1

BENEFITS OF AQUAPONICS:

● Aquaponics ​uses 90% less water​ than a traditional farm: a way of growing food that
promotes water sustainability [1].
● No fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemical additives​ are used, leading to organic crops;
the use of these chemical products would create toxic conditions for the fish [1].
● No nitrogenous chemicals are used in aquaponics, therefore, stormwater runoff won’t be
able to collect any of these harmful substances.
● Fish use no ​growth hormones, antibiotics, or PCBs​ [2].
● Plants ​grow twice as fast compared to a traditional farm​; the water from the fish is
naturally fortified, allowing for the growth of the plants to be expedited [2].
● Aquaponics ​can be grown anywhere​ - whether it is in suburban, rural, or urban areas.
● Aquaponics ​uses less land than a traditional farm​, conserving space [3].
● Aquaponics is typically grown and distributed locally, ​decreasing one’s carbon footprint
[2].
● The possibility of ​farmed fish escape is completely eliminated​ [3]. To learn more about
farmed fish escape, see Sustainable South Jersey’s Aquaponics article!
● According to Jane Lubchenco, an environmental scientist at Oregon State, believes that
“switching from meat to sustainably farmed fish would make a significant impact [on the
effects of climate change]” since the beef industry accounts for 6% of global CO2
emissions [4].

2
 HOW TO SET UP YOUR AQUAPONICS SYSTEM ​[5]​:

MATERIALS

PVC pipes, PVC pipe caps and elbows, plastic cups, a fish tank of ideal length, two tanks, tubes
of ideal lengths, biofiltration media, water pump, aeration device, mesh filter, solid barrier,
hydroponics growing media, plants, fish, fish feed.

1. Find a PVC pipe of ideal length. This PVC pipe will hold the plant life.
2. Use a hand saw with a hole saw bit to drill holes into the PVC pipes. Holes should
be separated by an inch or so.

3. Use cups that will perfectly fit into those holes in the PVC pipes. Drill 4-6 holes
at the base of that cup. The cups are going to hold the growing media and the
plant. The holes allow for water waste to be absorbed by the plant.

3
4. Connect the PVC pipes using elbows and cap the open ends.

5. Drill a small hole on the top of the most elevated pipe. Drill a small hole on the
bottom of the least elevated pipe.

6. Set aside two tanks. These will be used for the biological filtration tank and the
clarifier.
7. These two tanks should be placed above the fish tank. This way the force of
gravity will allow the water to flow downward into the grow beds.
8. Place a water pump in a tank and connect it to the first elevated tank (the clarifier)
using a slender tube.
9. The clarifier tank should consist of a separator that allows for particles to sink and
clean water to rise (see below) [6]. Additionally, a tube should be placed at the

4
 elevated part of the clarifier in order to guarantee that clean water remains in the
system.

10. Use a PVC pipe or a tube to connect the clarifier to the biological filtration tank.
11. Use a T-shaped pipe in order to increase the water’s exposure to oxygen and
removal of CO2 from water [7].

12. The biological filtration tank should consist of multiple layers. The top layer
should be a screen filter or a mesh filter used to further filter out particles. Next, a
layer of plastic biofiltration media should be included. “Bio-balls” are highly
recommended.
13. Use a PVC pipe or a tube to lead the water flow to the plants. Connect this tube to
the small hole on the top of the most elevated pipe.
14. Connect an aeration device to the fish tank to deliver oxygen to the fish.
15. Add growing media in the PVC pipe holes; plants your crops in the media.

5
 16. Fill the tanks with water and create a comfortable environment for the freshwater
fish (see FAQs for the specifics of a comfortable environment).
17. Frequently monitor the pH and temperature of the water and the behavior of the
fish.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Should my aquaponics systems be indoors or outdoors?

