Aquaponics represents the perfect marriage between aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soil-less plant cultivation).
From early designs to today’s compact home kits, aquaponics has evolved through key milestones including the University of the Virgin Islands’ commercial system in the 1980s, Australia’s integration of standardized techniques in the 1990s, and today’s focus on space-efficient home systems.
Ideal Features of an Aquaponics Kit
Design Considerations
- Adjustable Height Components: Systems with raised beds and fish tanks at comfortable working heights (30-36 inches) to reduce bending and strain
- Lightweight Removable Parts: Modular components that can be easily moved or adjusted with minimal strength requirements
- One-Hand Operation: Features like quick-connect plumbing and single-lever controls for accessibility
- Clear Visual Indicators: High-contrast markings and easy-to-read water level indicators
- Compact Footprint: Space-efficient design that maximizes production in limited spaces
- Tool-Free Assembly: Simple snap-together components requiring minimal dexterity or strength
- Energy Efficiency: Low-power pumps and LED grow lights to minimize electricity consumption
Accessibility Features
- Wheelchair-Accessible Designs: Appropriate clearance underneath growing beds (minimum 27 inches) and side-accessible fish tanks
- Extended Reach Tools: Included lightweight harvesting tools with ergonomic grips
- Intuitive Controls: Simplified maintenance systems with clear instructions
Types of Home Aquaponics Systems
1. Countertop Micro-Systems
These entry-level systems integrate with small aquariums, making them perfect for beginners with limited space. Their compact design allows for easy access from seated positions and requires minimal maintenance.
2. Educational Mini-Systems
Designed primarily for learning, these transparent micro-systems feature tool-free assembly and maintenance. Their small size makes them ideal for classrooms, kitchens, or anywhere space is limited.
3. Conversion Kits
These transform existing aquariums into productive growing systems with a focus on ergonomic design. Lightweight grow beds attach securely with minimal effort and often include integrated lighting systems.
4. Modular Mid-Size Systems
Featuring expandable designs, these systems include raised components that minimize bending. Quick-connect plumbing systems allow for one-handed maintenance tasks and simplified operation.
5. Premium Integrated Systems
These comprehensive systems include adjustable-height growing beds, easy-access fish tanks, and automated monitoring systems. Thoughtful designs incorporate accessibility features and maximize production efficiency.
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Smooth Gardening’s Countertop Aquaponic Kit Picks
Tier 1 (Made in USA)
- BETTA TANK and HYDROPONIC PLANTER: See nature in motion through our Aqua-Ponic Tanks. Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environm…
- YOUR BETTA’S NEW HOME: Bettas are the most popular fish for our 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank. With that said, please decrease the water level about an inch, giving them enough space to breathe from the water’s surface. Wee…
- SUGGESTED PLANTS: Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We reco…
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retain water and support the root growth for any plant you choose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, allowing the runoff…
- MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 5.9″ (Dia) x 8.25″ (H) / Tank Interior = 4.25″ (Dia) x 7″ (H) / Enclosed Pot = 5.9″ (Dia) x 2.25″ (H)
$14.23
Tier 2 (Made in USA)
- BETTA TANK & HYDROPONIC PLANTER: See nature in motion through our Aqua-Ponic Tanks! Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environmen…
- SUGGESTED FISH: While Bettas are the most popular fish for our 1.4 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank, they can also house Bloodfin Tetras, White Cloud Minnows, Danios, and Guppies (1 – 3 fish). For Bettas, please decrease the water…
- SUGGESTED PLANTS: Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We reco…
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retains water and supports root growth for any plant you chose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, as if it’s in a pot of…
- MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 7.75″ (Dia) x 10.25″ (H) / Black Base = 7.75″ (Dia) x 1.75″ (H) / Tank Interior = 7.75″ (Dia) x 7.25″ (H) / Enclosed Pot = 3.75″ (Dia) x 2.25″ (H)
$26.76
Tier 3 (Made in China)
- with Elevated Base: Solves the “hard-to-clean” pain point—easily move and lift the tank for water changes, no more bending or scraping desks. Combined with Aquaponic Planter for Betta Fish, functional and practical
- Self-Sustaining Aquaponic Planter for Betta Fish: Plants filter water naturally, reducing maintenance and water changes. Betta fish tank creates a symbiotic ecosystem, ideal for beginners and busy users
- 1 gallon: The Douyu fish can turn around freely without feeling crowded. It is more suitable for long-term cultivation than a 0.5-gallon one and saves space than a 5-gallon one. It is perfect for small-sized apartments a…
- Shatter-resistant Secure: made of plastic, this Plastic Fish Tank avoids breakage risks; The material keeps aquatic plants and fish safe in daily use; It provides a bright appearance, fitting well with various indoor set…
- Decorative Betta Fish Tank & Aquaponic Planter: Sleek round shape + hydroponic plants elevate home decor. Fits Nordic, ins, and modern styles—great for photos and social sharing
$28.99
Tier 4 (Made in China)
- Compact and Sleek Design: A small 1.2 gal （4.3L) desktop aquarium made of high-transparency, food-grade PC material, resistant to UV damage. This compact round aquarium takes up less desk space than traditional square ta…
- Quiet Filtration System: The desktop fish tank features a low-noise, 20dB filtration pump with a high water flow rate, ensuring a clean environment with a duble-layer filtration system. Note: The pump makes noise initial…
- Adjustable LED Lighting: Waterproof, full-spectrum LED lighting on top of fish tank, with a bottom ambiance light offering four color modes, controlled by a touch switch.
