Easy Hydroponics For Aquariums: Grow Plants & Purify Water Naturally

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever looked at your aquarium and thought, “There has to be a better way to handle these nitrates”? You do your water changes religiously, you test your parameters, but that number just seems to creep back up. It can feel like a never-ending chore.

I promise you, there’s a stunningly simple and beautiful solution that turns this chore into a joy. What if you could create a tiny, self-sustaining ecosystem where your fish waste feeds lush, green plants, and those plants, in turn, purify the water for your fish? That’s the magic of aquaponics, a perfect form of easy hydroponics for any aquarium enthusiast.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover what this system is, the incredible benefits for your tank, a step-by-step setup process, the best plants to get started with, and how to keep your new green additions thriving. Let’s turn your aquarium into a vibrant, living filter!

What Exactly is Aquaponics? Your Aquarium’s Secret Weapon

Don’t let the fancy name scare you! Aquaponics is simply the combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil). For us aquarium keepers, it’s the ultimate natural filtration system.

Think about the nitrogen cycle in your tank. Your fish produce waste, which creates ammonia. Beneficial bacteria convert that ammonia to nitrite, and then to nitrate. While less toxic than ammonia, high levels of nitrate are still stressful for your fish and often lead to algae outbreaks. This is why we do water changes—to manually remove those nitrates.

This is where eco-friendly easy hydroponics comes in. Instead of removing the nitrates, we give them to something that craves them: plants! By letting plant roots grow in your aquarium water, you create a powerful, living filter. The plants absorb the nitrates as free fertilizer, leaving you with cleaner, healthier water. It’s a perfect symbiotic relationship, right in your living room.

The Amazing Benefits of Easy Hydroponics for Your Tank

Once you get started, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. The benefits of easy hydroponics go far beyond just looking cool (though it definitely does that, too!).

  • Drastically Improved Water Quality: This is the number one reason aquarists fall in love with aquaponics. Plants are nitrate-sucking machines. A healthy root system can significantly reduce nitrate levels, leading to a more stable environment for your fish and invertebrates.
  • Fewer Water Changes: By outsourcing nitrate removal to your plants, you’ll find you don’t need to do water changes as frequently. This saves you time, effort, and water, making it a truly sustainable easy hydroponics solution.
  • Natural Algae Control: Algae and plants compete for the same nutrients. By adding fast-growing plants that out-compete the algae, you’ll often see a noticeable reduction in that pesky green or brown fuzz.
  • Stunning Aesthetics: There’s something magical about seeing lush green leaves sprouting from the top of your aquarium. It bridges the gap between the aquatic world and your home, creating a beautiful, naturalistic centerpiece.
  • Happy, Healthier Fish: Stable water parameters mean less stress on your fish. Less stress leads to stronger immune systems, more vibrant colors, and more active, natural behaviors. It’s a win-win!

Your Step-by-Step Easy Hydroponics Guide: Let’s Get Growing!

Ready to dive in? This simple easy hydroponics guide will get you set up in no time. We’ll focus on the easiest method: using houseplants with their roots directly in the tank or filter. It’s incredibly effective and perfect for beginners.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to get started. Here’s a basic list:

  • A Plant: Choose an aquarium-safe houseplant. We’ll cover the best options in the next section, but something like a Pothos is a fantastic first choice.
  • A Way to Hold the Plant: You need to keep the leaves out of the water and the roots in. You can use an aquarium plant holder that suctions to the glass, a custom-built lid with holes, or even the media basket of a hang-on-back filter.
  • (Optional) Porous Media: Small pieces of lava rock or clay pebbles (LECA) can help support the plant’s roots and provide extra surface area for beneficial bacteria.

Step 2: Prepare Your Plant

This is the most critical step, so take your time! Soil from terrestrial plants can carry pesticides, fertilizers, and other things you definitely don’t want in your aquarium.

  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully break away as much soil as you can with your fingers.
  2. Take the plant to a sink and use lukewarm, running water to rinse away all of the remaining soil from the roots. Be thorough but gentle. You want bare, clean roots.
  3. Inspect the roots. Trim away any that look brown, mushy, or damaged. Healthy roots are typically white or light tan and firm.

Step 3: Set Up Your System

Now for the fun part! How you do this depends on your chosen method.

  • For a Plant Holder: Simply place the cleaned roots into the basket. If needed, add a few pieces of lava rock to help hold it in place. Suction the holder to the inside of your tank so the roots are submerged and the leaves are well above the water line.
  • For a Hang-on-Back Filter: This is my favorite trick! Remove the filter’s lid and take out the disposable cartridge (you can keep the sponge or bio-media). Gently place the plant’s roots into the media basket where the water flows through. The constant flow of nutrient-rich water is like a supercharger for plant growth.
  • For a DIY Lid: If you’re handy, you can modify your aquarium lid or create a new one from a material like acrylic or egg crate (a plastic grid used in lighting). Cut a hole just large enough to fit the plant’s base, allowing the roots to dangle freely in the water.

And that’s it! You’ve just learned how to easy hydroponics works in an aquarium setting. Now, just sit back and watch it grow.

Choosing the Best Plants for Your Aquarium Hydroponics Setup

Not all plants are created equal for this purpose. You want to choose species that don’t mind having “wet feet” and are known to be non-toxic. Don’t worry—some of the best options are also the most common and forgiving houseplants!

Beginner-Friendly Champions

These are the tried-and-true plants that are almost foolproof. They grow quickly, are fantastic nitrate absorbers, and can thrive in a wide range of conditions.