The location of your aquaponics system is dependent on a variety of factors: climate

conditions in your area, exposure to sunlight, ability to provide ultraviolet light and adequate
temperatures indoors.
If you live in an area that has sufficient exposure to sunlight - as well as temperature
ranges that can support fish life - you should consider locating your aquaponics system outdoors.
If you live in an area that does not have much exposure to sunlight, you should consider
locating your aquaponics system indoors. If your aquaponics unit is indoors, you must provide
ultraviolet light and adequate temperatures year round. In order to maximize sustainability, it is
highly recommended that your electricity is powered by renewable sources.

How large should my fish tank be? How many fish should I include in my aquaponics system?

A common rule to follow is for every 1 pound of ​mature fish, you should have a fish tank
with a volume of 5-7 gallons. You can determine the number of fish included in the system by
measuring the growing area of your plants. For every square foot of growing area, you should
have a pound of mature fish [8].

What kind of fish should I include in my aquaponics system?

This is a very important aspect when designing your aquaponics system. The type of fish
you chose is contingent on the climate your aquaponics system is in. If you plan on doing an
outdoor aquaponics system and you live in a warm climate, it is highly recommended that you
have warm water fish - such as tilapia - in your system. If you live in a cold climate, using cold
water fish, like trout, would be ideal.
However, if the climate of your area is cold in the winter months and warm in the
summer months, using fish such as a catfish is recommended. The ideal temperature range for a
catfish is 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit; however, they are able to handle temperatures up to 90
degrees Fahrenheit [9].
Prior to obtaining your fish, it is highly recommended that you research the fish,
especially the conditions they would be able to live in. If these conditions match the conditions

6
your environment would be able to provide, that specific fish would fit your aquaponics system.
Below are different types of fish that can be used in an aquaponics system:

● Tilapia ● Blue Gill

● Brim ● Sunfish

● Crappie ● Catfish

● Carp ● Koi

● Goldfish ● Pacu

● Pacu ● Angelfish

● Guppies ● Tetra

● Swordfish ● Mollies

How often should I feed the fish?

An adult fish should eat 1% of its body weight per day; a baby fish should eat around 7%
of its body weight per day [8]. Feeding is an essential part of the aquaponics system, since fish
cannot produce waste without feed. However, it is important to feed the fish responsibly.

Why are my fish not eating?

First, make sure that you are feeding your fish the proper amount of fish feed (see above).
Next, fish not eating could be a sign of an uncomfortable climate. In this scenario, check
the pH levels, the temperature, and the oxygen levels in the fish tank [8].

What kind of plants should I include in my aquaponics system?

The following plants have successfully been used in aquaponics systems [10]:

● Lettuce ● Pak Choi

● Kale ● Swiss Chard

● Microgreens ● Carrots

7
 ● Radishes ● Herbs

● Beets ● Broccoli

● Watercress ● Cabbage

● Cauliflower ● Hemp/Cannabis
(note: growing is
illegal in some
states)

What is growing media and how do I use it?

Growing media are various inert substrates that take the place of soil in aquaponics or
hydroponics [11].
Essentially, growing media is more sustainable than soil since they are able to be reused
and they have the ability to hold more water; they also allow for physical stability of the plants
[12]. Growing media can have varying water holding capacity (WHC): a measurement of how
absorbent or restrictive the growing media material is [12]. Mother Earth Coco Coir and Grodan
Gro-Wool are examples of media with high absorption rates (hold on to a lot of solution) -
leading to little irrigation. Other examples on the other end are Mother Earth Hydroton Expanded
Clay Pebbles which hold little water and require a lot of irrigation [12].

What is pH, how do I measure it, and what is the ideal pH for my aquaponics system?

pH is the measurement of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution or a liquid. It is

measured on a scale from 0-14. A solution is more acidic as it’s pH comes closer to 0; a solution
is more basic as it’s pH comes closer to 14; a pH of 7 indicates a neutral solution - such as water.
pH can be measured using the following methods: litmus paper, indicators, and
colorimeters. For aquaponics, the litmus paper method is recommended since it does not require
the removal of water from the system. It is crucial that the pH is routinely monitored!
The ideal pH of an aquaponics system is ideally between 6.8 and 7.2: a neutral
measurement; however, a range of 6.6 to 7.6 is also accepted [1, 8]. Ultimately, in this
environment, the fish will live comfortably with a minimal concentration of ammonia.
Additionally, if the pH is out of this range, plants will be unable to absorb nutrients, leading to
toxic conditions for the fish tank [1].

