What can you grow in an aquaponic system?
Tilapia and Lettuce in a commercial aquaponic system
The fish and plants that you chose to put into your aquaponic system will depend on your application of aquaponics.
The Nelson and Pade Aquaponics.com online store has the world’s largest selection of products for aquaponics:
- Aquaponic systems for all applications
- Aquaponic system parts
- Aquaponic growing supplies
- Aquaponics classes and training
- Indoor Growing Equipment
- Books and curriculums
If you are a hobby aquaponic grower, raising food for your family, you will want to raise what you like to eat. If you are using aquaponics in a school or educational setting, you can grow many different crops. Food banks and missions use aquaponics to grow nutrient-rich foods. Commercial growers most often grow tilapia, lettuce and leafy greens.
If you are interested in learning more about aquaponics and crop choices, attend the Aquaponics Master Class® at Nelson and Pade, Inc.
The fish and plants you select for your aquaponic system should have similar needs as far as temperature and pH. There will always be some compromise to the needs of the fish and plants but, the closer they match, the more success you will have.
Suggestions for fish and plants include:
Home Food Production/Hobby Systems/Educational Systems
Nile tilapia raised in aquaponics at Nelson and Pade
Fish
- tilapia
- blue gill/brim/sunfish/crappie
- catfish
- carp
- koi
- fancy goldfish
- pacu
- various ornamental fish such as angelfish, guppies, tetras, swordfish, mollies
Plants
Tomatoes grown in aquaponics at Nelson and Pade
- any leafy lettuce
- pak choi
- kale
- swiss chard
- microgreens
- radishes
- carrots
- beets
- Herbs such as basil, mint, chives
- watercress
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cabbage
Asian greens and flowers grown in aquaponics at Nelson and Pade
most common house plants- edible flowers: nasturtium, violas, orchids, sunflowers
- Ornamental flowers such as cosmos and dahlias
- tomatoes*
- peppers*
- cucumbers*
- beans*
- peas*
- squash*
- melons*
- okra*
- sweet corn*
*Plants that have higher nutritional demands and will only do well in a heavily stocked, well established aquaponic system.
Commercial Aquaponics
Harvesting lettuce in commercial aquaponics at Nelson and Pade
Although you can grow many crops successfully in aquaponics, not all of them can be grown in a profitable farming venture. The crops that have a long-term, proven track record of profitability in commercial aquaponics include:
Fish
- Tilapia
- Blue gill
Plants
- any leafy lettuce
- pak choi
- kale
- swiss chard
- microgreens
- hemp
Some fish have been raised in aquaponics but are very challenging and
NOT RECOMMEDED include:
- Yellow Perch
- Walleye
- Barramundi
- Large mouth Bass
- Hybrid Striped Bass
- Salmon
- Trout
Bananas grown in aquaponics at Nelson and Pade
Some unusual plant crops that have been grown in aquaponics at the Nelson and Pade, Inc.® greenhouses in Montello, WI include:
- bananas
- dwarf citrus trees: lemons, limes and oranges
- dwarf pomegranate tree
- dwarf coconut palm
- papaya
- aloe
- hops
- hemp
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