Aquaponics is a growing trend as a sustainable gardening method, and many people already have a fish tank. This comprehensive step-by-step guide provides instructions on how to design and build your own aquaponics system at home. The aquaculture component is an aquar, and the aquaponics approach is gaining popularity as a sustainable gardening method.
Creating a DIY aquaponics system involves several steps, from assembling the system to installing components and cycling the water. Start with a fish tank and custom build a lid for it. Drill holes for net cups or use a small container bed.
Steps include building the automatic siphon, installing the water pumping system, testing the system, and stocking the system. Larry shares his tips for building an aquaponics system on a small scale, perfect for beginners and suburban gardeners. Materials needed include a fish tank, grow bed, water pump, tubing, grow media, biofilter, aeration system, and fish.
There are several helpful clips available for those looking to build their first backyard aquaponics system, including “The Easiest DIY Indoor Aquaponic System by Philly Aquaponics”, “Fifty Dollar Tabletop Aquaponics by Garden Thrifty”, and “Easy IKEA-hack Indoor”. These videos provide detailed instructions on how to create a successful aquaponics system, from assembling the system to installing components and cycling the water.
📹 How To Build DIY Aquaponics System For Beginners For Backyard 2021
In this video step by step how to make Aquaponics system at home, and how to make your own grow beds with siphon and filter, …
What is the main disadvantage of aquaponic systems?
Aquaponics systems require a larger initial investment and higher energy costs to maintain the ecosystem, requiring tools to monitor water quality and temperature, as well as a reliable power source. Unreliable energy can be dangerous for fish and plants. Aquaponics systems require more equipment than traditional soil-farming, but this is partially offset by reducing the need for heavy machinery or pesticides.
Starting a commercial aquaponics venture is more expensive than traditional farming, but it can save space by packing crops more densely while providing proper nutrients. Dually harvesting fish and crops can provide multiple streams of revenue, potentially offseting the initial investment needed to start a successful aquaponics venture.
What are 5 disadvantages of aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, aiming to grow plants and fish in the same system. This approach allows nutrients produced by fish waste to be used by plants, which in turn filter the water, making it suitable for the fish. However, aquaponics has several disadvantages, including high upfront costs, higher operational costs than soil culture, high energy requirements, daily maintenance, skill and knowledge from two separate agricultural fields, testing of water quality for fish and plants, multiple ways the entire system can fail, and limited plant selection.
Why is aquaponics not profitable?
Aquaponics farms face various challenges, including disease outbreaks, equipment failures, fluctuating input costs, market fluctuations, and environmental factors. Disease outbreaks can require additional expenses for treatment or replacement stock, while equipment failures may require repairs or replacements. Fluctuating input costs can affect operational expenses, while market fluctuations can impact revenue and profitability. Environmental factors like natural disasters or pest infestations can also damage crops or disrupt the aquaponics system, leading to losses and additional costs.
Commercial aquaponics farms can earn additional income by selling products related to aquaponics, such as marketing services, harvest from crops, selling fish, and selling aquaponics systems. Additionally, growers should have a deep knowledge of aquaponics systems to resolve future issues and be more likely to succeed. Dedicating time and effort to their aquaponics farm is crucial for success.
Can you use tap water for aquaponics?
Municipal water is a reliable and consistent source of water, but it can contain harmful chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, which can harm fish and beneficial bacteria. Dechlorination is essential for treatment, and testing for pH and other additives is recommended. Well water is typically free of these chemicals and has a stable pH and mineral content beneficial for plants and fish. However, it can vary in quality and contain high levels of minerals or contaminants.
Regular testing is necessary to identify and address potential contaminants. Rainwater is a naturally soft, eco-friendly, and neutral pH water source, but it can be acidic and require pH adjustment. Improper collection methods can introduce contaminants, and inconsistent rainfall can make it unreliable as a sole water source. Treatment needs include filtering, testing for pH, acidity, and contaminants, and periodic adjustments.
What is the most profitable fish for aquaponics?
