Easy DIY Fish Tank Aquaponics Setup for Home Gardens | DIY Aquaponics System

Your Guide to an Easy Aquaponics Fish Tank Setup

Setting up an Indoor Fish Tank Aquaponics System can be Super CHEAP and EASY.

We don't usually look at our aquarium and think, "I want to make you more functional" ~ We're not that practical.

Typically, peoples' thoughts (or mine) are based on justifying a 'want' but making it into a 'need'. Some common thoughts are;

• "I love my aquarium. It is so relaxing. What would make it more relaxing?" I still think this is too practical, though.

• Perhaps: "I've heard of aquaponics; maybe I can try it in my indoor aquarium?"

• The more likely thought is, "I love my aquarium, but I'm tired of all the water changes... if only there were a way around that to make it easier to look after." Holy catfish, there is! It's called Aquaponics. You should give that a go.

OK, so that last one was REALLY me coming through there, but was there an inkling of truth to it? Have you ever considered how an aquaponic system as part of your aquarium can help you?

Because that is what Fish Tank Aquaponics does, it can reduce your maintenance.

All of this basil and coriander (cilantro) was grown in my indoor aquaponics system. Technically, my two turtles grew it ~ but it's the same concept.

Liquid fish (or turtle) waste (ammonia) fertilises the vegetables (and herbs), and the veggies filter the water for the fish.

It's a mini ecosystem in our own homes.

It also reduces the amount of water changes that you need to do!

Have a look at this video to see how my turtles do it... you know, grow food:

The parts of an aquaponics system design that support fish and plants

So here's the thing: if you're not a seasoned aquarist, you need to know a couple of the basics to build a thriving aquaponics ecosystem.

Aquaponics is an ecosystem (as are fish tanks in general)

This means that they are different than hydroponics systems. In fact, when people say "hydroponic fish tank system", they are actually talking about an aquaponic fish tank system. And for that, you need to understand how the ecosystem itself works. Check out THIS video to understand the ecosystem part.

It is also important to note that aquaponics is about finding balance in your ecosystem. You must balance the number of fish to the filtration and size of the tank, and the amount of plants to the amount of fertiliser available.

Another essential point to note is that tap water kills the 'good' bacteria and fish in your system. You always need to dechlorinate tap water to make it safe for fish.

You need a fish tank... you know, as home for the fish.

This is the 'centrepiece' that we all love. Watching the fish, the relaxation part, the relationships with the fish. This is where we get really 'creative' with our creation. You can choose a fish tank you love and make it look as pretty as you like. Finding a fish tank for your aquaponics depends on the number of fish in your tank, the type of fish and the size of your fish. You'll also need to consider the weight of the tank when using your fish tank for aquaponics.

Mechanical filtration: Basically, a fish toilet.

You need some way to collect the fish poop, any uneaten fish food and any other fish waste from the system. In a fish tank for an indoor aquaponics system, this is commonly a 'gravel vacuum' that you do by hand with a suction hose.

If you get an actual aquarium filter, it will have a component that is a mechanical filter, but you will still need to suck up the solid waste from the tank. Very few filters will collect it all, and you want to ensure you properly clean the tank to ensure your fish and plants stay healthy.

Biological filtration: The part that makes the ecosystem work.

The biological filtration system is the home of the 'nitrifying' bacteria, where the liquid waste (ammonia) is converted into nitrite, then nitrate (fertiliser for the plants).

You want to ensure the beneficial bacteria have a home. This can be a DIY filter or various bought filters like a canister filter, sponge filter, or any of the water-flowing filters.

The key here is to remember that you need to ensure that the water in your fish tank passes over the biological filter ideally 5 times per hour.

This means if you have a 200L (52G) fish tank, the filter needs to be 1000L/ hr (1,000 litres per hour) or 264G/ hr (264 gallons per hour).

Pro tip: You can never have TOO MUCH biological filtration, but you can have TOO LITTLE

Veggie growing area: The place where you grow your veggies within the aquaponics system.

I'll be honest; this is the area that I do cheaply and easily to ensure that it works, and then I 'pretty' it up. So many people spend a fortune when they don't need to. I start with the basics, ensure that the system works, and I have a handle on it, and then I 'upgrade it'.

The three most common indoor veggie growing areas are grow beds, NFT channels (Nutrient Film Technique) and DWC (Deep Water Culture) rafts. Let's learn a little more about each of these options to help plant growth.

Grow Bed

This is commonly where you use gravel or expanded clay in a tub that supports the plants and their roots and often doubles as the biological filter for the fish tank.

Water comes in from the fish tank, filters through the clay, and out a standpipe. If you do this, I recommend a Constant Flow setup, not Flood and Drain (Ebb and Flow), and here's WHY.

It can get expensive, though, as expanded clay is really expensive, and if you buy gravel (so much cheaper), this makes the grow bed heavier. The grow bed will commonly sit above the fish tank, so you need a stand that will hold the water and gravel. This is also where the tank size will come into play because you'll need to ensure your stand can hold both successfully. 

On the plus side, the plants have good root depth and, therefore, greater stability within the growing area. 

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) channels

Typically, these are PVC piping that has the water come in one side and drain out the other side of the PVC piping, with holes cut in the top of the pipe and nets for the growing plants to sit in.

The advantage is that this is a super cheap option for growing your veggies.

The roots are also kept away from the fish, who often love to nibble at them.

However, you are limited in what you can grow as there is no gravel or clay to support the roots. So, if you want to grow plants that need more space for their roots, you'll be better off looking at a grow bed. 

DWC (Deep Water Culture) rafts

It is so simple and easy to get a polystyrene lid, cut a hole in it and drop plant roots into a net cup and into the water, using the raft to float the cup and the plant.

Cheap and easy, but it has its limitations.

You need to choose your plants wisely, as without enough raft space, the plant can lose its balance. Many plants will thrive in this environment, so you need to make an informed decision about which system to choose, depending on the plants.

Also, the roots are often exposed to the fish in this setup. Many different fish love to nibble on the roots, which may affect the health of the plant. 

With these common vegetable growing methods, I am going to show you the cheap and easy NFT DIY build, as it has helped me grow heaps of plants like herbs above 2 of my indoor fish tanks.

Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'

Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge-watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.

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

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.