Small-Scale Aquaponic Systems

Aquaponics is a food production system that combines fish rearing (aquaculture) with no-soil/water-only vegetable growing (hydroponics). Ready-to-install Small-Scale Aquaponic Systems utilize the same design, components, and operating principles as larger commercial system only they are smaller and less complex-yet like their commercial counterparts, they too are expandable. The components provided typically include: fish-rearing tank(s), filter tanks, tank drains, vegetable-growing raft tanks, water plump and plumbing, gate and union ball valves, aerator air blower and diffusers, nets, and starter supplies. Depending on size, a smaller-scale aquaponic system will reportedly produce from 1,000 to 11,500 heads of lettuce and from 110 to 860 pounds of fish annually.

Cost: $3,200-$25,000 (not including system-housing facility)

Impairment Category: Back, Strength/endurance, Upper extremity