Building A "Drip Garden"
  
 
 
 
You'll need an aquarium, some rock (wash off all the dirt), and a bunch of plants.
 
 
 
 
Tropical plants are best for indoors.
  
 
 
 
There are two parts to the design. The first is the circulation system (pump, plumbing and tubing) and the second is the rocks. Place the largest rocks in the tank first. Be sure to leave room for the plumbing.
  
 
 
The idea is to lift the water to the top of the tank, and let it run down the rocks.  
   
  To control the water flow, insert "drip line" nipples into the pvc pipe. Then attach clear vinyl"aquarium" tubing to the nipple.  
 
 
 
Make sure to leave room for the pump to be pulled out for maintenance. A large rock is a good choice for the corner of the tank where the pump will be located.
  
 
 
 
To get the rocks to stay in place, use black 100% silicon caulk. Just a dab will do.
  
 
 
 
After caulking the rock in place, be sure to wait 24 hours to let it dry. Otherwise, it is very easy to bump the rock and knock it out of place.
  
 
 
 
With all the rock in place, and all the nipples glued to the plumbing, insert the pump and hide it behind the black plastic film (taped to the back of the tank).
  
 
 
 
Connect the aquarium tubing to the nipples and direct the flow of water over the rocks.
  
 
  Place "plant bags" in the pockets behind the rocks. Make sure these "bags" have small holes in the bottom for drainage. You can use any kind of plastic bag or fabricate your own.  
   
 
Put some potting soil into the "plant bags" and add the plants.
  
   
  For the first few weeks, water the plants with a watering can. Eventually, the plants will find the permanent water in the aquarium, and won't need watering after that.  
   
  Make sure that the plants aren't getting too much water or too much light (direct sunlight).  
 







Fin.