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Back to the Roots Indoor Aquaponic Garden - 3 Gallon Self Watering, Mess-Free Planter and Self-Cleaning Fishtank for Herbs, Microgreens, Bamboo, Succulents, and Houseplants, support Fish
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
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- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Back to the Roots |
Target Species | fish |
Material | Plastic |
Tank Volume | 3 Gallons |
Special Feature | self watering |
Product Dimensions | 13.4"L x 13.4"W x 9.5"H |
Item Weight | 0.01 Ounces |
Shape | Round |
Specific Uses For Product | Active |
Style | Aquaponic |
About this item
- YEAR ROUND WATER GARDEN: The Back to the Roots Water Garden Duo allows you to grow a succulent or houseplant garden all year round and comes with everything you need to get started - no green thum or big backyard needed.
- CONVENIENT AND EASY: Harvest organic microgreens from your aquarium in just 10 days; Your Water Garden becomes a self-cleaning fish tank that also grows fresh food up top; The fish waste fertilizes the plants on top and the plants clean the water.
- THE PERFECT LIVING HOME DECOR OR GIFT: Each Back to the Roots Water Garden Duo comes with a free STEM curriculum on aquaponic and hydroponic systems to encourage your kids to learn more about it; This award-winning ecoystem is also the perfect gift.
- COMPLETE AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM KIT: This DIY aquaponic fish tank kit is fully equipped with everything you need to get started - radish and wheatgrass seeds, water conditioner, a growing medium for your seeds to take root, water dechlorinator, fish food, and even a fish coupon
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From the manufacturer
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Organic* Microgreen SeedsFast-growing and nutritious, these greens are perfect starter crops to get your aquaponics system up and running! |
More value insideKeep growing & save on refill fish food, seeds, grow medium, tank heaters and more! |
GrowstonesThe perfect growing medium for your plants to take root and access the nutrient-rich water flowing through your ecosystem. |
Coupons for Fish, Nutritious Food, & DechlorInside is a coupon for Betta fish from one of our nationwide partners, and also nutritious fish food & natural dechlorinator to help your new finned friend be happy, safe and settled in his new home! |
Experience The Magic Of Aquaponics
For thousands of years, farmers all over the world have used aquaponic growing systems (raising fish & plants together) as a sustainable & efficient way to grow food. Aquaponics can use 90% less water than traditional farming!
Now, you can bring the magic of aquaponics inside with the Water Garden — this easy & fun closed-loop ecosystem is perfect for any home or classroom! Just feed your betta fish, and watch the plants on top start to grow within days — all without any soil!
Ready, Set, Grow!
While this Water Garden comes with months of organic* seeds, it’s really a blank canvas for all your gardening dreams! Water Gardeners across the country are experimenting with unique, fun plants like philodendrons, orchids, and even bamboo! What will you grow in your Water Garden?
*Certified Organic by QA International, C0165292-NOPHPH-5, 04-NOV-2015
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 13.4 x 13.4 x 9.5 inches |
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Item Weight | 0.01 ounces |
Department | Unisex-Adult |
Manufacturer | Back to the Roots |
ASIN | B01LZMHWF6 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | 32000 |
Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #35,129 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #3,716 in Gardening Pots, Planters & Accessories |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
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Product Description
Product Description
Liven up any space and invite a little zen with this easy-to-grow succulent garden. The Back to the Roots Water Garden Duo is an award-winning hydroponic and aquaponic ecosystem that makes the perfect gift, educational family project, or piece of living home decor.This mini hydroponics ecosystem creates a sleek, low maintenance, self-watering planter for growing luscious bamboo, succulents, and houseplants! You can customize the interior of the tank however you'd like and create a beautiful underwater scene. You may also choose to add fish into the tank so you can turn this scaled down hydroponics into a funcitonal aquaponic system. Your Water Garden becomes a self-cleaning fish tank that also grows fresh food up top. The fish waste fertilizes the plants on top and the plants clean the water — so fewer water changes required.The Water Garden grows year around and comes with EVERYTHING you need to get started —no green thumb or big backyard needed. It has 3 gallon capacity.
From the Manufacturer
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the appearance, fun, and ease of use of the vivarium. For example, they mention it looks amazing, it's a cool experiment for people of any age, and it' incredibly easy to nurture plants. They're also satisfied with size. That said, opinions are mixed on filtration, cleanliness, value, and quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the vivarium easy to set up and use. They appreciate the clear instructions and the great diagrams and photos that come with the product. The aquaponics system is simple and easy to put together, making it a fairly hands off experience.