- Functional and Stylish: The small fish tank comes with a detachable plant pot, touch switch, cover to prevent evaporation, feeding port, and anti-vibration pads for stability.
- Easy to use and maintain: self cleaning fish tank bottom features a spiral gravity sewage collection structure for simple drainage, Maintain stable water quality and ecological balance even if the water is not changed fo…
$49.99
Tier 5 (Made in China)
- ★ 2 in 1 Hydroponic Growing System:2 in 1 Smart Indoor Hydroponic & Aquarium System, the ultimate dual-purpose solution for both planting and fish farming. This innovative system combines the benefits of hydroponic garde…
- ★ Full Spectrum LED Lamp:featuring full spectrum illumination, you can provide your plants with optimal lighting conditions to ensure vigorous growth and abundant harvests. The lamp is designed to automatically switch on…
- ★ Touch Screen Panel:This intuitive interface allows you to easily adjust the water pump time, growth mode time, and aquarium light mode, all at the touch of a button. With this level of control, you can create the perfe…
- ★ Water Level Buoys:These features make it easy to add water and keep track of water levels, ensuring that your plants and fish are always provided with the optimal conditions for growth. Say goodbye to the tedious task …
- ★ Adjustable & Replaceable Bracket:designed to accommodate plants of various sizes. You can customize the height and position of the lamp to meet the specific needs of different plant species. Whether you’re growing herb…
$185.00
Smooth Gardening’s Aquarium Style Aquaponic Kit Picks
Tier 1 (Made in China)
- Dimensions: 2.5 Gallon Plastic Rectangular Fish Tank with Aquaponic Planter is about 11.42 x 4.65 x 10.24 inch
- material: 2.5 gallon plastic rectangular fish tank material is friendly pet material, shatterproof, light and easy to move suitable for betta fish
- Versatile and Stylish Decoration: the large fish bowl square aquarium has a versatile design that complements any decor style; The plastic and square shape make it an ideal centerpiece, adding a touch of aquatic beauty t…
- Unleash Your Creativity: this plastic fish tank with Aquaponic Planter isn’t just for fish; It’s a platform for creativity; Use it to house succulents, create a terrarium, or use it as a large plastic bowl for tabletop d…
- Practical Construction: this large plastic fish tank is designed with safety in mind, made with shatterproof materials for home use, giving you peace of mind while maintaining its aesthetic appeal
$31.99
Tier 2 (Made in China)
- Fish Tank & Seed Sprouter: The fish waste fertilizes the plants, and the plants clean the water for fish.
- Self Cleaning System: Plants consume fish dung as nutrients, so the tank requires 50% fewer cleanings than traditional fish tanks.
- Siphon Oxygen Supply: The water level of the tank is tidal-like fluctuation, and the roots of the plants can breathe regularly, no need watering or fertilizing. Meanwhile a natural oxygen supply is brought to the fish.
- Educational Product: Use the system at home or in a classroom. Let kids learn germination and teach concepts like food sustainability, aquatic environments, and animal care.
- Great Gift: A wonderful gift for kids, parents, teachers, foodies and gardening lovers. (Note: Search B08BR8H72X for the pump spare parts.)
$51.95
Tier 3 (Made in China)
- 【Self-Cleaning System】No more hassle of cleaning the tank regularly. Our Betta fish tank comes with a self-cleaning feature, making maintenance easy. Simply add your fish and seeds and let the system do the rest. The fis…
- 【Complete Starter Kit】Our aquarium set includes LED light, rock, heater, filter, pump, net, thermometer sticker, water changer, and gravel cleaner, making it a perfect choice for beginners and fish enthusiasts.
- 【Aquaponic and Hydroponic Growing System】Give a healthy environment to your Betta fish by growing plants along with them. This innovative design allows you to grow plants with a hydroponic and aquaponic system.
