Simple numbers for power, water, and upkeep so you can plan with confidence.
If you have solar panels and a rainwater tank, aquaponics is a practical way to produce clean greens and fish at home. Below are straightforward numbers for a typical home setup so you can decide quickly.
Common home systems run a small water pump (35–70 W) and air pump (5–15 W) 24/7. That’s roughly 1.0–2.0 kWh/day. At $0.30/kWh, grid cost is about $9–$18/month. Daytime loads are easily offset by rooftop solar; batteries are optional.
Aquaponics recirculates water. Expect top-ups of 2–5% of system volume per week from evaporation and plant uptake. A 500 L system uses roughly 10–25 L/week (40–100 L/month), ideal for rainwater harvesting.
Fish and plants share the same water. That means no harsh pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers—just clean food grown with biology, not chemicals.
Leafy greens (lettuce, kale, chard), herbs (basil, mint, parsley), and fruiting crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Choose edible fish such as tilapia, trout, or catfish where permitted—or ornamental koi/goldfish.
Typical harvests (guide only): about 10–20 heads of lettuce per m² per month with steady planting; herbs can be cut weekly. Fish reach harvest size in 6–12 months depending on species and temperature.
Actual costs vary by climate, species, and planting density. We size pumps and plumbing for efficiency and reliability.
Most of the work is harvesting and replanting. We provide simple guides and remote support if you want it.
If greens retail for $2.50–$4.00 each, a modest 1–2 m² grow area (10–40 heads/month) yields $25–$160/month in produce value, plus herbs—and fish when harvested.
Compare starter to pro packages, or ask for a tailored design for your solar and rainwater setup.
