Aquaponics System: The Complete Cheat Sheet

Introduction: What is Aquaponics and Why It Matters

Aquaponics is an integrated food production system that combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals) with hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. The fish waste provides organic nutrients for the plants, while the plants naturally filter the water for the fish.

Why Aquaponics Matters:

• Resource Efficiency: Uses up to 90% less water than traditional gardening
• Space Optimization: Produces more food in less space
• Sustainability: Creates a closed-loop ecosystem with minimal waste
• Chemical-Free: Eliminates the need for artificial fertilizers
• Dual Production: Yields both fish and vegetables from one system

Core Concepts & Principles

The Nitrogen Cycle: Foundation of Aquaponics

System Components

1. Rearing Tank: Houses fish and collects nutrient-rich water
2. Mechanical Filter: Removes solid waste (optional but beneficial)
3. Biofilter: Contains bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrates
4. Hydroponics Subsystem: Where plants grow and filter water
5. Sump Tank: Collects water after it passes through grow beds (optional)
6. Pump: Circulates water throughout the system

Essential Parameters

Aquaponics System Types

1. Media-Filled Bed (Flood and Drain)

• Description: Plants grow in inert media (clay pebbles, gravel, etc.) that is alternately flooded and drained
• Pros: Simple, low maintenance, good for beginners, supports diverse plants
• Cons: Limited scalability, potential clogging issues, uneven water distribution
• Best For: Small to medium home systems, beginners

2. Deep Water Culture (DWC)

• Description: Plants float on rafts with roots suspended in nutrient-rich water
• Pros: High productivity, scalable, efficient water/nutrient use, stable parameters
• Cons: Requires separate biofilter, higher initial setup cost, less plant variety
• Best For: Commercial production, leafy greens, herbs

3. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

• Description: Thin film of water flows through channels containing plant roots
• Pros: Water efficient, lightweight, good space utilization
• Cons: Less resilient to pump failures, supports only small/medium plants
• Best For: Leafy greens, herbs, strawberries, commercial setups

4. Vertical Aquaponics

• Description: Plants grow in vertical towers or walls with water trickling down
• Pros: Maximum space efficiency, aesthetic appeal, good for urban environments
• Cons: More complex irrigation, potential light limitations, more maintenance
• Best For: Small spaces, decorative setups, leafy greens, herbs

Step-by-Step Setup Process

1. Planning & Design (1-2 weeks)

• □ Determine available space and system type
• □ Calculate fish-to-plant ratio (rule of thumb: 1:1 ratio of fish tank to grow bed volume)
• □ Design water flow and plumbing layout
• □ Source materials and components
• □ Prepare budget and timeline

2. Construction (2-7 days)

• □ Assemble fish tank and grow beds
• □ Install plumbing, pumps, and aeration
• □ Set up water circulation system
• □ Test system for leaks and proper flow
• □ Add growing media to beds (if using media-based system)

3. Cycling the System (4-6 weeks)

• □ Fill system with dechlorinated water
• □ Introduce ammonia source (fish food, ammonia solution, or established filter media)
• □ Test water parameters daily (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates)
• □ Wait for ammonia and nitrites to spike and then fall to near zero
• □ Confirm nitrates are rising, indicating cycling is complete

4. Stocking & Planting (After cycling)

• □ Introduce fish gradually (25% of capacity initially)
• □ Start with hardy, fast-growing plants
• □ Monitor system closely for 2-3 weeks
• □ Gradually increase fish density as system matures
• □ Expand plant variety once system is stable

Fish Selection Guide

Plant Selection Guide

Common Problems & Solutions

Water Quality Issues

Plant Problems

System Problems

Seasonal Maintenance Guide

Spring

• □ Clean filters and siphon bottom of fish tank
• □ Check and clean pumps
• □ Test and calibrate pH meter
• □ Prepare for higher feeding rates as temperature increases
• □ Consider adding shade cloth for summer

Summer

• □ Monitor water temperature (add shade or cooling if needed)
• □ Increase aeration during hot periods
• □ Check for pest issues more frequently
• □ Adjust feeding rates for optimal fish metabolism
• □ Harvest mature plants more frequently

Fall

• □ Begin reducing feed as temperatures drop
• □ Harvest larger fish before winter
• □ Clean entire system thoroughly
• □ Prepare heating for winter if needed
• □ Consider switching to cold-tolerant crops

Winter

• □ Insulate exposed pipes and tanks
• □ Maintain adequate heating for chosen fish species
• □ Reduce feeding to match slower metabolism
• □ Monitor for condensation issues
• □ Check grow lights are working properly (if used)

Advanced Optimization Techniques

Energy Efficiency

• Install timers to run pumps intermittently (e.g., 15 min on, 45 min off)
• Use solar panels to power air and water pumps
• Implement gravity-fed designs to reduce pumping needs
• Position systems to maximize natural light while avoiding overheating

Nutrient Supplementation

• Iron (Fe): Add chelated iron (DTPA or EDDHA) at 2mg/L when plants show yellowing
• Calcium (Ca): Add calcium hydroxide to adjust pH while providing calcium
• Potassium (K): Add potassium bicarbonate or sulfate for fruiting plants
• Trace Elements: Consider seaweed extract for micronutrients

Natural Pest Management

• Introduce beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings)
• Plant companion herbs to repel pests (basil, mint, marigold)
• Use sticky traps for flying insects
• Create habitat for natural predators like frogs and birds

Stocking Density Optimization

• Beginners: 1kg fish per 100L water (8.3 lbs per 100 gallons)
• Intermediate: 2kg fish per 100L water (16.7 lbs per 100 gallons)
• Advanced: 5kg fish per 100L water (41.6 lbs per 100 gallons)

Resources for Further Learning

Books

• Aquaponic Gardening: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Vegetables and Fish Together by Sylvia Bernstein
• Aquaponics System: A Practical Guide to Building & Maintaining Your Own Backyard Aquaponics by Bowe Packer
• The Bio-Integrated Farm by Shawn Jadrnicek

Online Communities

• Backyard Aquaponics Forum: backyardaquaponics.com/forum
• Aquaponic Gardening Community: community.aquaponicsgardening.com
• Reddit r/aquaponics: reddit.com/r/aquaponics

Courses & Certification

• Aquaponic Source Online Courses
• Nelson and Pade Master Class
• Friendly Aquaponics Commercial Training

YouTube Channels

• Rob Bob’s Backyard Farming & Aquaponics
• The Urban Farmer
• Bigelow Brook Farm

DIY System Cost Estimates

This cheatsheet serves as a general guide. Adjust parameters and techniques based on your specific conditions, climate, and goals.