How to Choose the Right Fish Tank for Aquaponics?

Fish tank is very important for an aquaponics system. It’s not only a place for fish; it’s the center of everything. Your fish tank can make a big difference to how well your system works and how healthy your fish and plants are. The good fish tank gives the right conditions for your fish and makes sure the food moves well in the system.

Choosing the good aquaponics fish tank is not only finding a place for your fish; it’s about making a steady and lively system. A good fish tank will keep the water clean, make the fish happy, and help the plants grow. But a bad fish tank can make the water dirty, make the fish sad, and slow down the plants. In other words, your fish tank can decide if your aquaponics project succeeds or fails.

Image credit Amy Youngs

The Role of the Fish Tank in Aquaponics Systems

Aquaponics is a sustainable and productive way of growing plants and fish together in a closed-loop system, where the fish tank is one of the essential components of the system. The fish tank has three main roles in aquaponics systems:

• Nutrient source: The fish tank is where the nutrient cycle begins. Fish excrete waste, which contains ammonia and other compounds. The plants use the fish poop as their main food. So, how big, healthy, and many fish you can keep depends on how much and how good your fish tank is.

• Water quality control: The water in the fish tank needs to be good. It has to stay within certain limits to keep the fish happy. The shape, filter, and amount of water in the fish tank affect how steady the whole system is. The plants help clean the water, making the fish well and letting you grow healthy veggies for your home.

• Ecosystem anchor: The fish tank is the base of the aquaponics system. It is where the fish live well, and they are not only for food but also to keep the right amount of food for the plants. If the fish tank has any problem, it can mess up the smooth working of the whole system.

Therefore, selecting the right aquaponics fish tank is more than just picking a container to house your fish; it's about creating a stable and thriving ecosystem. A good fish tank will keep the water clean, make the fish happy, and help the plants grow. But a bad fish tank can make the water dirty, make the fish sad, and slow down the plants. In other words, your fish tank can decide if your aquaponics project succeeds or fails.

Read this: Build and indoor Aquaponics system

What size tank for aquaponics?

Choosing the right tank size for your aquaponics system is key to creating a healthy, balanced environment for both your fish and plants. The tank size you’ll need depends largely on the type and number of fish you plan to raise, the plants you want to grow, and how much space you have available.

For beginners or smaller systems, a tank of around 50-100 gallons can work well, especially if you’re just experimenting with aquaponics. This size is manageable, doesn’t require a huge space, and allows you to raise a few fish and support a modest amount of plant growth.

For a more established, larger system, many recommend going for a tank that’s 150-300 gallons or more. A larger tank provides greater stability for water temperature, pH, and nutrient levels, which can be helpful in maintaining a steady ecosystem. If you’re planning a commercial setup, tanks can range from 500 gallons to several thousand, depending on your scale.

Another consideration is the shape and depth of the tank. Many prefer round tanks for even water flow and to prevent waste buildup in corners, and a depth of around 3 feet is generally ideal to keep fish comfortable and the water temperature more consistent.

In short, for a basic setup, you can start with a smaller tank around 50-100 gallons. If you're looking for more yield and stability, go larger. The size should match your goals and available space to create a thriving aquaponics environment!

Factors to consider when choosing an aquaponics fish tank

Image credit Ryan Somma

• Size of the fish tank: How big your fish tank is affects how much food your plants get. A bigger tank can have more fish, which make more food for the plants. This can make the plants grow faster and bigger. But a smaller tank can have less fish, which make less food for the plants.
  
  This can make the plants grow slower and smaller. Think about how big your plant bed is and what kinds of plants you want to grow when you choose the right tank size.

• Shape and design: The shape and design of your fish tank can affect the water flow, circulation, and quality within your system. Most people use square or round fish tanks for aquaponics, but round is better because it works better. A round fish tank moves the water well and provides excellent current for the fish to swim, which increases the health of the fish.
  
  The fish will also enjoy playing in the currents of the water. The round fish tank makes the water move well, and stops it from getting too hot or cold in different layers, and makes the water cleaner.

• Material of the fish tank: The material of your fish tank should be waterproof, sturdy, toxic-free, and durable. If you’re opting for a used tank, check the leaks by filling up the tank with water, and use marine-grade silicone or rubber to seal if there are leaks. Your fish tank needs to be tough enough to hold all the water without breaking.
  
  It must also withstand the fish movement, and the constant stress of water as it contracts and expands, depending on the temperature of the environment. Your fish tank should not have any bad stuff that could hurt your fish or your plants. Your fish tank should be manufactured with food-grade materials. 

How do I maintain my fish tank in an aquaponic system?

Aquaponics is a sustainable and productive way of growing plants and fish together in a closed-loop system, where the fish tank is one of the essential components of the system. Maintaining your fish tank in an aquaponic system requires regular maintenance to ensure the health and productivity of the system. Here are some important tasks you need to consider when maintaining your fish tank in an aquaponic system:

• Ensure good dissolved oxygen levels for the fish and plants by maintaining consistent and adequate aeration and water circulation.

