The Water You Might Not Have Thought To Recycle In Your Garden

If you own fish, you've probably thrown away your fair share of aquarium water. Changing about a quarter of the water in your tank every two to four weeks is vital to keep your fish and their home in good condition. However, when you're replacing the water, don't chuck it down the drain — use it in your garden instead. It may sound a little odd, but the minerals found within this water can actually bring some major benefits to your plants, specifically when it comes to growth.

This useful discovery is super helpful if you find yourself watching the aquarium water glug down your sink and wonder if it could be used elsewhere. Throwing away dirty water isn't a waste, but it's always good to reuse things. Still, not all fish tank water will have the same benefits, and it will work more effectively on some plants over others. Here's everything you need to know about why aquarium water could be the fast-track growth trick you've been searching for. 

The reason aquarium water is so nourishing to flowering plants and other greenery is because of the ingredients it contains — phosphorus, ammonia, potassium, and nitrogen. In addition to these ingredients, aquarium water also features a ton of useful microorganisms that will cause your plants to bloom and grow. If you're worried about fish tank water being too potent, dilute it with an equal amount of clean water. Then, either use it to water your outdoor plants or even for indoor cuttings to encourage faster growth. You can easily transfer the water into a watering can and pour it over your plants.

However, before you go and chuck all of your leftover aquarium water on your garden, there are a couple of things you should know. Firstly, if you have a saltwater fish tank, the water should not be used in your garden. The same goes if you put medication or chemicals (for example, to fend off algae) in the water, as these products could harm your garden instead of help it. Additionally, if your plants have already started to flower, do not use this water on them — it's best for non-flowering plants or those that haven't bloomed yet. Generally, fish tank water without any added products that isn't too dirty is safe to use in your garden.