My pH is too high or too low! How do I get it back in range?

8
 If your pH falls below 6.6, the best methods for raising a pH would be using a calcium
hydroxide product or a potassium carbonate product. Both of these products are quite basic and
would increase your pH without harming fish life. Calcium Hydroxide products are often found
in the form of hydrated lime or builder’s lime [8].
If your pH goes above 7.6, the best methods for lowering a pH are using acids such as
nitric or phosphoric. The following strong acids are also acceptable: hydrochloric and sulfuric.
Weak acids, such as vinegar, often do the trick as well [8].

What should I include in my clarifier tank?

The purpose of the clarifier is to filter out any particles in the water. A barrier is created
in order for the particles to fall and the clean water to rise.
The barrier should measure to be the diameter of the tank and ¾ the height of the tank.
The tube - that directs water into the biological filtration tank - should be placed on the elevated
part of the tank. Furthermore, a hole should be made in order to dispose of the excess particles
[6].

What should I include in my biological filtration tank?

The purpose of the biological filtration tank is to convert remaining ammonia molecules
( N H 3 ) into nitrate ( N O3 −2 ); nitrate is used to fertilize the plants.
Essentially, a layer of biofiltration media is included. This media contains a high surface
area, allowing for a high concentration of bacteria to congregate: this bacteria is used to convert
the ammonia into nitrate [7].
The layer of biofiltration media usually consists of “bio-balls”. These are rubber spheres
that have a high surface area, making it advantageous for bacteria collection.

There are so many design options for my aquaponics system set-up. Which one should I choose?

The aquaponics system you select should be based on the following factors: the amount
of space you are able to allocate, the amount of fish or plants you are able to maintain, the design
that utilizes the materials made available to you.
Below are aquaponics system designs created by the United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization [11].

9
10
 WORKS CITED

1. North, Darren. “What Is Aquaponics and How Does It Work?” ​The Permaculture
Research Institute,​ 30 May 2016,
www.permaculturenews.org/2016/05/30/what-is-aquaponics-and-how-does-it-work/.

2. Volcano Veggies,​ 2019, ​www.volcanoveggies.com/benefits-of-aquaponics/​.

3. Simke, Ariella. “Aquaponics Presents A New Way To Grow Sustainable Fish And
Veggies.” ​Forbes,​ Forbes Magazine, 26 Apr. 2020,
www.forbes.com/sites/ariellasimke/2020/04/26/aquaponics-presents-a-new-way-to-grow-
sustainable-fish-and-veggies/#7e251a9ae5f0.

4. Baker, Aryn. “Turn the Tide.” ​Time​, 20 July 2020, pp. 46–55.

5. “DIY Aquaponic PVC Garden.” ​The Sustainability Box,​ 13 June 2016,

sustainabilitybox.com/diy-aquaponic-pvc-garden/.

6. Brooke, Nick. “Using A Clarifier as Solids Filtration in Aquaponics - HowtoAquaponic.”

How To Aquaponic​, 2020,
www.howtoaquaponic.com/designs/aquaponics-clarifier/​.

7. “Aquaponics: Biofilter Tank.” ​Agriculture and Natural Resources of Iowa State

University​, 5 Oct. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGLt5SV5tcQ.

8. Bernstein, Sylvia, and Wilson Lennard. “Aquaponic Gardening Rules of Thumb.” ​The
Aquaponic Source​, 17 May 2019,
www.theaquaponicsource.com/aquaponic-gardening-rules-of-thumb/.