• Keep water clean by regularly checking pH, water temperature, water source and ammonia levels. Water connects fish and plants and brings food to plants.

• Avoid overcrowding of fish in the water. Overcrowding your fish can cause fish stress and overproduction of ammonia, which is dangerous to fish health. Keep in mind the fish-to-plants ratio.

• Do not put too many plants in your plant bed, floating board, or water tubes. Plants need room to get enough food and light.

• Avoid over-feeding your fish. Give your fish the right food that they can eat in five minutes. Take out any food that the fish do not eat, because it can make the water dirty and block the system.

Can I use a plastic container as a fish tank?

Using a plastic container as a fish tank is possible, but it may not be the best option for aquaponics. Aquaponics is a sustainable and productive way of growing plants and fish together in a closed-loop system, where the fish tank is one of the essential components of the system. The plastic container may not provide adequate water flow, circulation, and quality within the system, which are important for nutrient cycling and fish health. Plastic scratches more easily than glass, and it can be difficult to clean thoroughly, as dirt can spread in small amounts of water. 

Therefore, I would recommend using a round/oval fish tank instead of a square/rectangular A round fish tank makes the water move well and gives the fish something to swim against, which makes the fish healthier. The fish also have fun in the water streams. The round fish tank makes the water mix well, and stops it from getting too hot or cold in different layers, and makes the water cleaner.

Read this: Impact of Water, Oxygen & Light on Aquaponics System

Types of Fish Tanks for Aquaponics

The most common types of fish tanks used in aquaponics:

• Glass tanks: Glass tanks are good for small or indoor aquaponic systems. They are transparent, so you can see the fish and plants fast, and they don’t scratch easily. However, glass tanks are heavy, fragile, and expensive. They may also require additional insulation to maintain the water temperature.

• Acrylic tank: Acrylic tanks are lightweight and less prone to breakage than glass. They also offer good clarity and can be molded into various shapes and sizes. However, acrylic tanks are more expensive than glass and can scratch easily. They may also yellow over time and require regular cleaning.

• Plastic tanks: Plastic tanks are cheap and strong for aquaponic systems. Plastic fish tanks are easy to find, transport, and install. They can also withstand temperature fluctuations and resist corrosion. However, plastic tanks may not be as clear as glass or acrylic and may leach harmful chemicals into the water. They may also deform or crack over time.

• Fiberglass tanks: Fiberglass tanks are durable and resistant to corrosion. You can also be customised to fit any shape and size. However, fiberglass tanks are expensive and difficult to find. you may also need someone who knows how to set them up and fix them. They may also emit a strong odor that can affect the fish and plants.

• Wood or custom tanks: Some aquaponics enthusiasts opt for custom-built wooden tanks. These tanks can be made from any type of wood, such as cedar, pine, or oak. They can also be designed to fit any space and style. However, wooden tanks require a lot of work and skill to build and maintain. They may also rot, warp, or leak over time. They may also need a liner or coating to prevent water damage.

Conclusion

Fish tank plays a crucial role in the success of an aquaponics system. It serves as a nutrient source, water quality controller, and ecosystem anchor. Choosing the right fish tank size, shape, and material is essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving aquaponics system.

References & Resources

(1) How to Choose the Right Fish Tank for Aquaponics https://gogreenaquaponics.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-right-fish-tank-for-aquaponics

(2) How to Choose the Right Fish Tank in Aquaponics https://www.aquaponicsforbeginners.com/how-to-choose-the-right-fish-tank-in-aquaponics/

(3) Indoor Fish Tank Aquaponics: Complete How-To Guide - WhyFarmIt https://whyfarmit.com/fish-tank-aquaponics/

(4) Maintenance Checklist for Aquaponics Systems https://gogreenaquaponics.com/blogs/news/maintenance-checklist-for-aquaponics-systems

(5) Storage bins as fish tanks? - FishLore Aquarium Forum https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/storage-bins-as-fish-tanks.246844/.

(6) How to Keep Fish in Plastic Containers | Pets on Mom.com https://animals.mom.com/how-to-keep-fish-in-plastic-containers-7215977.html

(7) Can You Keep Fish in a Plastic Tub? - WhyPetFish.com https://whypetfish.com/can-you-keep-fish-in-a-plastic-tub/

(8) How To Make A Fish Tank Out Of A Plastic Container? https://aquaponicsadvisor.com/how-to-make-a-fish-tank-out-of-a-plastic-container/

(9) Aquaponics – The Culture of Fish and Plants Together in One System https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/aquaponics-the-culture-of-fish-and-plants-together-in-one-system/

(10) Benefits of Owning Aquaponics Fish Tank - Aquariumia https://aquariumia.com/aquaponics-fish-tank/

(11) Indoor Fish Tank Aquaponics System Complete Guide - Hydroponics Garden Geek https://hydrogardengeek.com/fish-tank-aquaponics-system/

(12) Best Fish for Aquaponics - Choose from 22 Species - HowtoAquaponic https://www.howtoaquaponic.com/fish/best-fish-for-aquaponics/