beta!
Voted up, useful, and interesting.
Wow... this is really nice and unique. Thanks for sharing... God Bless You!
This is very cool Mary! I love the Betta as well--and what a nifty idea this is!
This is a great idea Mary. We used to always have fish tanks when our kids were growing up but keeping them clean was a chore. With an aqua farm I would consider getting fish again. Thanks for sharing.
I have heard of this system before. However, I did not know it could have been done on such a small scale. Great article.
Hi Mary,
I never remember having to click on the comment button for people to comment either. I wonder if it is something new. I have been so busy with life here of late, that I have not been able to publish anything, and so if they have changed something, I would not really know.
I know there is a way to allow comments on all hubs, but I forget where to find it under our accounts.
I noticed a wonderful new hubber who publishes great hubs, and there is no place for anyone to comment on any of her hubs. I hope she realizes this, but some may choose not to allow comments for some reason.
Sorry for being so late in commenting back. It has been a long day, but a good one : )
This looks like a fun way to observe the fish while providing them a safe environment. We used to have a blue betta and I only wish we would have had this system then.
Hi Mary,
I just read your wonderful new hub, but I was not able to comment, as it seems there is no comment section? I wanted to alert you to this, as I am sure many would love to comment on your latest hub.
I want to share but want to wait until readers are able to comment, unless there is a reason for the comment section not showing up?
Blessings always,
Faith Reaper
You are amazing, Mary. You just have so many clever ideas. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Hi Mary,
Years ago I had 2 fish tanks and I loved watching the schools of fish swim back and forth. The colorful neons were a favorite but I had many others as well. Keeping the tanks clean was a never ending chore even though we had pumps, filters, cleaner fish, etc. When I finally got rid of them I said no more!
I know our cats would probably love watching a betta fish and even better eating the wheat grass. However I doubt at this time that I am going to add that to our menagerie. Ha! Up votes, pinning to my fish board and will share.
My cats love wheat grass too. The wheat grass never seems to last for more than a week or two, so I have several pots of going to keep grass available most of the time. This AquaFarm sounds like a very nice idea. I wonder if it will keep the wheat grass growing for longer than a few days after it has sprouted.
I'd be interested to hear your results! Thank you.
Hi mary, did my comment disappear? lol! if it did I just wanted to say this is a great idea! I have plants in my fish tank too, but not as great as this!
How did I miss this mary? lol! I love it! we have fish too, and we have put the right plants in and yes it does keep the water clean! its not like yours we just bought certain plants that fit into the tank, but I love the way yours grows and even the cat loves it! wonderful! voted up and shared, nell
This is really interesting, Mary. My husband often comments that we should get fish for our cats, and I wouldn't mind having a beta. (I already have pond fish outside, but the kitties are indoors.) I do grow wheat grass for the cats but now I'm going to look into the AquaFarm idea. Thanks so much for the info! (I'm glad Jeannie shared so I would see this, too -- thanks, Jeannie!)
Best -- MJ
I'd never heard of an AquaFarm until now. I currently do not have a fish tank, but I always used to have one... with a betta. Maybe I will invest in the AquaFarm and start the tank up again. Thanks so much for sharing this info. Voted up and shared!
Gosh, Mary, you are as handy as ever!!! Sharing for ya!!
Hi Mary what an interesting idea. I do like a colourful fish tank and know how hard it can be; to keep them clean. This seems like an elegant solution.
Hi Mary,
I have always loved watching fish swim about. They are so beautiful and relaxing to watch. However, I was not always able to keep the tanks clean, but thanks to you sharing about this new wonderful system, it sounds like a win-win situation. How interesting to be able to grow wheat grass and lettuce on top of the tank! My cat would love the wheat grass too. I may give this one a try!
Up and more and away
Have a great week ahead and enjoy!
Now I can see lettuce growing there. That would be pretty. Yes I will google it first. I got my seeds from a Petsmart store.
Oh and I always thought that grass that cats eat was rye. Now I know that is is Wheat Grass. Now I know what seeds to get because my dog and cats eats grass and then get sick. I am going to plant a plot of it so they can eat as much as they want. I already planted some and it did not take and got some more cat grass seeds and will try it again.
Well that is neat! I love that idea! I also learned something new about those Betta fish that I hadn't known before.
Since I have 2 cats, there are no aquariums right now, but I have had them in the past. I still learned a lot from your interesting hub. Very interesting.
Interesting article, Mary. I had no idea hydroponics could also accommodate fish. It makes sense, now that I think about it!
This is a great idea a self sustaining aquafarm. Wheat grass is good for your cat and you need not spend time cleaning the tank. A double plus for this system, great hub. Voted up.
What a great story - I don't have fish but never say never so I'll remember this. I loved reading this and seeing Smokey get into the act. Thanks for the information.
How cute that you have a two-in-one pet system that serves both fish and cat needs. Great idea. That is one sharp looking feline.
I had fish years ago. At least one beta too. It was a job so I gave it up and this sounds better...but I think I would rather try a bird next...never had one yet. But your AquaFarm system does sound interesting. I will keep it in mind in case I do see a fish I just have to have.
What a great idea, Mary. I love it! I used to have Betas....now I wish I had them again. Thanks a lot! :)
I used to have fish, and for the same reason, I gave up! I had two bettas, a male and a female, and I had two gold fish, a black moor and a fantail. They were lovely! But having 3 tanks was just too much cleaning, xD and after the last died, I didn't bother again.
After seeing this, I would definitely consider getting more fish. (And I do look at them every time I'm at a store that sells them!)
Thanks so much for this hub. =)
I have high maintenance dogs, but will definitely be getting lower maintenance pets, like fish and cats, when I get older. This looks like a really neat and easy system with the wheat grass. Thanks for sharing this cool idea! Voted up and interesting!
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