9. “Chapter Nine: Fish Power For Your AquaponiGarden.” ​Friendly Aquaponics,​

www.friendlyaquaponics.com/docs/AquaponicsFish.pdf​.

10. “Recommended Plants and Fish in Aquaponics.” ​Nelson and Pade, Inc​,
aquaponics.com/recommended-plants-and-fish-in-aquaponics/.

11. Somerville, Christopher, et al. “Small-Scale Aquaponic Food Production.” ​United

Nations of Food and Agriculture Organization,​ 2014,
www.fao.org/3/a-i4021e.pdf.

11
12. Fernandez, Everest, director. ​Hydroponics: Growing Media 101.​ ​Everest Fernandez​, 21
Apr. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=esWrZp6-K8g.

13. Feliciano, Ivette. ​Could Indoor Farming Help Address Food Shortages?​ ​PBS NewsHour,​
12 Nov. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J9f59usLfI.

14. Fleming, Sam. ​Aquaponics and a New Way of Thinking | Sam Fleming | TEDxCharlotte​.
Charlotte, NC,​ 30 Nov. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5OrJptsWU

15. “Scarcity, Decade, Water for Life, 2015, UN-Water, United Nations, MDG, Water,
Sanitation, Financing, Gender, IWRM, Human Right, Transboundary,
Cities, Quality, Food Security.” ​United Nations​, United Nations, 24 Nov. 2014,

www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/scarcity.shtml#:~:text=Around%20700%20million%20p
eople%20in,living%20under%20water%20stressed%20conditions.

16. “Agriculture.” ​National Climate Assessment​, 2020,

nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/agriculture.

17. “Managing Water under Uncertainty and Risk: The United Nations World Water
Development Report 4.” ​Zaragoza​, 2012,
www.zaragoza.es/contenidos/medioambiente/onu//newsletter12/789-eng-sum-ed4.pdf.

18. Davis, Colle, and Phyllis Davis. “What Is Aquaponics?” ​Portable Farms® Aquaponics
Systems,​ 23 Feb. 2017, portablefarms.com/what-is-aquaponics/.

19. Garreau, Beau. “Atlantic Salmon Escaped from This Cooke Aquaculture Net Pen over
the Weekend off Cypress Island.” ​Seattle Times​, 26 Aug. 2017,
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/wild-salmon-advocates-file-notice-of-intent-to-sue-o
ver-farmed-fish-escape/.

20. Ra​inbow Trout​. Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 1 Sept. 2017,

https://www.weau.com/content/news/Walker-celebrates-opening-of-aquaponics-facitliy--
442471103.html​.

21. “Biological Filtration Explained | Ask The Aquaponics God.” ​The School of Aquaponics,​
17 Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFiPRE-x-UM.

12
22. “Aquaponics Sump Tanks.” ​The Aquaponic Source​, 17 May 2019,
www.theaquaponicsource.com/why-aquaponic-sump-tanks/.

23. Plant Chicago, NFP,​ 22 Apr. 2014, ​www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQrkeji1Iv4​.

24. Aquaponics Association​, 2 Apr. 2020,

aquaponicsassociation.org/commercial-growers-hit-hard-by-coronavirus/.

25. Borgen Project​, 19 Aug. 2019, borgenproject.org/aquaponics-in-developing-countries/.

26. “Aquaponics.” ​Purdue University​, 27 Oct. 2011,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=26xpMCXP9bw​.

27. Miller, Jon. ​Could Agriculture Bloom in the Desert?​ ​PBS NewsHour​, 11 June 2013,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-WSbnbaUEk​.

28. “Hydroponic Nutrient Solution - The Essential Guide.” ​Green and Vibrant​, 4 Apr. 2019,
www.greenandvibrant.com/hydroponic-nutrient-guide#:~:text=Essentially%2C%20a%20
Hydroponic%20nutrient%20solution,nutrients%20in%20the%20water%20solutions​.

13