Open AquaponicsBETA

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

Sustainable Fish Feed

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

Growing on Rope

Growing on Rope

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

Cooling Systems

Cooling Systems

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

Solar Panels

Solar Panels

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

Homes of the Future

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

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

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

Clip & Grow System

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

Family Home System

Family Home System

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

Wind Turbines

Wind Turbines

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

Water Turbines

Water Turbines

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

Pipes & Plumbing

Pipes & Plumbing

Food-safe pipe selection, fittings, flow rates, and plumbing design for recirculating aquaponic systems.

Digital Water Parameter Monitor

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

Wastewater Microplastic Filter

Carbon nanofibre inline filter concept for capturing microplastics and surfactants at point of discharge.

Eco-Resin Composites

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

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

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

Technical ManualsOpen Access2008

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.

#foundational#system design#water chemistry
Research PapersOpen Access2014

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.

#biofilter#nitrification#FAO
Technical ManualsOpen Access2014

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.

#FAO#small-scale#food production
ExperimentalOpen Access2023

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.

#material safety#leaching#contamination
Open-Source DesignsOpen Access2019

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.

#housing integration#passive design#CIC