# Fish Tank Farms Rob Maslin's 'Free Lunch' Uses Fish to Help Grow Food By Michael Hines | Published 2010-10-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rob-maslin References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/10/05/fish-tank-of-eternal-life/) & [robmaslin](http://robmaslin.co.uk/) Rob Maslin is the designer behind the inventive and thought-provoking fish tank known as 'Free Lunch.' Free Lunch is one part fish tank and one part [herb and vegetable garden](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auk-mini). The fish and plants in Rob Maslin's Free Lunch have a symbiotic relationship. The plants filter out the [waste water](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydroponics-garden) that the fish produce, which in turn helps them grow and keeps the tank clean. A standard-sized tank could support a small herb garden on a four-week cycle. Everyone wins with Rob Maslin's Free Lunch. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Aquaponics Systems:** Entrepreneurs could create eco-friendly, space-saving, and self-sustaining aquaponics systems for both commercial and residential use. - **Modular Hydroponic Units:** Companies could develop modular hydroponic units that can be easily assembled and customized based on the needs of the user. - **Sustainable Urban Agriculture:** There is potential for businesses to invest and innovate in sustainable urban agriculture practices, such as using vacant lots and rooftops for community gardens and farms. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Aquaculture Industry:** The aquaculture industry could benefit from aquaponics systems by creating more environmentally-friendly and efficient ways of farming fish and other aquatic creatures. - **Agricultural Technology Industry:** Farm technology companies could expand their lines to include hydroponic and aquaponic technology, allowing for growth in indoor, urban, and small-scale farming. - **Real Estate Industry:** The real estate industry could explore opportunities to incorporate sustainable urban agriculture practices into their properties, such as creating green roofs and community gardens as amenities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Aquatic Floating Farms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-marine-farm.md) - [Hydroponics Indoor Garden Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nutraponics.md) - [Automated Commercial Kitchen Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instafarm.md) - [Autonomous Aquafarming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cultivation-robot.md) - [Indoor Gardening Planters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-fieldhouse.md) - [Modern Indoor Farm Stands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indoor-farm-stand.md) - [Portable Minimal Smart Planters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balconyfarm-planter.md) - [Minimalist Indoor Gardening Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balconyfarm-pot.md) - [App Controlled Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydroponic-farm.md)