Richard bray

Plumbing
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Water requires plumbing, but luckily, the plumbing in an aquaponic system remains constant throughout the different designs. Water will need to be pumped, aerated, and filtered as it circulates through your system.
Water should be fully circulated through your system once per hour. This means if you have 1,000 gallons of water in your system, you need a pump that can handle at least 1,000 gallons per hour.
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There is no such thing as too much aeration, so take advantage of every opportunity to agitate the water. Lack of oxygen results in anaerobic bacteria, which can cause a system crash. Electric aerators, manual aeration, and even biological filters can incorporate oxygen into your water.
Fish
Your fish selection will be determined by your crop selection and your climate. Any fish suitable for tank culture will work for aquaponics, although there are a few proven winners that are easiest in beginner systems. Fish are a secondary source of food and income in an aquaponic system. Plants will produce much more usable material
than your fish tank, so plants are the priority crop.
Fish are cold-blooded, so their activity, metabolism, respiration, and
movement depend on the water temperature. It is easier to heat water than it is to cool it, so pick a fish that can handle the warmth of your summer months, and add supplemental heating in the winter if necessary. You can cover your fish tank with a canopy and shade cloth to keep the temperature from fluctuating too much.
Plants
Plants are the priority crop in an aquaponic system. Plant selection will depend on the purpose of your system, but most herbs and vegetables are suitable for aquaponics.
Leafy greens, like lettuce, kale, and chard, do better in cooler systems with higher nitrogen content. Fruiting vegetables, like tomatoes and cucumbers, do better in warmer systems with higher overall nutrient
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content. A few fruits, like strawberries, will do well in an aquaponic system, although they are not suitable for beginners.
Indoor systems are susceptible to root rot and fungi, so make sure you can provide ample artificial light and ventilation. Large outdoor systems will be permanent, so find a sunny, level location. You can always cover your fish tank and grow beds with shade cloth if the water gets too warm.
Artificial lighting should be chosen based on the plants you will grow. Lights that give off heat, like halogen bulbs, should only be used for warm-season plants if you can justify the electricity usage. Otherwise, CFL is the best overall grow light.