Fish tanks house food fish species like tilapia, trout, or catfish that produce nitrogen-rich waste. Biological filtration converts fish waste into nitrates that serve as plant fertilizer in hydroponic growing beds. Plants uptake nutrients while cleaning water that recirculates back to fish tanks. Automated systems monitor water quality, temperature, pH, and oxygen levels for optimal production.
Produces both protein and vegetables using minimal water and no soil, eliminates pesticides and herbicides while providing organic-quality produce, and creates closed-loop systems with minimal waste. Aquaponics enables food production in urban areas and arid regions. The technology provides year-round production and excellent resource efficiency.
Requires specialized knowledge and management of both fish and plant systems, high upfront costs for tanks, pumps, and infrastructure, and dependent on reliable electricity for pumps and aeration. System failures can result in total loss of both fish and plants. Limited to compatible fish and plant species combinations.