Abstract: An apparatus for controlled release of water for plants includes a chamber; a damper that allows the water into the chamber; and a float having a drain tube. The float is adapted to rise with the water level in the chamber to a predetermined upper level, sink, and substantially release the water through the drain tube. The chamber is positioned inside or adjacent to a grow bed. Water from a fish tank may be pumped into the grow bed through a conduit in the chamber, and the apparatus periodically drains a measured amount of water back to the fish tank.