Guide to Indoor Aquaponics Gardening

There is no question why indoor gardening has become popular in some homes today. People discovered that houseplants and some food crops could do well in indoor garden settings. Indoor gardening also has a super positive effect on the health of people and it makes sense that if you are going to grow plants, then grow plants that will give you benefits while helping decorate and beautify your house. 

What is Indoor Aquaponics? 

Indoor Aquaponics is the rearing of fish and growing plants in an indoor setup. Plants don't really need soil to grow; they just use soil to get nutrients and water. If you can give nutrients and water to your plants in a close setup indoors with sufficient lighting, then you can bypass the importance of soil in growing plants. 

In aquaponics, the fish and plants live in a symbiotic relationship where the fish produce wastes that are full of nutrients for the plants. In return, plant roots filter and clean the water before it returns to the fish tank for the fish to live. This process is done through the help of the nitrifying bacteria, that converts fish waste into natural fertilizers for the plants. 

Benefits of an Indoor Aquaponics Garden

1. Clean Air

One benefit of having an indoor aquaponics garden is the plants produce clean, fresh air inside your home. Having plants that constantly purify the air supply is good for you and your family's health. 

2. Food Security

When you have your own indoor vegetable or herb garden, you'll always have access to fresh, delicious, and healthy products every day. Having an indoor garden is also another way of ensuring your family's supply of fresh and healthy food and having the security of knowing where and what is in it. 

3. House Decoration

Aside from providing fresh harvest, a beautifully designed indoor aquaponics garden can be a beautiful part of your home decor. 

4. Therapeutic Benefits

It's not just the beautifully designed indoor aquaponics garden that is beneficial, but also the fish and water. Indoor systems with lit aquariums filled with brightly colored fish can help relieve anxiety, heart rate, and lower blood pressure. In addition, the gentle sounds of the flowing water can create a tranquil, meditative state that helps bolster the feelings of wellbeing. 

5. Saves Water

In an indoor aquaponics setup, the water is recycled because it never leaves the system but just recirculates from the fish tank to the grow bed over and over again. So it uses 90% less water than other gardening methods.

6. Year-Round Gardening

Because you can control the environment in an indoor garden, you will be able to grow plants all year round. 

What You Need to Get Started with an Indoor Aquaponics Garden

You can set up your indoor aquaponics garden with a few basic materials. But, if that sounds like a hassle and budget is not a problem, you can purchase a ready-to-use aquaponics home system kit. These kits only require you to add the fish and plants and have many options that will fit your gardening needs. 

However, if you want something cheaper and custom fit to your gardening needs, you can make your own indoor system using cheap or recyclable materials like IBC tanks or blue barrels. Here are some kits and DIY indoor aquaponics systems that you can set up for your own indoor aquaponics garden.

Components of an Indoor Aquaponics Garden

These are the essential components of an indoor aquaponics garden.

1. Fish Tank: The fish tank is where the fish reside. Depending on your design and size, an indoor fish tank can be an aquarium fish tank, a 55-gallon barrel, or an IBC tote. The fish tank should be made of food grade or non-toxic materials, and if you're using a recycled barrel, make sure that it was not used to store any chemicals. The fish should also be large enough to meet the needs of your fish and plants.
2. Grow Bed:The grow bed is where your plants will grow, so it should be durable and strong enough to hold the water and the plants. It should be made of non-toxic materials and deep (10 - 12 inches deep) enough to sustain the proper root growth of the plants.
3. Grow Media: The grow media supports the roots of the plants and serve as the surface area for the bacteria. The most common grow media used in aquaponics are clay pebbles, expanded shale, gravel or lava rock, and other inert media.
4. Pump: The water pump transports the water from the fish tank to the grow bed. Submersible pumps are common water pumps used in small aquaponics systems that do not exceed 1,200 GPH. 
5. Pipes: The pipes connect the fish tank and the grow bed and ensure that the water is distributed to the whole system.
6. Bell Siphon: A bell siphon is important in a flood and drain aquaponics system. It regulates the water flow and helps move the water from the grow bed into the fish tank. 
7. Grow Lights: Since you are growing indoors, you need to provide the 100% light requirements of the plants to thrive. For a more in-depth discussion about lighting requirements for your indoor aquaponics garden, please refer to our "Lighting Guide for Indoor aquaponics."

The Best Fish and Plants for Indoor Aquaponics

A. The Best Fish Species for Beginners

Some fish species are better suited for beginners due to their hardiness, adaptability to different water conditions, and compatibility with indoor environments. Below are a few ideal choices for novice aquaponics gardeners:

1.Tilapia

Tilapia is one of the most popular fish for aquaponics due to its resilience and fast growth rate. They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including fluctuations in pH, temperature, and oxygen levels.

• Temperature Needs: Tilapia thrive in warm water (75–85°F / 24–29°C), so a water heater may be necessary for indoor systems.
• Benefits: Besides being hardy, tilapia can be consumed, offering a dual benefit of providing both protein and plant growth in the system.

2.Goldfish

Goldfish are inexpensive, easy to care for, and adaptable to various water conditions, making them perfect for beginners.

• Temperature Needs: They can tolerate colder water (60–75°F / 16–24°C), making them less demanding than tropical fish.
• Benefits: Goldfish produce a lot of waste, which is beneficial for nutrient-rich plant growth. However, they are not typically raised for consumption.

3.Koi

Koi are ornamental fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are hardy and long-lived, making them an excellent option for beginners who may want to enjoy the aesthetic aspect of their aquaponics system.