"...-by-step throughout the process with illustrations and easy to understand instructions: wash all the pieces, pour in tap water in tank, add..." Read more
"...I was impressed when the package arrived. The instructions came with great diagrams and photos, and I had it set up within an hour...." Read more
"...Set up is a breeze and I had radish sprouts growing and harvesting in no time...." Read more
"...It does work, and it's easy to use.Oh and it's made in China." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the vivarium. They say it stays crystal clear and looks amazing. They also appreciate the redesign of the top, which allows for more vibrant greenery. Customers say it's cool to have an aquaponic garden in their living room.
"...a nice presentation, that gave me food to eat, and something pretty to look at. This water garden checked all the marks.— SET UP —..." Read more
"...machines I've tried, this one is probably the highest quality - a well designed little square with 2 very sturdy arms holding up the light tray that..." Read more
"...Product Feedback for Creators: I do like the redesign of the top, 3 larger grow pods vs 6 smaller pods for planting gives more flexibility for..." Read more
"...It will be cheaper and work better. This is a cute aquatic terrarium/science project if that is all your looking for." Read more
Customers find the water garden to be a fun educational tool. They mention it's a cool experiment for people of any age, and really enjoyable for the whole family. They also appreciate the fish and plants, and find it to be great summer activity for their kids. Overall, customers find the product to be enjoyable and useful.
"...Also great for teaching kids about ecosystems. Highly recommend." Read more
"...Still, it's a neat science lesson for the kids, so I've played along so far. BUT...here we are, 9 months in and the filter dies...." Read more
"...The kids are so excited to grow things and absolutely amazed when they see the first sprouts...." Read more
"...up with the plants and tank, and follow the instructions this is great fun for kids." Read more
Customers like the size of the vivarium. They say it's an overall great size, with plenty of room for plants, hiding spots, and decor. Some mention that the tank is a nice size for a beta or a few small fish, and the size and design itself are fine. Some say that the space is okay but not great when their heater. Overall, customers are happy with the size.
"...The pods are also nicely spaced - I've found I can grow 2 smallish chinense pepper varieties in mine without being crowded...." Read more
"...for your kitchen countertop at only 7" wide x 5 3/4" deep it takes up very little space, less than my toaster in fact...." Read more
"...It has a small footprint and you can easily put this on your kitchen counter and harvest basil or sprouts or whatever seeds you plant in the grow..." Read more
"...The reality is that 3 gallons is too small for any fish to be happy in: small fish want to live in a school, and bettas need at least 5 gallons....so..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the vivarium. Some mention it's a good product and lots of fun, while others say that it' s completely wasted money, more expensive than the knockoffs, and that the size is very small for the price.
"...This is a wonderful idea well-executed (this is version 2.0 of the product, btw)...." Read more
"This is a good quality hydroponic grow kit for your kitchen countertop at only 7" wide x 5 3/4" deep it takes up very little space, less than my..." Read more
"...my own accessories (filter, heater, light etc ) and the size is very small for the price. I have a rectangle 10 gallon tank that came in a kit...." Read more
"...The quality of the materials used in this kit is top-notch...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the filtration of the vivarium. Some mention that the system works well, while others say that it did not work as described. The plants never really provided the filtering necessary to not have to filter the tank.
"...Things to keep in mind. The plants never really provided the filtration necessary to not have to clean the tank...." Read more
"...The good: it doesn't take much of counter space. It does work, and it's easy to use.Oh and it's made in China." Read more
"...my poor puffers were belly-up and the pump wasn't working at all...." Read more
"It works very similar to AeroGarden. I have the AeroGarden already, I want to add this device to grow a bit more herbs at home...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the cleanliness of the vivarium. Some mention that the tank stays pretty clean and is super low maintenance, while others say that the filter does not clean the water at all, the water stayed murky, and got nasty / moldy. The harvesting is fun, but not quite clean, and the pump is small and can easily suck up sediment.