Aquaponics systems are based on the carefully chosen fish species, such as tilapia, trout, largemouth bass, salmon, kii, and goldfish. These aquatic companions provide nutrient-rich waste essential for plant growth and contribute to the overall balance and health of the ecosystem. The selection of the right fish is crucial as their biology and environmental needs directly impact the system’s stability and productivity. Factors such as feeding habits, growth rate, tolerance to environmental conditions, and compatibility with the plants being grown must be considered.
Different fish species have varying levels of tolerance to stress and disease, which can influence the overall stability and resilience of the aquaponics ecosystem. Understanding these dynamics can optimize systems for productivity, sustainability, and long-term success. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, choosing the right fish is a crucial step towards achieving a thriving and balanced aquaponic system.
What is better than aquaponics?
Aquaponics and hydroponics are two popular methods in modern farming, offering a soil-free, efficient, and resource-conscious alternative to traditional agriculture. Aquaponics combines aquaculture, the practice of raising fish, with hydroponics, which involves growing plants in water. This symbiotic system allows plants and fish to exist and benefit from each other, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Hydroponics focuses on the cultivation of plants using nutrient-rich water solutions to nourish them directly. Understanding the differences between these two systems can help make informed decisions and potentially lead to a rewarding agricultural journey.
Why aquaponics fail?
Aquaponics is a sustainable and efficient system that can be boosted by addressing common issues such as poor water quality, environmental conditions, system design flaws, and improper maintenance practices. These issues can lead to reduced crop yields, poor fish health, and system failure. To ensure the long-term success of an aquaponics system, it is crucial to understand and address these issues, which can be addressed through proactive solutions and regular monitoring.
Water quality is a key factor in the health and growth of fish and plants, and addressing its causes and effects can lead to a thriving and sustainable system. Regular maintenance is also essential for maintaining the system’s stability and efficiency.
How do I make my own aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a sustainable method for growing food, combining aquaculture and hydroponics in one integrated system. It involves assembling a fish tank, building a media bed, adding fish, adding plants, and maintaining the system. This method can be repurposed from old fish tanks or started from scratch, allowing for minimal waste, time, or expense. Aquaponics is beneficial for health and nutrition, as it allows for the growth of organic fruits and vegetables with minimal maintenance or effort. It is a sustainable and cost-effective way to grow food.
How much does it cost to build an aquaponics system?
The cost of building an aquaponic system in 2018 was around USD $3, 000, while in 2022, it was around $4, 800. The Ohio State University published a YouTube video in 2019 comparing aquaponics to hydroponics and comparing various plant and fish species. The video has over 17, 000 views and has been requested for cost breakdowns for a single aquaponic system. The major aquaponic system components were purchased from PolyTank Co. in Litchfield, Minnesota, while individual tanks, filters, hydroponic tanks, and sumps were purchased separately.
The cost of building a complete system, building the system or some components, expanding the system, or upgrading certain components may vary. For example, a mineralization tank may be added, brass connectors may be used instead of polyethylene, or grow beds may be constructed using wood and liners.
How often do you change water in aquaponics?
A balanced system is self-cleaning, requiring only water to replace that lost due to evaporation or transpiration. This ensures minimal water loss during plant growth.
What is the easiest fish to breed aquaponics?
The Mozambique Tilapia, Channel Catfish, and Koi fish are all popular choices for aquaponics systems due to their ease of breeding, fast growth, and ability to survive in warmer water temperatures between 65° and 85° F. Tilapia can be harvested for eat and are an excellent source of lean protein. Channel Catfish are adaptable, growing quickly and having a great food conversion ration. They prefer water temperatures between 75° – 86° F and can tolerate temperatures between 41° – 93°.
These fish are resistant to disease and parasites and can tolerate a wide range of pH and temperature swings. Koi fish, while technically edible, are bony and can be difficult to prepare. They can live a long time, resist parasites, and tolerate temperatures from 35° up to 85° F. Koi ponds can be transformed into beautiful aquaponics systems and improve water quality. Breeding is easy and can start reproducing at 7-8 months of age.
