Open Knowledge & Innovation
Research & Development
Open-access research papers, technical manuals, product prototypes, and experimental systems. Community-curated, scientifically referenced, and version-tracked for collaborative development.
Active R&D Topics

Sustainable Fish Feed
Exploring insect-based proteins, duckweed, black soldier fly larvae, and algae as alternatives to conventional fishmeal.

Growing on Rope
Techniques for using rope or twine as a growing medium for plant roots in aquaponic and hydroponic systems.

Cooling Systems
Evaporative cooling, misting, shade cloth, and passive ventilation strategies for hot-climate aquaponic greenhouses.

Solar Panels
Integrating photovoltaic systems with aquaponic operations for off-grid power, pump energy, and lighting.

Homes of the Future
Organic, botanical homes with curved walls, integrated aquaponics, living plant walls, and closed-loop systems for food, water, power and waste.

Self-Cleaning Fish Tank
High-quality aquarium with integrated plant grow bed that naturally filters water — eliminating frequent water changes and creating a balanced ecosystem.

Universal Grow Bed
Telescopic grow bed that adjusts to fit various fish tank sizes — transform any aquarium into an aquaponic system in minutes without custom fabrication.

Clip & Grow System
Modular vertical growing towers with universal clip mounting — configure horizontally, vertically, or as connected walls for maximum flexibility.

Family Home System
Complete modular aquaponic system designed to feed a family of four all their leafy greens and occasionally fresh trout.

Wind Turbines
Counter-rotating vertical axis wind turbines — two elements spinning in opposite directions, dramatically increasing output efficiency.

Water Turbines
Counter-rotating water turbines — two elements spinning in opposite directions, maximising energy extraction from flowing water.

Pipes & Plumbing
Food-safe pipe selection, fittings, flow rates, and plumbing design for recirculating aquaponic systems.
Digital Water Parameter Monitor
Open-source ESP32-based black box for continuous pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and EC monitoring. Target cost sub-£75 DIY.

Wastewater Microplastic Filter
Carbon nanofibre inline filter concept for capturing microplastics and surfactants at point of discharge.
Eco-Resin Composites
Bio-based resins for casting with hemp, flax, and natural fibres — an ecological alternative to GRP using plant-derived or bio-synthesised binders.
Rapid-Deploy Sovereign Homes
Inflatable form bags filled with closed-cell expanding foam — permanent, fully sovereign homes with food, water, energy and waste systems, deployable in 72 hours.
Disaster Relief Aquaponics
Flat-pack aquaponic system for humanitarian crises — producing fresh greens within two weeks of deployment on any ground, including contaminated land.
Research Archive
Aquaponics — The Integration of Fish and Plant Production in Recirculating Systems
Nelson, R.L. & Pade, J.S. — Nelson and Pade Inc.
Comprehensive technical manual covering system design, water chemistry, biological filtration, fish and plant species selection, and operational management for aquaponic systems.
The Biofilter: Heart of the Aquaponic System
Somerville, C. et al. — FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper
Analysis of biofilter function, nitrification processes, and microbial community dynamics in recirculating aquaponic systems. Includes design recommendations for biofilter sizing.
Small-Scale Aquaponic Food Production
Somerville, C., Cohen, M., Pantanella, E., Stankus, A. & Lovatelli, A. — FAO
FAO's comprehensive guide to small-scale aquaponic production covering unit processes, system components, water quality management, and crop-fish combinations for developing world contexts.
Material Leaching in Recirculating Aquaponic Systems — A Review
Community Research Collective — Open Aquaponics Research
Review of documented cases of material contamination in aquaponic systems, with particular focus on PVC plasticisers, zinc from galvanised steel, and paint biocides.
Integrated Aquaponic Housing — Design Principles
Aquaponic Life CIC — Aquaponic Life CIC
Open-source design framework for integrating food-producing aquaponic systems into residential building design, including structural considerations and climate management.