Aquaponics Aquarium

Unlike hydroponics, aquaponics requires an aquaponics aquarium with living fish. Since fish waste is collected in a filter and then pumped into the grow beds as nutrients for plants, you must provide the optimal conditions for aquatic survival. Otherwise, fish will die, plants won’t get their nutrients, and the aquaponics system becomes non-operational. Having the correct aquaponics aquarium is, therefore, an essential component to successful aquaponics.

What is an aquaponics aquarium?

Since an aquarium is a container or tank where aquatic life is kept, an aquaponics aquarium is simply the aquarium used in an aquaponics system. Plant grow beds typically sit on top of or beside the aquarium, completing a symbiotic aquaponics system.

When starting an aquaponics system, you have three option:

1. Buy a complete aquaponics kit, which already includes an aquarium and everything you need to get started (see our aquaponics kits page for examples like the Microfarm and Fin to Flower)
2. Buy an aquarium, then buy an aquaponics kit to fit on top of your aquarium. This will instantly transform any 10 or 20-gallon aquarium into a ready-to-use aquaponics system (see our aquaponics kits page to learn about the AquaSprouts Garden and ECO-cycle aquaponics kits)
3. Piece together an aquaponics system by purchasing an aquarium, then purchasing the other necessary components to complete an aquaponics system (such as grow beds, filters, pumps, etc.).

If you chose option 2 or 3, you will need to purchase an aquaponics aquarium. Let’s review what you should look for.

Some Considerations when Choosing an Aquaponics Aquarium

Aquaponics aquariums come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. Here are a few things to consider before purchasing an aquarium:

Size

First, you must decide how must space you have available to house your aquaponics aquarium. Some are small enough to be stored on top of a living room table, office or in a bedroom. Others will require more space. If you wish to maintain a small system, a roughly 2-up-to-20-gallon aquaponics aquarium works well. If you are raising lots of fish or larger-sized fish, you may need something bigger. For those raising fish for food consumption, consider using a sizable (roughly 90-gallon or more), oval-shaped tub or stock tank as your aquaponics aquarium.

Material

Make sure any aquarium you choose is sturdy enough to support the weight and pressure of the water and fish. Metal tanks can corrode, so choose an aquaponics tank made from an inert, non-toxic substance which will not affect pH and ammonia levels. This will avoid introducing any harmful substance into the tank that may endanger fish. If you choose a galvanized steel stock tank, installing tank liners will help to prevent contamination issues. Also, leaks wreak havoc on aquaponics systems, so be sure any aquarium you choose is air-tight and waterproof. Glass and acrylic aquariums work well for smaller aquaponics systems. Tubs or stock tanks – made of molded foam or a plastic material – are typically used as an aquaponics aquarium for larger systems.

Shape

Square and rectangular shaped aquaponics aquariums work well for smaller systems.  Round and oval-shaped tanks are recommended for larger-scale fish raising, as these shapes aid in water and nutrient circulation, and reduce the occurrence of dead zones. Be sure there are no hollow pockets on the bottom of the aquarium, as fish waste can accumulate into these areas. 

Ratios

Most aquaponics experts recommend beginners start with a fish-to-plant ratio of 1:1. As you become more accustomed to your aquaponics system, this ratio can be upped to 2:1 (two fish per plant).  A simple way to measure fish-to-water ratio – especially when raising larger fish – is this general advice: for every 1 pound of fish raised, use 5-10 gallons of water. Be careful not to overdo these ratios. When using larger aquaponics stock tanks or tubs, a sump pump can be added to prevent water levels from getting too low during flood cycles. 

Location of Aquaponics Aquariums

Your aquaponics aquarium should never be placed on unstable tables, as the weight of the system may collapse the structure. Store your tank in a location that does not receive direct sunlight. Algae build-up can cause contamination within the system, so direct sunlight into the aquarium should be avoided as much as possible. We recommend that you cover the aquarium to prevent anything harmful from falling into your aquaponics ecosystem. Also, be sure the room and water temperatures are stable enough to create adequate conditions for your plants and fish.

Purchasing an Aquaponics Aquarium

There are many options out there for aquaponics aquariums.  Below, we break down the most popular options, in a chart, and then in further detail below that.

Aquariums in Depth

Mini Aquaponics Aquarium

Standard 10-gallon, 20-gallon (and up) Aquaponics Aquarium

Many people find that a standard 10-gallon or 20-gallon aquarium is a perfect size for an aquaponics aquarium. These sizes are small enough to fit comfortably in any indoor environment, be it the living room, bedroom, kitchen, or office. They are also large enough to raise numerous small fish (or a couple larger fish) and capable of growing a variety of high-quality plants.

Setting up an aquaponics system can be accomplished by first buying an aquarium, then piecing together other components for your aquaponics system (such as a pump, timer, and grow media). Another option is to buy an AquaSprouts Garden or ECO-cycle kit.  These kits – which include growing beds, pumps, timers, grow media, etc. – fit on top of any standard 10 or 20-gallon aquarium, instantly transforming a basic aquarium into a complete aquaponics garden.

Let’s look at some of the top-selling 10-gallon and 20-gallon aquaponics aquariums:

Tubs and Stock Tanks used as an Aquaponics Aquarium

Oval tubs and stock tanks are an alternative to glass and acrylic aquaponics aquariums. Their circular shape allows for better circulation within bigger systems, so these products work well for raising larger fish or for piecing together a large aquaponics system. Although they do not display as nicely as the clear aquaponics aquariums, these tubs and stock tanks are highly effective for raising fish.