Has anyone turned an indoor fish tank into a garden/terrarium?

Hello!

We have a very large indoor fish tank, which is built into a shelving system/partition wall. It is no longer economical to run as a tropical tank. So we are looking to convert this into a garden/terrarium of sorts. We have the basic idea but would love any feedback from people who have attempted this already with success. Plant’s most recommended etc. Although this area gets morning sun through the kitchen the rest of the day its really filtered light only from the living rooms so would not want to attempt if it would create dampness/mould. Any feedback appreciated 🙂

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16 replies
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- - mom81879, TAS said
  - 29 Sep 2015
    3:20 pm
No I haven’t, but what a stunning idea! I hope it goes well. Would love to see a picture when it’s complete
- - Kell, VIC said
  - 06 Jun 2015
    7:43 pm
I love terrariums… succulents, cacti and ferns are always nice with some mossy rocks.
- - neat22, SA said
  - 24 Apr 2015
    10:51 am
Yes. Works wonders. Why waste a tank.
- - cherz, NSW said
  - 02 Aug 2014
    2:03 pm
I had a terrarium at my front door once and it did very well, but you mentioned the position where it would be and I am not certain if it would grow mould. Second option plastic/fake plants = sand, lovely pebbles and some fake succulents would look spectacular, there are some very real looking ones around. If you are going to give the live plants a go there are wonderful tips and hints and ideas on the web …google plants for a terrarium.
Good luck.
- - dearest mom, QLD said
  - 01 Aug 2014
    10:03 am
No I haven’t but I think the tank might grow mould but worth a try.
- - mom56842, NSW said
  - 01 Aug 2014
    9:21 am
I was just wondering if it would be better to make a fake terrarium, a lot less bother and there are some very realistic plants around these days.
- - mom74490, VIC said
  - 01 Aug 2014
    9:01 am
no i have not however we have a family friend who makes them and they are stunning 🙂
- - tilly, VIC said
  - 01 Aug 2014
    5:24 am
It may grow mould, I think it would be trial and error, but great idea.
- - curlytops, SA said
  - 31 Jul 2014
    9:21 pm
Ive seen a thing like this where they grew little cactus with bright red and orange tops in a sandy mixture which was coloured in layers and it looked really cool.
- - mom62066, NSW said
  - 31 Jul 2014
    7:30 pm
my partner turned our fish tank into a terranium for our snake was very easy to do
- - mel1, VIC said
  - 31 Jul 2014
    5:55 pm
I love this idea and I’m sure it would work. If you have a great nursery nearby they should be able to help you with plant selection etc. Don’t know where you live, but Gardenworld in Melb would be great for this as they sell those sorts of plants and give great advice.
- - mom70050, NSW said
  - 31 Jul 2014
    11:31 am
Good feedback so far, seems like a workable idea.
- - christine_muller, NSW said
  - 30 Jul 2014
    8:44 pm
I haven’t personally but think it’s a great idea !!
- - kathryn, VIC said
  - 30 Jul 2014
    4:13 pm
My mother in law converted an old fish tank but hers looked mainly to just have small leafed ferns
- - mom56842, NSW said
  - 30 Jul 2014
    3:56 pm
I’ve seen some of these and the plants used on one were ferns, the other was cactus plants made to look like a rockery – I think what you are going to do it’s a great idea!!
- - deborah_osborne, SA said
  - 30 Jul 2014
    3:03 pm
Sounds good ,plants are a great idea .Personally I would choose rainforests type plants ,maybe with interesting logs or rocks .