What Is Aquaponics? A Simple Guide for Busy Mums to Grow Fresh Food Easily
What Is Aquaponics? A Simple Guide for Busy Mums
Life as a busy mum can feel like a never-ending juggling act ~ work, school runs, house chores, and everything in between.
Finding time to grow fresh, healthy food can seem impossible, especially if you live in a rental or have limited outdoor space.
That’s exactly where I found myself a few years ago, wanting to eat healthier but unable to have a traditional garden because my landlord wouldn’t allow it.
That’s when I discovered aquaponics—an easy, space-saving, and pesticide-free way to grow fresh food without the hassle of traditional gardening.
What Is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a closed-loop system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water).
The fish produce waste, which naturally breaks down into nutrients for the plants. In return, the plants filter the water, keeping it clean for the fish.
This creates a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires less maintenance than a traditional garden.
Why Is Aquaponics Perfect for Busy Mums?
Low Maintenance – No daily watering, weeding, or soil prep required.
Space-Saving – Works in small yards, balconies, and even indoors.
Pesticide-Free – Safe, natural, and chemical-free food for your family.
Sustainable – Uses 90% less water than traditional gardening.
Fun & Educational – A great way to teach kids about nature and food production.
How I Got Started with Aquaponics
When I first heard about aquaponics, I was struggling with food sensitivities and getting sick from store-bought produce.
I knew I needed fresh, organic food, but my landlord didn’t allow traditional gardening. Desperate for a solution, I started researching alternative ways to grow food in a small space—and that’s when I found aquaponics.
I set up my aquaponics system using a simple rain water tank for the fish tank and bathtubs for the grow bed for herbs. Though I followed someone's instructions, it didn't work.
Everything died.
That is when I realised that there were fundamentals that we need to learn, to make aquaponics work. They are simple, but if you don't know that you need to know them, you cannot learn them right? Not until things don't work.
I don't want that for you.
My next system, after learning a bit more ~ was flourishing in no time.
Within weeks, I had fresh coriander, broccoli, tomatoes growing effortlessly. It was a game-changer!
I no longer had to rely on expensive organic produce, and I finally felt in control of my food again.
This is what I teach people how to do ~ build their own small aquaponics system, affordably, and easily ~ with the fundamental knowledge so you will succeed.
Learn More About Aquaponics
Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.
How Does an Aquaponics System Work?
An aquaponics system has four key components which are broken down into other parts too:
1. The Fish Tank
This is where the fish live and produce waste. Common beginner-friendly fish include goldfish, guppies, or ornamental fish that require minimal care.
2. Solids filter (mechanical filter)
This collects the uneaten food and fish waste, preventing it from clogging up your biological filter within your growbed.
3. The Grow Bed (Doubles as your biological filter)
Plants grow in a media-filled bed, absorbing nutrients from the water. This is where the nitrifying bacteria live, that convert the ammonia from fish waste into useable fertiliser for the plants. Leafy greens, herbs, and strawberries are great beginner-friendly choices.
4. The Water Circulation System
A small pump moves water from the fish tank to the grow bed, where beneficial bacteria help convert fish waste into plant nutrients. The clean water then cycles back to the fish tank.
What Can You Grow in Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is perfect for growing fast-growing, low-maintenance plants, including:
Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, bok choy
Herbs: Basil, oregano, parsley, coriander
Fruiting Plants (in larger systems): Strawberries, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant ~ almost anything!
What better way to teach children how to grow food, in a practical, self-sustaining way, that doesn't take a heap of time ~ giving you more time to spend with the kids, while knowing that they are eating healthy food.
Aquaponics Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to clean the system often?
A: No! The system is self-cleaning as long as it’s properly balanced. You’ll only need occasional water top-ups and light maintenance.
Q: Can I keep aquaponics indoors?
A: Yes! A small fish tank system with LED grow lights works perfectly in a kitchen or living space.
Q: Do I need special equipment?
A: Not really. A simple starter system requires a fish tank, a water pump, a grow bed, and growing media (like clay pebbles).
Q: How much time does it take to maintain?
A: Once set up, it takes just 5–10 minutes a day to check water levels and feed the fish.
How to Start Your Own Aquaponics System
Starting small is the best way to see if aquaponics fits your lifestyle. Here’s how to begin:
Choose a System Size – Start with a tabletop or small tank system before scaling up.
Pick Easy-to-Grow Plants – Herbs and leafy greens are ideal for beginners.
Select Hardy Fish – Goldfish or guppies are great for small systems.
Cycle Your System – Let beneficial bacteria establish before adding plants.
Enjoy Fresh Food! – Once the system stabilizes, you’ll have fresh produce all year round!
The Simple Courtyard Aquaponics Course is a great way to get started. It not only teaches you how to build your small aquaponics system, but the fundamentals on how to run it successfully.
Check it out HERE
Final Thoughts
Aquaponics transformed the way I grow food, and it can do the same for you. Whether you’re a busy mum, a renter, or just looking for an easy gardening solution, this method makes it possible to enjoy fresh, pesticide-free food without the hassle of traditional gardening.
If you’ve ever wanted to grow your own food but felt overwhelmed by the idea of maintaining a garden, aquaponics is the perfect solution. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how easy it is!
Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'
Here are the answer to some more FAQ about aquaponics:
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.