- 【Beautiful Decoration】This fish bowl is more than just a home for your Betta. It is also a beautifully decorative piece for your home or office with its waterfall feature, 3 optional control LED lighting, and artificial …
- 【Perfect Choosing】Our Betta fish tank is an excellent choosing for anyone who loves fish or gardening. It is perfect for kids, adults, and elders, ensuring that everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable experience watching t…
$59.99
Tier 4 (Made in China)
- 【Desktop Fish Tank】Measures 15″ L x 5.7″ W x 7.3″ H (38 cm x 14.5 cm x 18.5 cm) and has a capacity of approximately 1.6 gallons. This desktop water feature brings a touch of nature to your office and den. With its innova…
- 【Safe and Reliable】This acrylic aquarium is made of highly transparent acrylic material, transmits up to 92% light and will not burst. It can perfectly display every detail of water flow, fish and plants. Hidden silent w…
- 【Easy Maintenance】This Betta Fish Tank is smartly designed with a unique large opening design for quick and easy cleaning, allowing you to enjoy peaceful fish-watching time after a busy day at work.
- 【Multi-Purpose Aquarium】This small desktop aquarium is perfect for keeping betta fish, peacock fish, small shrimp, small crabs, small insects or moss. It is compact enough to fit on any table, shelf or countertop. Easily…
- 【Special Gifts】Beautiful and practical, safe and reliable, it is the best gift for your family children and friends, such as Valentine’s Day gift, birthday gift, Halloween gift, Christmas gift and so on.
$69.00
Tier 5 (Made in USA)
- BEAUTIFUL and SERENE AQUATIC LANDSCAPE: Create a wonderful and exciting ecosystem with the AquaTerrium Planting Tank. The curved, crystal-clear glass tank holds a water volume of 1.85 gallons, giving you an opportunity t…
- INTEGRATED AQUARIUM FILTER: Our AquaTerrium Planting Tanks feature an integrated filtration system that’s built within the rock landscape, where the water pump cycles water to the top, and where gravity lets water and pl…
- LED LIGHT FOR PLANT GROWTH and DISPLAY: The AquaTerrium Planting Tank comes with a Cascade Plant Growth LED Light for encouraging and stimulating live plant growth. This light contains a total of 12 high powered LED bulb…
- ITEMS INCLUDED: These nano aquariums come with the following: Curved Glass Tank, Rock Landscape with Waterfall, Cascade Plant Growth LED Light, Internal Water Pump, 2 Coarse Filter Sponges, and 7 Plastic Plants (2 Large …
- MEASUREMENTS: Glass Tank = 9.75 (W) x 10.5 (D) x 11.75 (H) / Front Height = 6 / Back Height = 11.75 / LED Light = 4.5 (W) x 4.5 (D) x 6.25 (H) / Tank Water Volume = 1.85 Gallons
$131.47
Tier 6 (Made in USA)
- The AquaSprouts Garden is a self-sustaining aquarium & aquaponics kit for the home, office or school
- Fish fertilize the plants. Plants clean the water for the fish. Once up & running, aquaponics requires minimal water changes & no filter replacements
- Grow your favorite veggies, herbs and greens anywhere, all-year-round. No need for added fertilizers—let your fish friends provide the nutrients your plants need
- Perfect tool to explore how our natural environment works and great option for those with limited space
- Fits any standard 10-Gallon aquarium (approximately 20″ X 10″ X 12″) from any manufacturer (not included)
$174.89
Smooth Gardening’s Fountain Style Aquaponic Kit Picks
Tier 1 (Made in China)
- Transform Any Space with a Beautiful Waterfall Feature – Bring the sights and sounds of flowing water to indoor and outdoor areas, including homes, patios, balconies, offices, and gardens, creating a serene and relaxing …
- Complete Kit with LED Lighting & Pump – Includes a built-in LED waterfall light, energy-efficient water pump, low-suction attachment, and two types of decorative gravel for a beautiful display day or night.
- Customizable & Versatile Design – Personalize with aquatic plants, stones, driftwood, or fish to craft a unique, self-contained water feature that enhances any home or outdoor décor.
- Durable & Stylish Construction – Designed with a sleek, contemporary look in Steel Gray or Rustic Brown, this compact 23.5-inch wide container holds 5-7 gallons of water and integrates seamlessly into modern and natural …
- Quick & Simple Setup – Enjoy a low-maintenance water feature in minutes—just fill with water, plug it in, and relax as the gentle waterfall sound creates a calming ambiance for any environment.
$135.99
Tier 2 (Made in USA)
- Versatile Design: Explore aquaponics, hydroponics, and water gardening in one innovative system.
- Stylish Compact Footprint: Enhance any environment with its sleek and space-saving design.
- Hands-On Experience: Cultivate your own little piece of nature right at home.