"...plant food satchets and some of the stickers, and it was covered in dirt. It's still functional, I don't want to send it back, but false advertising." Read more
"...I also grow scallions (green onions) in here—which is easier to clean because the roots don't get tangled.— CHOOSING A BETTA —..." Read more
"...Water got nasty / moldy too...." Read more
"...quickly and are annoying to replant, plus the top is ugly and makes cleaning hard. And I find in-tank plants better at cleaning the water...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the water garden. Some mention that it's well-made, sturdy, and durable, while others say that it is not good for a Betta fish and that the tank has been stable and free of algae or bacteria for two months. Some customers also mention that the components are spec'd too weakly for longer term use, and that it looks like a flimsy kids toy.
"...Of the 5 brands of machines I've tried, this one is probably the highest quality - a well designed little square with 2 very sturdy arms holding up..." Read more
"...With its ease of use, quality materials, and versatility, this kit truly deserves a 5-star rating!Thank you BackToTheRoots!" Read more
"...my review from 4 to 2 stars because of issues with design, components spec'd too weakly for longer term use..." Read more
"It is very small! It's fairly sturdy. It came with cilantro, red basil and Italian basil. I put 3 seeds of cilantro, cilantro did not grow...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Since pets can be too much responsibility for a New Yorker, I decided to try a single fish as an adult. I was a kid when I used to have fish and times were simpler then, but now there's so many accessories and things to worry about. I wanted a simple eco-friendly solution, with a nice presentation, that gave me food to eat, and something pretty to look at. This water garden checked all the marks.
— SET UP —
Setting this up was incredibly easy. There is an included brochure that walks you step-by-step throughout the process with illustrations and easy to understand instructions: wash all the pieces, pour in tap water in tank, add dechlorinator, attach pump, add top white piece, add sponge, add grow rocks, add beneficial bacteria, add seeds, add gravel, add fish, and add additional decorations (purchased separately). Pretty easy.
— GROWING —
This comes with three growing trays, and you are provided with two different types of seeds: wheat grass, and radish micro-greens. They take anywhere from 7-10 days to be ready to eat, with the wheatgrass good for one extra regrowth. I was hesitant about throwing seeds on wet rocks and expecting something to happen, but three days in and they are all sprouting! (The radish are the faster, more obvious grower). I make shots with the wheatgrass, and use the radish on pizza. I also grow scallions (green onions) in here—which is easier to clean because the roots don't get tangled.
— CHOOSING A BETTA —
You are provided a $3 coupon at Petco for a Male Veiltail Betta. This is enough to make it free. I would suggest seeing how well you can take care of your first Betta and if you are successful, maybe consider a prettier but more expensive Betta (but don't put them together, of course). I didn't use the coupon and got a Double Veiltail for about 2.5x that price.
— ADDITIONAL DECOR —
I spoiled my Betta and got him live plants (to rest on), extra gravel, and two snails to clean any possible algae, along with food options. You are free to decorate how you wish. I do have to note that the gravel provided is minimal so you may want to get more.
— THE ECOSYSTEM —
If everything is done correctly, this system should basically be the circle of life in a 3-gallon tank: you feed your fish, the fish poops, the poops turn into food for the plants, the plant's roots clean the water, which your fish will enjoy living in to continue eating. I threw in live plants and snails, so we'll see if that helps to maintain overall cleanliness and liveliness.
Also, this may not be obvious, but you *need* to be growing something on top. If you have dead/dying plants on top, it will throw things off and the water will turn gross. Try to have at least one or two trays growing something.
— MAINTENANCE —
As with any aquarium, you will have to take clean this at least once a month minimum. For me, I usually do a 25-35% water change every week. I take out water and pour distilled water back in. The rocks on top might grow fuzzy mold if you don't have good airflow in your home, so that will require taking the containers out to clean, along with the rocks. The tube will also have to be cleaned out regularly so that water can flow up. This is all part of the package of owning an aquarium. It will require upkeep.
— THINGS TO NOTE —
Don't put this in direct sunlight because your fish will hate you, and algae will grow faster. Also, the pump can be noisy; adjust the cord so it isn't vibrating too loudly. There should only be the sounds of humming and drops of water from the tray, which creates a soft white noise in whatever room you put this in.
— SUMMARY —
I happened to get this during a sale, which made it worth it to me. This is a wonderful idea well-executed (this is version 2.0 of the product, btw). You get to take care of a low-maintenance fish, grow food you can eat on a weekly basis, and beautify your home. Recommended.
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2018
Since pets can be too much responsibility for a New Yorker, I decided to try a single fish as an adult. I was a kid when I used to have fish and times were simpler then, but now there's so many accessories and things to worry about. I wanted a simple eco-friendly solution, with a nice presentation, that gave me food to eat, and something pretty to look at. This water garden checked all the marks.