📹 Aquaponics Design – 3 Easiest System Builds for the Backyard
G’Day Folks. Here are 3 of the easiest DIY aquaponics systems configurations you can build yourself. All of these systems can be …
Hi, your article has inspire me to have this Aquaponics project during MCO3.0. Thanks ! I have few Qs 1. for tilapia tank, is there a minimum tank size ? 2. Grow bed, any specific size and Height to best work with Bell Siphon ? 3. What is the Bell Siphon measurement vs the size (height) of the grow bed ? 4. can I cascade multiple Grow beds ? Parallel or Serial ? Thanks for this great article !!!
I bought some white Nile tilapia, prawn and stripe bass online from Florida. Tilapia and prawns survived the transit, but only 3 out of 10 stripe bass made it. I didn’t think stripe bass could survive in Hawaii, but they are growing big. I am going to try and hand breed the stripe bass males to my female koi when they ready.
Hey! I recently found your articles on youtube and saw that you have this one about aquaponics. I’m reaching out because I work a non-profit that builds aquaponics around the world. I would love to talk to you about helping raise awareness for our newest project in the Brazilian Amazon. 🙂 let me know if this is something you would be interested in doing. Thanks!
Great article!!! i love the sediment trap you made out of the bucket…genius! Try spraying the seaweed extract as a foliage spray directly on the leaves as well ….diluted in water of course ! a product like that i’d recommend like 1 tsp per 1 gallon of water or 5ml per 4L of dechlorinated water or 1/4 tsp per qt or 1ml per liter once a week once the plants are established 🫡🫶
In my experience, aquaponics is NOT the way to go. It is a biological feedback system that is almost impossible to control and imposes many limitations. It is useful for growing some greens due to the high Nitrogen. Not much more. Opt for an open loop system that pumps water, out of a pond, one way for irrigation and fish fertilizer.
Have you thought about adding freshwater mollusc to your sump tank? They are excellent water filters, low maintenance. I would also suggest adding red wigglers to the media beds. Your articles are well put together and easy to follow, you are a great teacher. I especially enjoy your animations of your designs, and how you break down how they operate.
Having been dabbling in aquaponics for the past 10 years I started out with a CHOP system and its evolved into a three fish tank, 6 ibc growbeds and 4 10×4 DWC beds. Soon to include several rows of NFT tubes. All fish tanks are aired by venturi induction (inspired by Rob’s design) Its an “organic” evolution.
I always enjoy your explanations. 🙂 I remember that I have been fascinated by liquids flowing through tubes and components as a concept (haven’t had too much exposure or in-person experience with the phenomenon) since I was a five year old. It’s why I answered that I wanted to be a chemist (among so many other things, lol). In recent years, I’ve come to love plants as well. And fish are one of my favorite food sources (but I don’t know how attached I’d get). Your website is like a window into a part of my desired future. Thanks for so much great content. ^.^ Also, your beard is longer than mine now, I think. I had suggested to you not to shave it previously when you had brought up the topic, but I don’t want you to feel like your personal life is dictated by this community, so I’m revising my statement to “I’ll race you,” though it appears you’ve already won, lol. Take care.
Thank you so so much, I honestly wish I could afford to support you financially, I’m low income and disabled which you can imagine my finances . I honestly appreciate all you share, you’ve helped me so much. This winter I’m growing inside and perusal your articles has given me the confidence to build my own small system😊. I wish I knew people in my area that have the same interests but I don’t. Anyways thanks again and may God bless you in everything
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed the article & while you’re at it, check out our Aquaponics DIY playlists. Starting An Aquaponics System ►youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBcWprMIwYYj8zCdbSzPJOR3HRXpxuBwf Aquaponics 101- FAQ & Tutorial Clips ►youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBcWprMIwYYhMbx39L2FhPUYb2MV55ymP Share the clip around with family & friends if you think they’ll enjoy it too. 🐟 🌱🍅 Cheers all & have a top one. 😊 Rob
Hi Rob, Thank you so much for all you do! You have helped me immensely! I do have a couple of questions too. When first setting up the system, how much water do you put in? Do you fill the fish tank and the sump tank? The other question I have is probably more of a favor, would you show a system design that includes a raft bed after the media bed and how the water would move through that system?
