Setting up and running a small aquaponics system
Most trouble in desktop aquaponics shows up in the first month, and much of it comes from doing things out of order. The article on starting a desktop aquaponics system lays out the build in sequence, covering tank size, grow media, cycling, and stocking. Our guide to cycling a new system covers the step people skip, which decides whether the fish survive their first weeks.
Once the system is running, water testing explains which readings to take, how often, and what each number means. When something does go wrong, the troubleshooting guide lists common symptoms such as cloudy water, algae, and yellowing leaves, with the likely cause and fix for each.
Guides and articles
Starting a Desktop Aquaponics System: A Practical Setup Guide
Tank sizing, media selection, the cycling phase, fish stocking, and what to expect during the first 30 days.
GuideCycling a new aquaponics system
A fishless cycling method for small systems, how long it takes, and what to do when it stalls.
GuideWater testing for small aquaponics systems
Which tests a small system needs, healthy ranges for each, and how often to run them.
GuideCommon problems in small aquaponics systems and how to fix them
Cloudy water, algae, gasping fish, yellow plants, pH swings, pests, and pump trouble, with the likely fix for each.