One of the most popular ways to practice aquaponics is by using an indoor fish tank aquaponics system. This system is ideal for urban areas where space is limited, and it allows you to cultivate your own fresh produce and fish all year round.
However, setting up an indoor fish tank aquaponics system can be challenging, especially if you are a beginner. In this complete guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to set up and maintain your own indoor fish tank aquaponics system successfully. From selecting the right fish and plants to setting up the system, we will cover all the essential aspects to ensure that your aquaponics system thrives.
If you are interested in Indoor Fish Tank Aquaponics System, of course, you also be interested in indoor hydroponic systems to help you easily start growing plants and grow tomatoes all year round. Our top articles: Our Picks for the  5 Grow Tent Kits, Picks for the 5 Aeroponics Systems, Our Picks for the 5 Hydroponic Bucket Systems with Buyer’s Guides, and Our Picks for the 5 best indoor vertical Garden, and Led Grow Lights for an indoor plant, and The Best Hydroponic Tower for Indoor Garden.Â
Advantages of the Aquaponics Fish Tank
There are numerous advantages to having an aquaponics fish tank. Here are a few of them:
- Sustainable: Aquaponics is a sustainable method of growing fish and plants. It is a closed-loop system that recirculates water and nutrients, which significantly reduces water usage and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Space-saving: An aquaponics fish tank can be set up indoors, which is ideal for those living in urban areas or in apartments where outdoor space is limited. The system can be designed to fit any space, making it a great option for those with limited space.
- Year-round growing: An aquaponics fish tank allows you to grow fresh produce and fish all year round, regardless of the weather conditions outside. This means you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, healthy food.
- Nutritious food: The produce grown in an aquaponics fish tank is fresh, nutrient-dense, and free of harmful chemicals. The fish also provide a source of lean protein that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Educational: An aquaponics fish tank can be a great educational tool for children and adults alike. It teaches the importance of sustainability, responsible food production, and the interconnectedness of different living organisms.
Image: Back to the Roots Water Garden, Self-Cleaning Fish Tank, and Mini Aquaponic on the table by the window are two decor options.

The Main Types of Aquaponics Fish Tanks
There are several types of aquaponics fish tanks that you can choose from, depending on your needs and space availability.
Features | Custom-Built Tank | Plain Fish Tank | Fish Tank Kit |
Flexibility | High | Low | Medium |
Customization | High | Low | Low |
Required Expertise | High | Low | Low |
Efficiency | High | Medium | Medium |
Ease of Setup | Low | High | High |
Availability | Limited | High | High |
Cost | High | Low | Medium |
Suitability for Plants | High | Medium | Medium |
Suitability for Fish | High | High | High |
Custom-Built Aquaponics Fish Tank
A custom-built aquaponics fish tank is a great option if you have specific requirements that are not met by pre-made systems. These tanks can be made in various sizes and shapes, depending on the space available.
You can design the tank to fit your specific needs and preferences, and incorporate any features or technologies that you desire. For example, you may want to include additional grow beds or filtration systems, or you may want to use specific materials or components that are not included in pre-made systems.
Custom-built aquaponics fish tanks may require more expertise and resources to set up, but they offer greater flexibility and customization options.
Plain Fish Tank
A plain fish tank is the simplest type of aquaponics fish tank. In this system, plants are grown directly in the water without any additional growing medium. The fish provide the necessary nutrients for the plants, and the plants filter the water for the fish.
This type of system is usually smaller and can be easily set up and maintained. Plain fish tanks can be purchased at pet stores or online, and they are usually made of glass or acrylic. One of the main advantages of a plain fish tank is its simplicity. However, it may not be as efficient as other types of systems, and it may not provide optimal growing conditions for some types of plants.
Fish Tank Kits
Fish tank kits are pre-made systems that come with everything you need to get started with aquaponics, including a fish tank, grow bed, pump, and other necessary components. These kits are an excellent option for beginners who are new to aquaponics and want a hassle-free way to set up their system.
They are also available in different sizes and configurations, making it easy to choose the one that best suits your needs and space availability. Fish tank kits can be found at online stores or specialized aquaponics retailers.
They are usually easy to set up and maintain, and they can provide good growing conditions for a variety of plants and fish. However, they may not offer as much customization options as custom-built systems, and they may not be as efficient as more advanced systems such as media-based or DWC systems.
How to Choose the Best Fish Tank for Aquaponics?
Choosing the best fish tank for aquaponics depends on several factors, including your available space, budget, expertise, and the types of plants and fish you want to grow. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when selecting an aquaponics fish tank:
- Size: It will depend on the available space you have and the number and size of the fish you want to keep. As a general rule, the fish tank should be at least 50 gallons for small systems and up to several hundred gallons for larger systems.
- Material: The two main materials used for aquaponics fish tanks are glass and acrylic. Glass tanks are more durable and scratch-resistant, but are also heavier and more expensive. Acrylic tanks are lighter and less expensive, but may scratch more easily.
- Shape: It will depend on the available space and the type of aquaponics system you want to use. Rectangular or square tanks are the most common, but round or oval tanks may also be used.
- Filtration: The fish tank should be equipped with a filtration system to remove waste and other harmful substances from the water. Depending on the system type, this may be a separate filter or a component integrated into the aquaponics system.
- Accessibility: The fish tank should be easily accessible for cleaning, maintenance, and feeding. Consider the placement of the tank and the ease of access when choosing a location.
- Compatibility: It should be compatible with the types of plants and fish you want to grow. Some fish require specific water temperature, pH levels, and other environmental factors that need to be taken into account when selecting a tank.