  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): The undisputed king of aquarium hydroponics. It’s incredibly resilient, grows long, beautiful vines, and is a nitrate-devouring monster. Golden, Marble Queen, and Neon Pothos all work wonderfully.
  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Not only does it have lush, dark green leaves, but it can even flower for you right out of the top of your tank! It’s another fantastic nitrate remover.
  • Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): Very similar to Pothos in its growth habit and hardiness. The classic Heartleaf Philodendron is a perfect choice with its lovely, cascading vines.
  • Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): These are very forgiving and will send out little “pups” or baby plants that you can use to propagate even more greenery.

A Little More Ambitious

Once you’ve had some success, you might want to try these. They’re still easy but might require a bit more light or care.

  • Monstera (Monstera deliciosa): Yes, you can grow this iconic plant out of your tank! Its huge, fenestrated leaves make a dramatic statement. Just be prepared for its massive root system over time.
  • Herbs: Want a truly sustainable easy hydroponics setup? Try growing kitchen herbs like mint, basil, or oregano. They love the nutrient-rich water. Just make sure they get plenty of light.
  • Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): While not a true bamboo, this plant is a classic for a reason. Just ensure only the roots and stalk are submerged, not the leaves.

Easy Hydroponics Best Practices: Your Care Guide for Long-Term Success

Your new aquaponic system is incredibly low-maintenance, but following a few easy hydroponics best practices will ensure everything thrives for years to come. This is your long-term easy hydroponics care guide.

Lighting is Key: Your plant still needs light to photosynthesize. A bright room with indirect sunlight is often enough for low-light plants like Pothos. If your tank is in a darker spot, or you’re growing light-hungry plants like herbs, consider getting a small, full-spectrum LED clamp light to shine on the leaves.

Check the Roots: Once a month, gently lift the plant and inspect its roots. They should look white, cream, or light tan and feel firm. If you see any brown, slimy, or mushy sections, carefully trim them off with clean scissors. This prevents root rot from spreading.

Fish Compatibility: Most community fish won’t bother the roots. However, be cautious with notorious plant-eaters like larger cichlids, silver dollars, or even goldfish, who might see your new filter as a tasty snack.

Don’t Forget Nutrients: In a well-stocked aquarium, your fish provide all the nitrogen the plants need. However, they may occasionally lack micronutrients like iron. If you notice your plant’s leaves are turning yellow despite good lighting, it could be a nutrient deficiency. You can supplement with a tiny, aquarium-safe liquid fertilizer, but be sure to dose very sparingly to avoid harming your fish.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Easy Hydroponics

Even with the best care, you might run into a snag. Don’t panic! Here’s how to solve the most common problems with easy hydroponics in an aquarium.

Problem: The Leaves are Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of one of two things. First, check your lighting. Is the plant getting enough? Second, it could be a nutrient deficiency, most commonly iron. Try adding a comprehensive, aquarium-safe liquid fertilizer at a quarter of the recommended dose once a week and see if new growth looks healthier.

Problem: The Roots are Brown and Mushy

This is root rot. It happens when roots don’t get enough oxygen or if a damaged section becomes infected. Gently remove the plant, trim away all the affected mushy parts with sterile scissors, and rinse the healthy roots well before placing the plant back. Ensure the area has decent water flow to keep it oxygenated.

Problem: There are Pests on the Leaves

Because the plant isn’t in soil, you’ll have far fewer pest problems. If you do spot something like aphids or spider mites, you can often just wipe them off with a damp cloth. For a more stubborn infestation, you can use a gentle insecticidal soap, but be extremely careful not to let any drip into your aquarium water, as it can be harmful to your fish and invertebrates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Hydroponics in Aquariums

Will this hurt my fish?

Not at all! As long as you choose a non-toxic plant and thoroughly clean all the soil off its roots, an aquaponic setup is incredibly beneficial for your fish. It improves their water quality and creates a more stable, natural environment.

Do I still need to do water changes?

Yes, but likely far less often. The plants handle nitrate removal, but water changes also replenish essential minerals and trace elements for your fish and invertebrates. You might go from weekly changes to bi-weekly or monthly, depending on your tank’s bioload and plant growth.

Can I do this in a saltwater tank?

This type of easy hydroponics is primarily for freshwater aquariums. While some specialized systems exist for saltwater (using mangroves, for example), most common houseplants cannot tolerate the salinity of a marine environment.

Do I still need my regular aquarium filter?

Absolutely. Your plants are excellent at removing nitrates (the final stage of the cycle), but your existing filter is crucial for mechanical filtration (removing debris) and housing the massive colonies of beneficial bacteria that handle the ammonia and nitrite conversion. The plants are a supplement to your filter, not a replacement for it.

Go Forth and Grow!

You now have all the knowledge you need to create a beautiful, thriving aquaponic system. It’s more than just a filtration method; it’s a way to engage with your aquarium on a whole new level, creating a balanced ecosystem that is both healthier for your fish and more beautiful to look at.

Start small with a single Pothos cutting. Watch its roots grow and its leaves unfurl, knowing that it’s working in perfect harmony with your aquatic pets. This is one of the most rewarding and easy hydroponics tips I can give: just start. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Happy fishkeeping, and happy growing!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)
Related posts
  • Why Hydroponics Is Bad – 7 Critical Mistakes Aquarium Hobbyists Make
  • Hydroponics Websites – The Aquarist’S Ultimate Guide To Building