Globe-Shaped Fish Tank and Flowerpot Device with Auto-Watering

The problem

Keeping both a fish tank and houseplants requires separate containers, distinct watering routines, and extra shelf space. Plant owners often forget to water their pots, leading to dry soil and damaged roots, while fish tanks need regular water changes that waste usable water. Combining the two usually results in bulky, unattractive setups that do not fit well in modern living spaces. Furthermore, indoor plants frequently lack sufficient natural light, requiring separate grow lamps that add clutter and cords to the room. Buyers looking for decorative home accents rarely find functional items that merge pet care, plant maintenance, and aesthetics into a single footprint.

The solution

This device solves these issues by integrating a fish tank and a planter into one hollow sphere divided into an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere.

1. Lower hemisphere - Contains a planting groove for soil and plants. A humidity sensor is embedded in the side of the groove to monitor soil moisture continuously. A bearing at the bottom supports the entire structure.
2. Upper hemisphere - Functions as the fish tank. Its lower surface features a dividing plate that forms the breeding space inside the sphere. An opening at the top allows adding water or fish, sealed by a removable cover with a carrying handle.
3. Telescoping support bar - Connects the upper hemisphere to the dividing plate via a bearing, allowing the upper half to rotate freely. The bar is hollow and contains an outlet pipe. Its upper end connects to the fish tank space, and its lower end holds a water-drainage solenoid valve.
4. Control system - A control panel and power supply sit in the base. The user sets a target humidity value on the control switch. When the sensor detects moisture below this value, it sends a signal to open the solenoid valve, draining water from the fish tank through the pipe into the planting groove.
5. LED plant growth lamp - Mounted on the lower surface of the dividing plate, it shines downward into the planting groove to promote growth and provide room illumination.
6. Closed position - When the support bar is shortened, the upper hemisphere snaps directly onto the lower hemisphere, creating a closed sphere decorated with a map pattern.

Who it is for

• Home decor brands seeking unique, functional tabletop items that combine living elements like fish and plants into a single visual centerpiece for retail catalogs.
• Indoor gardening suppliers looking for self-watering planter systems that utilize existing water sources, reducing the maintenance burden for consumers who struggle with watering schedules.
• Pet product retailers wanting to offer compact, low-maintenance fish habitats that double as decorative furniture rather than standard rectangular glass boxes.
• Gift wholesalers sourcing novelty items for housewarmings or holidays, where the globe shape and interactive features provide strong unboxing appeal.

How it works

The main parts

Operating steps

1. Setup - Fill the planting groove with soil and a plant. Add water and fish to the upper hemisphere through the top opening, then screw on the removable cover.
2. Set humidity - Use the control panel switch to set the desired soil humidity threshold.
3. Extend for use - Pull the telescoping support bar upward so the upper hemisphere rests above the lower one, exposing the plant to the LED lamp.
4. Automatic watering - When the humidity sensor detects dry soil, it signals the control panel to open the water-drainage solenoid valve. Water flows from the fish tank, down the outlet pipe inside the support bar, and into the planting groove.
5. Close for display - Push the support bar down to shorten it. The upper hemisphere snaps onto the lower hemisphere, forming a complete globe for decoration.

Applications

Living room centerpieces

Homeowners place the globe on coffee tables or shelves where a standard fish tank would be too large. The map pattern on the sphere acts as decor, and the LED lamp provides soft ambient lighting in the evening without needing a separate fixture.

Office desks

Workers who travel for business or forget to water desk plants benefit from the automatic irrigation. The fish tank adds movement to a static workspace, and the closed globe keeps the setup tidy during meetings or after hours.

Classroom teaching aids

Teachers use the device to demonstrate closed-loop ecosystems, soil moisture sensing, and basic electronics to students. The visible solenoid valve operation and sensor feedback make abstract concepts tangible for younger learners.

Retail store displays

Boutiques and garden centers use the illuminated globe to attract foot traffic near checkout counters. The combination of live fish and greenery draws attention more effectively than static merchandise displays.

Where it is less suitable

• Large aquarium hobbyists - the hemisphere volume is designed for small ornamental fish, not large species or complex filtration systems.
• Outdoor gardens - the electronic control panel, power supply, and solenoid valve are intended for indoor use away from rain and direct weather exposure.
• Hydroponic setups - the lower hemisphere uses a planting groove designed for soil, not nutrient film or deep water culture methods.