FAQ
Find answers to some frequently asked questions here!
What is aquaponics?
Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics to produce fish and plants in a constructed ecosystem. Aquaculture refers to the raising of fish in tanks and hydroponics refers to growing plants in water. Check out our blog posts for more information
Why aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a very sustainable method for producing fish and plants. It uses up to 90% of the water put into the system, requires little maintenance, does not require fertilizers, and can produce a large amount of food for a small space. Check out our blog posts for more information.
Who can use aquaponics?
Anyone! Aquaponics can come in many shapes and sizes, making it perfect for people wanting to grow their own produce at home or large scale commercialized systems that sell their products. Check out some of our blog posts to see various types of systems.
How expensive is it to build an aquaponics system?
The cost of building an aquaponics system can vary. The larger the system, the more expensive it will be. It also depends largely on what types of materials you choose to use. If you buy an already designed system and parts, it will be much more expensive, costing a couple thousand dollars. You can lower the costs by creating your own system with reused or cheap materials, such as IBC tanks and PVC pipes. These systems can be built for a couple hundred dollars. There is also the cost of fish and plant seeds, which will depend on how large your system is, but overall is fairly inexpensive.
What is the purpose of this blog?
We made this blog to share the information we are learning about aquaponics as part of our Interactive Qualifying Project at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Check out our About Team page for more information.