Thanks again — I was able to locally and cheaply source some food grade/clean IBC and 30 Gallon tanks (took me a bit to find the non-Ag chemical variety so common in the Midwest. Now beginning a simple build off your basic chop and flip design — I do like what you pointed out that this can be easily expanded over time. Super appreciative of you sharing your knowledge. Its critical we all learn these skills quickly and efficiently.
For the folks that have the pump inside the fish tank, like I do, a electrical float switch is a must have because they are cheap and can prevent water loss by accident and fish loss if there’s a leak somewhere on the system, not to mention the fact that you can burn your pump too if it is running dry. You can set the water level that the float switch will actually trip the pump (turn it off). If you want to go a bit further, a relay can be use to switch a backup air compressor in case the pump is switched off.
How expensive is it to start a mid size system? Should it be in a green house? How many fish may reside in the system looking to grow vegetables and maintain a protein source. Are there plans to purchase? I am completely new to this type of gardening and know it is definitely what I desire to give a try at it.
Great clip, really good at showing the different systems at a high level. With your links to the specific elements of the system for more detail you have become the one stop shop for aquaponics education. Will be starting on a chop and flip system soon as my entry into aquaponics. Looking forward to you getting chickens again. You actually gave me inspiration to get chickens which have surprised me with how entertaining they are. Keep up the great work on educating people in what can be achieved in a backyard.
Rob, Newbie here. Been perusal many of your YT articles and found them really useful to help me getting started in aquaponics! But also triggers many questions I have too. 🙂 I have an outdoor fish pond ~300L. Questions- 1. Does your growbed need to be under-covered or are they ok to be exposed to rainfall? Do they matter? 2. With the growbed media, just wondering would you recommend having 2-media type system? I’m thinking using scoria rocks/ clayball purely from cost perspective. But unsure how it’ll impact cleaning and maintenance down the track. Like to know your thoughts.
Great article! Long time subscriber. So it appears I run my system in a different configuration than these presented here. I’ve been trying to find a way to easily explain my system (looking for an acronym or some such). Perhaps you can help? Starting with the sump, the water flows as such: Sump -> Grow beds -> Fish tank -> SLO pipe -> Radial flow filter -> Sump It should be noted that the water entering the the pump chamber of the sump should be the cleanest water. It has to go through 4 spin down sediment traps, bio balls, and a pump box with extra filtration. I’ve been considering running the clean sump water in a split configuration, half to the grow beds and half to the fish tank. What are your thoughts?
Question: Why do you need a pump at all? What if you took a mesh tray of some sort, fill it with the pellets for the plants to be planted in, and submerge it into the tank direactly? It sounds like the plants are creating the oxygen for the fish, so you don’t really have to have it cycling. Wouldn’t that save trouble and about 90% of the design.
I have my plants in a green house with exhaust fan. The temperature in the day hits about 110 degrees. My plants are dying. I wonder if there is something lacking in water. I have a 250 gallon tank tote with 23 tilapia from 10″ -18′ long. I have to clean my waste tank about every day. I think something could be eating on my plants but how do I spary them without hurting the fish? I can’t even use soapy water. I see tiny black specks on the leaves. Also the plants are lacking a rich green color. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I live in East Africa and teach sustainable agriculture to indigenous people. I would very much appreciate your input. I need to create simpler systems for people with more limited skills. Would it be possible to build a system based on a tank filled with fish, an aeration system for oxygen, and then simply once a day use the fish water to to directly irrigate soil gardens. Sort of an open loop system where the dirty fish water is directly fed to soil gardens/fields through a sprinkler system. The system would refill with fresh water as the dirty water is delivered to the gardens.
Rob is it because it’s neat to grow food this way to show that it can be done? Why go through all this work, all these parts, energy used, more chance for failure…..with this kind of growing method when growing in soil does the same thing with far less effort, less chance for failure, far less energy used…..? Why not just keep your fish in a regular fish tank, and use soil as your growing medium? Love to see you do a article on why aquaponics is used over soil growing?
