Back to the Roots v1.0 Hydroponic Grow Kit, 2022 Model

I love this product. Love it.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.

This was my first ever hydronic (aeroponic) machine, which has has become quite the hobby for me. 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 the light tray that looks worthy of an apple sticker. As small as it is, it telescopes out to allow plants to grow further than I would have expected. The pods are also nicely spaced - I've found I can grow 2 smallish chinense pepper varieties in mine without being crowded. The LEDs seem to put out enough light for anything I've grown, and the fact that there's only 2 blue lights would seem to indicate the white lights are higher quality (or so I've read). It's quieter than most I've tried and I've my little kill-a-watt device tells me it consumes about 8 watts while the pump is running. The baskets are probably a better design than the industry standard aerogarden ones overall as they lock in to place: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.

I would like it more if it had a built in light for the tank and the plants. There’s no light and little room for an add-on light for your tank but everything else is great. Perfect size for a Betta and a snail, aquaponics system is simple and easy to put together, my seeds started germinating 3 days after planting. Perfect for my office desk at work in size and appearances if they would only upgrade the design to add the two lights. It will be perfect for this spring and summer for a little indoor garden but not sure there will be enough light in the winter

I was worried about trying this product with some of the reviews, but decided to give it a chance. I am so pleased! The water was a bit merky for a couple of days but then it just cleared up and has stayed crystal clear! No mold or algae problems. I dont have to do a partial water change more than every few weeks. The plants have grown well with no muck like some have described. A couple of suggestions when first setting up the tank wait a little while maybe overnight to start the pump...this pump is small and can easily suck up sediment which may make it not work properly or even burn up the motor. Give it time to settle. Use a heater to keep the temps stabilized. My betta named Bubbles is so happy! Only feed betta 2-4 pellets 2 x a day and only 6 days a week. Overfeeding will kill them! Dont overcrowd tank. Use a few live plants. Do not water seeds from the top. I am a bit curious about people saying they would not eat the things they grow....planted gardens have more worms, snails, etc. In it so what is the difference? Just curious. Wash it good and Eat Up! I am excited to try herbs next. Thank you Back to Roots for a great product!

I cannot recommend this product enough. Excellent quality, easy to assemble. Great educational tool to teach young and old how aquaponics work. This is lots of fun. We really enjoy it. Our birds also love it, I think the water attracts them.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.

Very disappointing as it came with a defective pump that made the water temperature spike up in less than 2 hours. I also agree with the other comments that the filter system isn’t good that’s why the water is cloudy all the time. So much for the promise of infrequent maintenance. For the price I expected more.

Das Becken ist für einen Beta 15 L gerade ausreichend . Die Pumpe könnte besser sein.

Best Valentine's gift ever! I've always loved fish and wanted some in my home. My husband and I bought this and got 5 very small platy's to put in the tank. The seedlings came up within 2 days, the radish sprouts were very nice. I'm definitely happy with this system and have told my friends and family.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

Had the aquarium for just over a month, and love it! Have cleaned it once - and it didn’t really need it. Bought a little heater - since we live in Canada and keep our house cool - and seem to have a happy beta fish. The YouTube videos from Back To The Roots have been very helpful. Aquarium looks great in our room, and our kids love it. It’s been a great conversation piece at parties we’ve hosted too.