How It Works
Fish waste contains ammonia. Bacteria convert ammonia to nitrate. Plant roots absorb nitrate as fertilizer. Clean water returns to fish tank.
Closed loop — no waste, no external inputs (except fish food).
Setup Components
Fish tank (200-1000L for home scale). Grow bed or NFT (nutrient film technique) channels. Pump + return plumbing. Gravel or clay pebble substrate in grow beds.
Temperature: 22-28°C tropical. pH: 6.5-7.2 (compromise for fish + plants).
Fish and Plant Combinations
Fish: tilapia (grows fast, tolerates variations), catfish, or ornamental goldfish. Avoid aggressive or delicate species.
Plants: leafy greens (lettuce, basil, kale), herbs (mint, parsley), fruiting plants (tomato, cucumber, pepper).
Start-Up Timeline
Weeks 1-4: Cycle the system (add fish slowly, bacteria establishes). Week 5-8: plants start growing from fish waste. Week 9+: full production.
Harvest vegetables weekly. Feed fish based on plant nutrient demand.