Hey mate, been flicking through your clips for the last few days when I’ve had a minute. Really appreciate the quality of clip/info you’re providing! You’ve added to my motivation and now looking to get set up in Tassie. Will be researching what fish I’m able to get hold of this week unless you have any tips/promos/connections down here? Cheers mate, keep up the great work! Happily subscribed
I have a total beginners question. I already have a 1500 gallon pond. If I build a bed can I just let water from my pond flow through a canister filter and into my Aquaponic bed, then drain back into the pond? Or must it fill and syphon in a cycle in order to work? Thank You very much. Dave in PA, USA.
My indoor systems arent big enough to bother but I’ve been obsessed with the idea of adding an irrigation controller to the plant loop on a split flow in order to fill beds sequentially rather than simultaneously. This should allow a smaller sump tank and overall water volume compared to the grow area and should translate into cost savings on food and additives to reach water concentration targets and a smaller lower flow pump consuming less energy.
I’m seriously considering pumping water from my pond into a media bed. Why buy a tank to hold fish when you have a pond, I say. I want to grow rice. I don’t want to have to hand dig a paddy. I want to raise fish. I don’t want to spend a lot of money. Rice likes wet roots. Fish like a pond with no ammonia. This feels like a no brainer. The one snag is power to run the pump. I definitely can’t afford to run 110v power out to my pond. It would be expensive, and it would get in the way of my coppice harvests.
Hi there, I own a Koi pond but is a bit far from the patio were I would like to build the system, I was thinking on mixing aquaponics with a hidroponic tower system to avoid adding additives or suplements to the water. Because of the distance between the pond and the patio, the system would not had a direct water flow from the pond, instead it would have a water bin, were I would feed regularly with water from the pond, but I wonder in what part of the tower I should put the growit clay pebbles?, in the water bin?, on the top were the water sprinkler drops the water or in the little baskets were the plants grow?, I hope You can help since my problem is a bit unique and I am new to aquaponics and hidroponics. Thanks for the article, keep the good work and thanks in advance for your help.
Mate this is brilliant. I’ve got a peacock bass tank, roughly around 1700 litres of water. I do a water change every week or fortnight. My aquarium is in my garage, I’m just wondering if I can simply have a pvc pipe with net pots, growing some vegetables on my front porch, and simply topping up the pvc pipe manually, with my aquarium water?
BEST aquaponics article I have seen on YouTube! Thank you for breaking it down into logical and simple terms. Questions: any book recommendations? And is it manageable to add pond plants to the fish tank in a system like this? I was hoping to growing some duckweed, taro, lotus, and watercress in the fish tank in addition to the grow beds…
Thanks, Rob, nice, helpful vid. I’m just getting started on my 2nd go at backyard Aqua-P. I even have an electric pump this time! Yeah, before I would put the fish-water in a bucket and hoist it up with ropes and pulleys to circulate through a micro-system. Educational, somewhat effective. Very nice hat, man.
Subbed to your website and I’m loving all the articles and information. Great work and very detailed, thank you. I do have one question around the Basic System. What would you put in place for rain protection? If I do not have a cover to to protect the media bed from rain the system will become unbalanced and overflow, plus throwing off the nutrients. Is there some type of cover that will still allow sunlight but protect from UV Rays?
I’ve spent a week now going through your articles to learn as much as I can about these systems. I do have a question for you: what exactly is the benefit of using a Split Flow/Dual Loop system over a Single Loop System? Recirculating the sump tank to both fish tanks as well as the growbeds appears to be a dramatic loss of efficiency.
Hey great articles! Question: I live in Florida, its always Hot and humid. My wife won’t let me do Aquaponics in the house. I have a garage that is about 80-86f all the time. (30c) I wanted to setup the system in the garage with LED lights and fans. Is this a suitable environment to get started? I am just concerned that the water might evaporate into my rafters and create a damp moldy situation in the garage. And do I need to keep the pump running all the time? I know the lights will be on a timer. If a pump runs all the time is it best to buy a backup incase it stops working randomly?
