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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Gynelle Leon

Houseplant hacks: does fish tank water work as fertiliser?

Goldfish in a bright aquarium
Aquarium water can be a useful resource. Photograph: Bogonet/Getty Images

The problem
Houseplants need liquid fertiliser, but this can be expensive. Fish tank owners, meanwhile, produce litres of nutrient-rich water during water changes, which then gets poured away. Could it feed houseplants instead?

The hack
Water from a freshwater aquarium contains nitrogen, phosphorus and beneficial bacteria. Rather than discarding it during routine water changes, use it to water your houseplants, giving them a free feed.

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