• Temperature Needs: Similar to goldfish, koi can thrive in cooler temperatures.
• Benefits: Koi are often chosen for their beauty and longevity, making them ideal for aquaponics enthusiasts who prioritize decorative value over food production.

4.Catfish

Catfish are another resilient species that are easy to raise and can handle different water conditions. They grow quickly and are excellent for fish harvest.

• Temperature Needs: Catfish prefer warm water, typically in the range of 70–80°F (21–27°C).
• Benefits: Like tilapia, catfish can be consumed, making them a popular choice for systems focused on food production.

B. Plant Varieties That Thrive in Indoor Aquaponics Systems

These plants are usually fast-growing, have minimal nutrient demands, and thrive in the controlled indoor environment of an aquaponics system.

1.Leafy Greens

• Examples: Lettuce, kale, spinach, swiss chard
• Why They Thrive: Leafy greens grow quickly and have minimal nutrient needs, making them perfect for indoor aquaponics. They also thrive in the moist, nutrient-dense environment provided by the fish waste.

2.Herbs

• Examples: Basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, dill
• Why They Thrive: Herbs require less space and grow quickly in aquaponics systems. Their smaller root structures fit well into the grow beds, and they absorb nutrients efficiently, promoting a healthy symbiotic relationship with the fish.

3.Fruiting Vegetables

• Examples: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants
• Why They Thrive: Although fruiting vegetables may require more nutrients, they can still do very well in aquaponics systems that are well-established and have a sufficient fish population. They provide high yields of fresh produce and benefit from the continuous water flow and nutrient cycling.

4.Root Vegetables

• Examples: Radishes, carrots, beets
• Why They Thrive: Root vegetables can grow in aquaponics systems with specific modifications, such as using media beds with gravel or expanded clay to allow root expansion. These vegetables are typically grown in systems with a robust biofilter to handle nutrient loads.

5.Microgreens

• Examples: Mustard greens, arugula, alfalfa, broccoli sprouts
• Why They Thrive: Microgreens grow quickly and require minimal maintenance. They are ideal for small indoor systems and are rich in nutrients, offering a fast turnaround for harvest.

Tips for Pairing Fish and Plants That Work Well Together

Successful indoor aquaponics relies on creating the right balance between the fish and plants in the system. This balance ensures that the plants receive adequate nutrients while the fish remain healthy and stress-free. Here are some tips for pairing fish and plants that thrive together:

1.Matching Fish Waste with Plant Nutrient Needs

• Low-Waste Fish (Goldfish, Koi): Pair with low-nutrient-demand plants such as leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach) and herbs (basil, mint). These plants don’t require high levels of nutrients, making them a perfect fit for fish that produce less waste.
• High-Waste Fish (Tilapia, Catfish): These fish produce more waste, which can be beneficial for nutrient-hungry plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. The higher nutrient output from these fish supports the larger nutrient needs of fruiting plants.

2.Temperature Compatibility

Fish and plants should thrive in similar temperature ranges. For instance, warm-water fish like tilapia and catfish pair well with plants like basil, peppers, and tomatoes, which also prefer warmer growing conditions. On the other hand, cool-water fish like goldfish and koi pair well with leafy greens and herbs that can tolerate lower temperatures.

3.pH Balance and Water Chemistry

Both fish and plants need compatible pH levels. Most aquaponics systems aim for a neutral pH of 6.8–7.2, which is suitable for most common fish (like tilapia and goldfish) and plants (like lettuce and basil). Regular water testing is crucial to maintain a balanced environment.

4.Plant Growth Rate and Fish Population

Fast-growing plants like lettuce and spinach work well with a moderate fish population, ensuring that plants consistently receive enough nutrients to sustain their rapid growth. Slower-growing plants like peppers and tomatoes might require a higher fish population or a more established system to provide sufficient nutrients.

By carefully selecting fish and plants that thrive in similar environmental conditions, aquaponics gardeners can create a harmonious system where both thrive, producing fresh food for consumption and a healthy, low-maintenance indoor garden.

Indoor Aquaponics Systems Ideas

1. Go Green Aquaponic System

 

2. AquaSprouts Garden

 

3. Professional AquaBox Aquaponics Complete System Kit

The Professional AquaBox Aquaponics Complete System Kit offers a comprehensive and professional-grade solution for aquaponics enthusiasts and commercial growers. While it requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance, its durability, versatility, and efficient functionality make it a valuable investment for those seeking to establish successful aquaponics operations.

Pros:

• Durable and professional-grade construction.
• Versatility in fish and plant selection.
• Efficient water circulation and nutrient distribution.
• Includes essential components for a healthy environment.
• Comprehensive instructions and guidance.

Cons:

• Requires technical knowledge and expertise for setup and maintenance.

How to Make An Indoor Aquaponics Garden Work

An indoor aquaponics garden depends heavily on fish. So you need to take proper care of them to ensure that the system provides excellent results. What this means is that you must ensure that the water quality parameters of the system are maintained at all times. The parameters that you need to monitor the most are pH, temperature, ammonia, and dissolved oxygen.

In addition, you must also provide enough lights to your plants. Plants need light to grow healthy and bear fruit. So also ensure that your grow lights can give the lighting requirements of your plants. 

Conclusion

Gardening technologies are improving nowadays, so even if you don't have a large space available for the traditional way of gardening, you can still plant your favorite plants indoors through aquaponics. Through aquaponics, home gardeners can get a small aquaponics system that sits on their counter, windowsill, or any space available at a relatively low cost. So if you're planning to have your own indoor aquaponics garden, go and start setting up your garden now to enjoy the benefits of having a fresh organic harvest all year round.