I’m trying to start small, but I’m wanting to become aqua/hydroponist to help offset food costs, eat healthier, and create another source of income for my family to reach our goals and thrive, as opposed to JUST surviving.. What are some of the best fish for aquaponics? Are some better aqua-manure makers for plants? What are the top 3 freshwater fish for food? Is there a middle ground between them? Best plants/veg/flower? Can I plant the fish tank for their health, or would that take away from the crops? Do you treat sick fish? And if you do, how does one do it without making the plants toxic or distasteful? Remove the afflicted one(s)? I have so many questions…
hi Rob!! i am designing an aquaponic system for my D&T coursework (due on the 22nd feb) and your YouTube page has become the backbone of the knowledge needed to make one. i just have a question for the basic system. would a solid filtration system be more or less beneficial than a radial flow settler if so why? I really enjoy perusal your articles keep it up!!
Wow. I just learned about aquaponics today. And omg I feel inspired to start this, spread it, promote it. How is this not a bigger deal or something being promoted all throughout the US? Also how is this information free? Thank you so much for all your hard work. This is going to be so important soon.
good day, just wanted to thank you- your articles are well done! good info with good details explained clearly, thanks well done ! new subscriber, american in Philippines looking into aquaponics as a method to feed large family here as well as to see if i can come up with decent alternative fish food for a grow out operation. if i build i think kang kong will be a good one to grow as it loves water to grown in and i can feed that to pigs and the fish up to 20 percent of their diet i think, but small budget to work with so wil see how it goes might take some time
Hello! I’m looking for some advice. I’m in the process of building some raised beds, I’m gonna be using living soil and I’m also interested in maybe keeping a tilapia tank were i Can water from and harvest fish from. Not necessarily wanting the tank to be connected to the beds but wanting to use the water as a fertilizer.. any ideas?
G’day Rob! Hoping you might have a suggestion for me! I’ve got a 750l pond (in ground) and wanting to use its water to water a pair of grow beds (250L Max height each). How can I do this and somehow have the water level of the pond remain constant? The two grow beds are on a stand about 600mm to from ground to their bottom. I’m thinking I need an ibc or something as a surge tank but not sure how to do it
I wanted to ask what is the cheapest thing to use for the clay balls? When I looked those up there were some places that wanted like 30 bucks for just a couple of pounds of balls. That doesn’t seem like a good ideal. So is there a cheapest alternative? And people sometimes use a plastic bits thing for the tank that takes in all the fish poop right? Thanks. Looking forward to looking at the other articles. This kind of stuff, wish they taught this in schools instead of the other garbage they don’t teach.
@about 2 minutes in, it shows the diagram with the flow going into the grow bed. When I listened to this, I’m trying to tell if you have the flow always going through the grow bed the same amount all the time? Or are you having it flood the grow bed, then drain,…with a waiting period before and/or after the draining period, before it goes back in again? I’m worried about if the grow bed can be allowed to be wet all the time without having plant rot etc? Thank you for the article and for sharing this.
Rob I live in the Murchison, a very hot part of Australia. We can’t grow much here without the hot dry wind killing it quickly but then we can get it very cold in the winter. For this reason I’m building a 10,000L in-ground pond. I think it will keep a more stable temperature than above ground tanks. I’m not interested in high production of fish or vegetables and I need to be able to go off for weeks at a time without attending to the aquaponics at home. Can I get away with having Barramundi in the in-ground tank pumping through a filter into the growbeds? I have a large ex-pool sand filter I’m hoping to utilize. I want to keep as much water in-ground as possible to try to keep a stable temperature. The tank is 1650x1650x3750. Phil
These systems seem too limited imo to be practical on larger scale. Too prone to evaporation. I have several 1500L above ground ponds built all lined up. 1 pump does the whole lot. 4500L and more fish than I can count in the first two ponds with the 3rd setup with no fish but every type of aquatic plant imaginable growing in it. I also float plants on top of the water with the pot plant floaters from bunnings. I will easily see 100L to 500L evaporate in 1 day from the last pond depending on how hot it gets. How ever the other 2 are always full.