What is aquaponics ?
- Fish produce waste
- Water and waste are pumped into the grow-bed above the aquarium hourly
- Bacteria in the grow-bed convert the waste into nutrients for the plants
- Clean water is cycled back into the aquarium after being filtered through the grow-bed
Garden Overview
Light Bar
Attach any 2ft grow light of your choice, or remove the light-bar and place your Garden near a sunny window
Grow bed
The grow-bed allows for ample space for biological filtration and room for all your favorite fresh plants
Clay Pebbles
Takes place of traditonal soil and acts as a support for the plants and roots. Also provides a surface area for nitrfying bacteria to colonize
Return Drain
Water is filled to a set level inside the grow-bed before being returned to the aquarium by two return drains
Pump
The pump is turned on by a timer every hour for 15 minutes, bringing water from the aquarium to the grow-bed. The pump is 9.5 Watts / 120 V
How It Works
Aquaponics involves breaking down toxic ammonia and turning it into nutritious plant food called nitrates using two types of nitrifying bacteria – nitrosomas and nitrospiras. When fish produce ammonia it attracts a type of bacteria called nitrosomas. These guys and gals convert the ammonia into nitrites – a compound even more toxic than ammonia. Thankfully, however, nitrites attract another type of bacteria called nitrospiras who then convert the nitrites into nitrates – excellent food for plants, and mostly harmless to fish. Once this has happened the aquaponic cycle is complete and, once stabilized, will ensure ammonia levels are kept at a minimum while providing maximum nutrition for the plants. Learn More
What You Should Know
We created the Garden specifically for beginners and those who are looking for an easy-to-use aquaponic system. The Garden doesn't require any tools nor do you need any previous aquaponics experience. In addition, we provide a written step-by-step guide to help you set up and maintain your Garden. Our team is also dedicated to providing the best customer service possible to assist anyone who may have questions or need help.
The Garden’s unique design makes it possible to grow a variety of common plants. Grow houseplants and low-maintenance ornamentals anywhere; place in the sun or add a grow light and grow herbs, greens, and many small-statured fruits and vegetables.
The Garden is ideal not only for growing fresh herbs and plants, but also for teaching. Our Garden is ideal for demonstrating a variety of concepts in chemistry, biology, and ecology. It’s an especially great tool for keeping kids engaged, a living model ecosystem that they can interact with as they watch the transformation of the energy in fish food into waste, plants, and ultimately herbs, greens, and even fruits for them to enjoy. Be sure to check out our blog for more articles on understanding the principles behind aquaponics and using your Garden to teach a variety of subjects!
The AquaSprouts Garden can support almost any freshwater fish you’d keep in a standard aquarium! That means most of the common aquarium fish species you’re thinking of - most varieties of barbs, tetras, platies, mollies, guppies, danios and other minnows, Corydoras and other small catfish, and many others.