— SET UP —
Setting this up was incredibly easy. There is an included brochure that walks you step-by-step throughout the process with illustrations and easy to understand instructions: wash all the pieces, pour in tap water in tank, add dechlorinator, attach pump, add top white piece, add sponge, add grow rocks, add beneficial bacteria, add seeds, add gravel, add fish, and add additional decorations (purchased separately). Pretty easy.
— GROWING —
This comes with three growing trays, and you are provided with two different types of seeds: wheat grass, and radish micro-greens. They take anywhere from 7-10 days to be ready to eat, with the wheatgrass good for one extra regrowth. I was hesitant about throwing seeds on wet rocks and expecting something to happen, but three days in and they are all sprouting! (The radish are the faster, more obvious grower). I make shots with the wheatgrass, and use the radish on pizza. I also grow scallions (green onions) in here—which is easier to clean because the roots don't get tangled.
— CHOOSING A BETTA —
You are provided a $3 coupon at Petco for a Male Veiltail Betta. This is enough to make it free. I would suggest seeing how well you can take care of your first Betta and if you are successful, maybe consider a prettier but more expensive Betta (but don't put them together, of course). I didn't use the coupon and got a Double Veiltail for about 2.5x that price.
— ADDITIONAL DECOR —
I spoiled my Betta and got him live plants (to rest on), extra gravel, and two snails to clean any possible algae, along with food options. You are free to decorate how you wish. I do have to note that the gravel provided is minimal so you may want to get more.
— THE ECOSYSTEM —
If everything is done correctly, this system should basically be the circle of life in a 3-gallon tank: you feed your fish, the fish poops, the poops turn into food for the plants, the plant's roots clean the water, which your fish will enjoy living in to continue eating. I threw in live plants and snails, so we'll see if that helps to maintain overall cleanliness and liveliness.
Also, this may not be obvious, but you *need* to be growing something on top. If you have dead/dying plants on top, it will throw things off and the water will turn gross. Try to have at least one or two trays growing something.
— MAINTENANCE —
As with any aquarium, you will have to take clean this at least once a month minimum. For me, I usually do a 25-35% water change every week. I take out water and pour distilled water back in. The rocks on top might grow fuzzy mold if you don't have good airflow in your home, so that will require taking the containers out to clean, along with the rocks. The tube will also have to be cleaned out regularly so that water can flow up. This is all part of the package of owning an aquarium. It will require upkeep.
— THINGS TO NOTE —
Don't put this in direct sunlight because your fish will hate you, and algae will grow faster. Also, the pump can be noisy; adjust the cord so it isn't vibrating too loudly. There should only be the sounds of humming and drops of water from the tray, which creates a soft white noise in whatever room you put this in.
— SUMMARY —
I happened to get this during a sale, which made it worth it to me. This is a wonderful idea well-executed (this is version 2.0 of the product, btw). You get to take care of a low-maintenance fish, grow food you can eat on a weekly basis, and beautify your home. Recommended.
And that's where the downside begins - The baskets are unique and relatively expensive, I've only found 1 other type of basket that will fit in the machine. The 20-20-20 plant food also leaves a lot to be desired, and likely wiped out my first crop after I let the total dissolved solids build up too high with very light feeding herbs. The basil seeds that came with it did very well, but I question the inclusion of cilantro for numerous reasons.
Finally and probably most importantly is the price. The MSRP on their website is significantly higher than the aerogarden sprout and frankly absurd - that said I'm not sure I've seen it without some sort of discount applied. Even with the normal 50ish percent discount, I'd say it's over priced - but having paid about half of that again I feel I got a bargain.
Overall I'd say it's a very good machine but maybe not actually a good "starter kit" - If I were to see them at the price I paid initially, I'd probably buy 2-3 more.
Top reviews from other countries
If anyone is interested in gardening, this is where you need to start. Start with microgreens and build your confidence.
I would definitely buy this again as a gift for others.
We'll be buying more seeds and and replacement pods kit as needed.
Also happy with the products that came with the kit from shone Grown Ponics, I'd love to get more of their fish food as it's all natural. The stuff available in our local stores are full of colours & preservatives that are actually toxic to fish! So stupid...
Thanks guys
Reviewed in Canada on February 12, 2019