Apartment Aquaponics: Small Space Solutions

Aquaponics in Small Spaces

Don't let apartment living stop you from producing fresh fish and vegetables! Compact aquaponics systems (50-200 gallons) can thrive indoors, providing year-round protein and greens with minimal space and maintenance.

System Sizing

55-Gallon System: 8-12 fish, 4-6 plant sites, footprint: 3x2 feet

100-Gallon System: 15-20 fish, 12-16 plant sites, footprint: 4x3 feet

200-Gallon System: 30-40 fish, 24-32 plant sites, footprint: 6x4 feet

Best Fish for Apartments

Tilapia: Fast-growing, hardy, plate-size in 6-8 months (need heating)

Goldfish: Hardy, ornamental, year-round production (no heating)

Koi: Beautiful, hardy, excellent waste production for plants

Optimal Plants

Leafy Greens: Lettuce, kale, chard, spinach (30-45 days)

Herbs: Basil, cilantro, parsley, mint (continuous harvest)

Small Fruiting: Cherry tomatoes, peppers, strawberries

Space-Saving Tips

• Vertical growing towers maximize plant capacity
• Use bedroom, office, or garage space
• LED grow lights enable any room production
• Automated feeding and monitoring reduce maintenance

Expected Yields

A 100-gallon system produces: 20 pounds fish annually, 50+ pounds greens/herbs annually, year-round fresh food with 30 minutes weekly maintenance.

Complete Fish Guide

Get our Fish Cards for species profiles, system designs, water quality management, and troubleshooting guides.

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