- Budget: The cost of the fish tank will depend on the size, material, and features. Custom-built systems are usually more expensive than pre-made kits, but they offer greater flexibility and customization options.
How to Build Your Own Fish Tank Aquaponics System?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build your own fish tank aquaponics system:
-
Creating a Media Bed
The media bed is where the plants will grow and absorb the nutrients from the water. To create a media bed, choose a suitable growing medium, such as gravel, clay pebbles, or lava rock. Place a layer of geotextile fabric over the bottom of the grow bed to prevent the growing medium from falling through the drainage holes.
Fill the grow bed with the chosen medium, leaving enough space for the plants to grow. The media bed will also act as a biofilter, removing harmful chemicals from the water.
-
Connecting Pipes from Water Pump to Bulkheads
The water pump will circulate the water from the fish tank to the media bed and back. Install bulkhead fittings in the side of the fish tank to connect the water pump and the media bed. Connect pipes from the water pump to the bulkhead fittings on the fish tank and the media bed.
Make sure that the pipes are properly secured and that the water flow rate is adjusted to ensure optimal growing conditions for the plants and fish. Test the system for leaks and adjust the water flow rate as necessary.
-
Adding Water to the Tank
The fish tank should be filled with clean, dechlorinated water before adding any fish or plants. Fill the fish tank with water and add beneficial bacteria to help establish the nitrogen cycle. This cycle is essential to the survival of the fish and the health of the plants, as it converts ammonia from the fish waste into nitrite and then nitrate, which can be used by the plants as a nutrient source.
Monitor the water quality regularly to ensure that the pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are within the recommended range.
-
Adding Fish to the System
Choose a suitable fish species for your aquaponics system, such as tilapia, catfish, or trout. Acclimate the fish to the new environment by gradually introducing them to the tank.
It is important to monitor the water quality and temperature regularly to ensure that the fish are healthy and thriving. Feed the fish with a high-quality fish food and monitor their health and behavior regularly.
-
Adding Plants to the Fish Tank
Choose suitable plants for your aquaponics system, such as lettuce, herbs, or strawberries. Plant the seedlings in the grow bed, taking care not to damage the roots. The plants will absorb the nutrients from the water and filter out any harmful substances, providing a clean and healthy environment for the fish.
Monitor the plant growth and health regularly and adjust the water flow and nutrient levels as necessary to ensure optimal growing conditions.
Aquaponics Fish Tank Maintenance
Regular maintenance of the aquaponics fish tank is essential for the well-being of both the plants and the fish. Following these simple tips can help you maintain a healthy, thriving system that will provide you with fresh produce and delicious fish for years to come.
Water Changes
Aquaponics fish tanks need regular water changes to keep the water clean and free of toxins. Water should be changed once a week, depending on the size of the tank and the number of fish living in it. During each water change, 10-20% of the water should be removed and replaced with fresh, dechlorinated water.
Feed the Fish Daily
Feeding the fish is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and thriving aquaponics system. Choose a high-quality fish food that is appropriate for the species and size of fish in your tank. Feed the fish once or twice a day, taking care not to overfeed them, as this can lead to excess waste and harmful chemicals in the water.
Check the pH Levels
The pH levels in the fish tank should be monitored regularly to ensure that they are within the recommended range for the fish and plants. The ideal pH range for most fish species is between 6.8 and 7.5. If the pH levels are too high or too low, it can stress the fish and affect the growth of the plants.
Control Your Ammonia and Nitrate Levels
Ammonia and nitrate levels are critical indicators of the health of an aquaponics system. Ammonia is produced by fish waste and decomposing organic matter, while nitrate is a byproduct of the nitrogen cycle.
High levels of ammonia and nitrate can be harmful to fish and can affect the growth of plants. Regular water testing and monitoring of ammonia and nitrate levels are essential to maintaining a healthy and thriving system.
Temperature
The temperature of the fish tank is also an important factor in maintaining a healthy aquaponics system. Different fish species have different temperature requirements, so it is important to choose fish that are compatible with the temperature range of your system. The ideal temperature range for most aquaponics systems is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Maintain the Plants
The plants in the aquaponics system play an essential role in filtering the water and providing a nutrient source for the fish. Regular pruning, harvesting, and replanting of the plants are necessary to maintain optimal growing conditions and to prevent overgrowth or overcrowding.
In addition, checking for pests and diseases and treating them promptly is crucial to maintaining healthy plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an aquaponics fish tank?
It is a system that combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in a symbiotic relationship. Fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants filter the water for the fish.
What types of fish are best for aquaponics fish tanks?
Tilapia, catfish, trout, and koi are popular fish species for aquaponics systems. The choice of fish will depend on the system size, water temperature, and the type of plants grown.
What types of plants are best for aquaponics fish tanks?
Leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, and spinach, herbs such as basil, cilantro, and parsley, and fruiting plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries are all good choices for aquaponics systems.
How often do I need to clean an aquaponics fish tank?
The frequency of cleaning an aquaponics fish tank will depend on the size of the system, the number of fish, and the amount of waste produced. Typically, a partial water change is done every one to two weeks, and the tank should be cleaned thoroughly every few months.
What are some common problems in aquaponics fish tanks?
Some common problems in aquaponics fish tanks include high ammonia or nitrate levels, pH fluctuations, plant nutrient deficiencies, and fish diseases. Regular monitoring and testing of the water quality can help prevent and address these issues.
Leave a Reply