Aquaponics is a food production system that combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals) and hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in one system.

 

A typical aquaponics system consists of a bed for the plants, a water pump, and a fish tank. Bacteria in the fish tank converts ammonia waste from the fish into nitrates that can be used by the plant. Water from the fish tank is used to water the plants, which remove the water and nutrients they need to grow. The remaining water drains back into the fish tank.