Aquaponics joins fish culture and soil-free plant growing in a recirculating system. Fish, microorganisms, plants, water, and equipment must stay in balance.
Explore the four-part system
Fish tank: A carefully stocked habitat where fish metabolism adds ammonia to the water.
Solids and biofiltration: Mechanical filtration captures solids while nitrifying microorganisms convert ammonia to nitrite and then nitrate.
Pump and monitoring: A properly rated pump recirculates water while routine testing and observation help hosts track water quality.
Grow towers: Plant roots absorb nitrate and other nutrients, helping improve water quality before it returns to the tank.
The nitrogen cycle
Ammonia and nitrite can harm fish. Biofiltration converts them in stages, and plants take up some of the resulting nitrate. The returning water is improved, not completely purified, so testing and maintenance remain essential.