The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Aquaponics: Tips, Tricks, and Realistic Expectations

Indoor aquaponics can be a rewarding and practical way to grow your own herbs and vegetables. With fewer variables to manage compared to outdoor systems, indoor aquaponics offers a more controlled environment, making it an excellent option for beginners and seasoned aquaponics enthusiasts alike.

Let's dive into how you can set up and optimise your indoor aquaponics system.

Why Indoor Aquaponics?

Indoor aquaponics systems are often easier to manage than their outdoor counterparts. With fewer DIY modifications and less guesswork involved, indoor setups can be more straightforward.

You may already have a freshwater fish tank and want to reduce the amount of water exchanges needed.

Or you may want to make the most of your calming fish tank, and grow some herbs for dinner as well.

However, it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of premade kits and do thorough research before making a purchase.

Premade Aquaponics Kits

I’ll be upfront, I’m not a fan. Mainly because after 17 years of doing aquaponics inside and out, commercial and backyard, I can see how these kits are set up to ‘work once and fail quickly’.

They are often misleading when it comes to the amount of fish they have on the photos, or the amount and type of vegetables and growth you can expect with only a few fish.

Frequently, the biological filters (that convert fish waste into fertiliser) are too small, and the designs are setup to fail.

However, they look good in the pictures and on Tiktok, they look easy, and they don’t always show the full story.

I’m passionate about aquaponics, and helping others to be successful on their journey, I hate seeing people being setup to fail.

I don’t know if this is deliberate or they just don’t know ~ but I see the pitfalls, and get plenty of emails asking what someone is doing wrong.

BUT ~ do your research, and this can be a good thing. I have 3 indoor DIY aquaponics systems that grow fresh food out of season as I can control the temperatures.

Starting Your Indoor Aquaponics System

If you already have a freshwater aquarium, converting it into an aquaponics system can be quite easy and cost-effective, especially if you have an established filter. Here's a basic rundown of what you'll need:

• Fish Tank: Your existing aquarium can serve as the fish tank.

• Mechanical Filter: to collect the solid waste from your fish tank, keeping the biological filter clean.

• Biological Filter: Essential for breaking down fish waste into nutrients for your plants.

• Vegetable Growing Area: A space to grow your plants, which can be integrated with your aquarium.

Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?

This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.

You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.

Sign up HERE

Key Tips for Indoor Aquaponics

Manage Expectations

It's crucial to have realistic expectations about what you can grow indoors. Indoor systems typically support fewer fish and have smaller filters compared to larger outdoor setups.

This means there will be less fertiliser available for your plants, which can be particularly limiting for fruiting plants.

Lighting Needs

Indoor aquaponics systems require adequate lighting for plant growth. Unlike outdoor systems that rely on natural sunlight, you may need to invest in grow lights to ensure your plants receive enough light to thrive.

Algae Management

Glass aquariums can let in sunlight, leading to algae growth. This is why outdoor aquaponics systems often use closed containers to minimise light exposure and reduce algae. Regular cleaning and monitoring can help manage algae in indoor systems.

My Indoor Aquaponics Experience

I have three indoor aquariums converted into aquaponics systems: a 20L, a 200L, and a 600L aquarium.

Each has a different fish-to-veggie ratio and varying lighting needs.

Despite the differences, all three systems successfully grow herbs and other small plants.

Two of my systems are the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), having the plants grow along a PVC channel above the fish tanks where I grow bok choy, basil, coriander, and dwarf varieties of tomatoes, eggplant and capsicums depending on my needs.

My 20L tank is a Deep Water Culture (DWC) which is the plant sitting in a hydroponics net, that is resting in a polystyrene raft, with the roots exposed to the fish.

The problem with this mini aquaponics setup, is that the fish tend to nibble on the roots, which impacts the health of the plant.

Practical and Creative Solutions

Indoor aquaponics doesn't have to be expensive or complicated.

I'm a big fan of keeping things practical and cost-effective, but there's plenty of room to "pretty" things up.

You can even incorporate turtles into your indoor aquaponics system, as I do!

Conclusion

Indoor aquaponics offers a convenient and efficient way to grow your own herbs and vegetables at home.

With the right setup and a bit of know-how, you can enjoy fresh produce year-round.

Whether you're converting an existing aquarium or starting from scratch, the key is to manage your expectations and stay informed about the needs of your system.

Happy growing!

Learn More About Aquaponics

Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.

Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?

This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.

You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.

Sign up HERE

Want to help out and Feed my Fish?? (They don't drink coffee)

Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.

She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.

Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.