The 3 Advantages of Aquaponics

Living in a small space, in the middle of a city or town without a lot of yards to work with? Chances are good that you want some greenery in your life.

You might be interested in growing a garden or raising some sustainable foods of your own—and that is where a backyard aquaponics system comes in!

It isn’t hard to put together an aquaponics system and there are so many benefits that you will soon wonder why you haven’t made that simple step already.

Read on to discover the many ways an aquaponics system can enrich your life.

1. Faster Yield and Growth

Your aquaponics system will start to thrive almost right away, supplying you with ample food that you can enjoy year-round.

How does it work?

• Fish and plants work together to keep a steady, balanced ecosystem alive.Fish and plants work together to keep a steady, balanced ecosystem alive
• The fish tank is stocked with fish or shellfish, and the garden above the tank is planted with fruits, vegetables, or herbs.The fish tank is stocked with fish or shellfish, and the garden above the tank is planted with fruits, vegetables, or herbs
• ​Waste water from the tank fertilizes the plants, which in turn clean the water before it returns to the tank.Waste water from the tank fertilizes the plants, which in turn clean the water before it returns to the tank

Healthier products

• ​Fish and plants are healthier when part of a symbiotic relationship.
• ​Lack of chemical fertilizers or water treatment helps plants and fish to thrive under organic conditions.
• ​Plants produce more fruit and vegetables, and fish grow larger much more quickly.

2. Easy and Affordable to Set Up and Maintain

Don’t be put off by the prices charged by brand-name aquaponics systems.

While it’s true that they can be very expensive, most of these systems are much too large for the average urban aquaponics farmer.

DIY aquaponics

• ​DIY aquaponics is easy and affordable.Fish and plants work together to keep a steady, balanced ecosystem alive
• ​All materials can be found at a garden or home renovation store.The fish tank is stocked with fish or shellfish, and the garden above the tank is planted with fruits, vegetables, or herbs
• ​Guides are available to help walk you through the building process.Waste water from the tank fertilizes the plants, which in turn clean the water before it returns to the tank
• chevron-circle-right​Plants and fish can be purchased locally to cut back on shipping cost.

Monthly costs

• ​Monthly costs are trivial in comparison to monthly savings on grocery bills.Fish and plants work together to keep a steady, balanced ecosystem alive
• ​Electricity to power the system costs only $10-20 per month.The fish tank is stocked with fish or shellfish, and the garden above the tank is planted with fruits, vegetables, or herbs
• ​Fees associated with electricity can be avoided by installing solar panels to power the garden.Waste water from the tank fertilizes the plants, which in turn clean the water before it returns to the tank

3. Great for the Environment and for You

Even just one person keeping an aquaponic garden at home can help the environment in so many ways.

Environmental benefits

1. ​Adds to the amount of oxygen in the air with the addition of more plants growing in the environment.Fish and plants work together to keep a steady, balanced ecosystem alive
2. ​Reduces the amount of water used in soil-based gardening by about 80%, thus saving more water for other uses.The fish tank is stocked with fish or shellfish, and the garden above the tank is planted with fruits, vegetables, or herbs
3. ​Cuts back on waste and the use of chemicals in gardening.Waste water from the tank fertilizes the plants, which in turn clean the water before it returns to the tank

Personal benefits

1. ​Delicious, fresh fish that has not been treated with hormones, fed chemicals, or been exposed to any unwanted contaminants.Fish and plants work together to keep a steady, balanced ecosystem alive
2. ​Plants that are free of pesticides and other additives.The fish tank is stocked with fish or shellfish, and the garden above the tank is planted with fruits, vegetables, or herbs
3. ​Easy access to delicious fruits, vegetables and herbs year-round.Waste water from the tank fertilizes the plants, which in turn clean the water before it returns to the tank
4. chevron-circle-right​A fun and rewarding hobby that can help you connect with other gardeners.

Ready to get started with your exciting new gardening adventure? 

While you still have some research to take care of, you are already well on your way to becoming a great backyard aquaponics farmer. If edible produce is your thing, why not take a glance at these articles on how to grow tomatoes in containers or how to grow beets in containers!

If you’re raising chickens, you might also want to keep them away from the garden to avoid destroying the area. Learn from these tips on how to keep chicks outside of the garden.

As you work on your new system, remember the benefits you will soon be enjoying by adopting an aquaponics hobby!