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  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Spore
  4. Aquaponics Systems

Aquaponics Systems

Integrated fish and plant farming that recycles water and nutrients between aquaculture tanks and hydroponic beds
Back to SporeView interactive version

Integrated aquaponics systems pair recirculating aquaculture tanks with hydroponic grow beds, routing nutrient-rich fish effluent through biofilters that convert ammonia into nitrates before plants absorb it. Sensors manage dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity, while PLCs balance fish feeding rates with plant nutrient demand to keep both organisms in equilibrium and reuse up to 95% of water.

Urban farms, resorts, and space-ag research labs leverage aquaponics to produce leafy greens, herbs, and tilapia or barramundi in compact footprints with two revenue streams. Operations like Superior Fresh and Plenty’s pilot facilities demonstrate how controlled environments plus circular nutrient loops can supply premium markets year-round.

Scaling the model requires automated solids removal, resilient backup systems to prevent fish die-offs during outages, and certification pathways for combined fish/produce HACCP plans. As energy-efficient LED lighting, renewable microgrids, and real-time biological monitoring mature, aquaponics will expand beyond hobby-scale into institutional food service and island nations seeking food sovereignty.

TRL
7/9Operational
Impact
4/5
Investment
3/5
Category
Hardware

Related Organizations

Nelson and Pade logo
Nelson and Pade

United States · Company

95%

Designers and manufacturers of Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems® for commercial, educational, and home use.

Developer
Superior Fresh logo
Superior Fresh

United States · Company

95%

The first land-based aquaculture facility in the U.S. to produce Atlantic salmon in conjunction with organic leafy greens at commercial scale.

Deployer
University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) logo
University of the Virgin Islands (UVI)

VI · University

95%

The academic birthplace of modern commercial aquaponics, developing the 'UVI System' standard.

Researcher
Aquaponics Association logo
Aquaponics Association

United States · Nonprofit

90%

Non-profit organization dedicated to expanding the practice of aquaponics through education, advocacy, and standards.

Standards Body
ECF Farmsystems logo
ECF Farmsystems

Germany · Company

90%

German company planning and building urban aquaponic farms, including a flagship facility in Berlin.

Developer
BIGH (Building Integrated Greenhouses) logo
BIGH (Building Integrated Greenhouses)

Belgium · Startup

85%

Operates 'Ferme Abattoir' in Brussels, one of the largest rooftop aquaponics farms in Europe.

Deployer
The Aquaponic Source logo
The Aquaponic Source

United States · Company

85%

Supplier of aquaponics kits, curriculum, and design consulting for schools and home growers.

Developer

Supporting Evidence

Evidence data is not available for this technology yet.

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