- Remarkable Functionality: Discover the remarkable world of sustainable gardening methods.
- Captivating Water Feature: Enjoy the soothing presence of a charming fountain.
$155.95
Tier 3 (Made in USA)
- Versatile and customizable: Use as an aquaponic or hydroponic system, or simply as a water garden
- Relaxing and therapeutic: Soothing sound of flowing water can help reduce stress
- Easy to set up: Comes with everything you need for easy assembly
- Low maintenance: Minimal upkeep required, making it a hassle-free addition to your home or office
- Beautiful and eye-catching: Add a touch of beauty and a splash of life to any room with the AquaSprouts Fountain
$179.95
Smooth Gardening’s Large Aquaponic Kit Pick
(Made in USA)
- NO DIG NATURE POOL – Easy to build, parts click and fit together easily to set up in under an hour!
- INCLUDES FOUNTAIN PUMP – The kit includes our Pond Fountain Pump (pumps 184 gallons per hour) to help create a stunning water feature.
- COMPLETE WATER FEATURE KIT – Includes wood effect resin panels, fibre reinforced underlay, bird landing beach with planting pocket and wildlife ladder
- ATTRACT NATURE TO YOUR YARD – With this beautiful water feature you will attract birds and wildlife to your yard, the wildlife ladder is perfect and safe for frogs, toads and other water loving creatures
- PERFECT FOR YARDS, PATIOS & BALCONIES – Pool volume 42 gallons (190 litres), Pool dimensions 37.4” wide x 37.4” long x 14” high
$225.91
- Warm white Pond Lights: Each landscape light with 12 LED bulbs with 2500K warm white light. This underwater pond light only have stable Warm white lighting, give a vivid Warm white lighting for your landscape.
- 4 lights in 1 wire Pond Lights: This pond lights connected 4 lights in one wire, with one plug, the light heads can be adjusted 90 degrees, easy to install and use.
- IP68 Super Waterproof, The submersible LED light adopts a high-quality shell and rubber sealing ring which can withstand temperatures of -4°F-104°F. The IP68 waterproof design supports installation in outdoor scenes such…
- Wired Underwater Lights: This cord-electric powered outdoor spotlights will lighting no matter in winter, rainy days, cloudy days, or areas without sufficient sunshine, this are necessary for a stable outdoor landscape l…
- Safety 5V Low Voltage Light: Work with DC 5V output voltage and IP68 waterproof, this underwater pond light is safe for people and fish.
$29.99
- Solar-Powered Charging: These solar pool lights feature efficient solar panels that can fully charge within 6 hours under direct sunlight, providing up to 6 hours of illumination for creating nighttime pool ambiance with…
- Compact Size for Versatile Placement: Each mini floating pool lights measures 3.8″ x 3.3″, making them for easy floating in small pools, fountains, hot tubs, spas, or ponds. Tip: Keep away from pool drains, skimmers or f…
- IP66 Water-Resistant for Year-Round Use: Built with an IP66 water-resistant, these floating solar pool lights can withstand various weather conditions for all-season use in your garden, patio, or backyard, providing cons…
- Automatic On/Off Function: Equipped with a light-sensitive sensor, these solar floating pool lights automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn once the bottom switch is activated, requiring no manual intervention
- Versatile for Any Outdoor Event: These solar floating pool candles are versatile and can be used for various outdoor events such as pool parties, garden gathering, or BBQs. Their soft glow adds charm to parties, relaxati…
$43.99
- ENERGY SAVING: 3 different wattages of pond deicers for outdoor ponds of virtually any size, see our zone chart to choose the right wattage deicer for your pond in your zone
- THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED: Deicer is thermostatically controlled to turn on and off as needed to keep your pond from freezing over
- FLOATING & SUBMERSIBLE: Can be used as a floating pond deicer out of the box or in seconds converts to a submersible pond deicer
- SAFETY CERTIFIED: This pond heater has been tested & certified by MET Labs to exceed USA/CA electrical safety standards; IMPORTANT! Heating element must be submerged in water at all times when in use
- BRAND YOU TRUST: Designed by K&H with OVER 20 years of experience in creating safe, innovative, quality products for pets; Two-year limited warranty
$35.80
Bonus Products
- Package Include: You will receive 2 lb lightweight natural organic clay pebbles, the size of the diameter is about 4-16 mm. The leca clay balls was solid and which suitable for garden plants, small and medium-sized pots….
- Natural and Organic Leca Balls: Our organic clay pebbles are made of natural clay baked at high temperatures, which is lighter than soil, not easily damaged, and has a neutral PH value. Expanded clay aggregate smells odo…
- Drainage and Absorption: Expanded clay pebbles provide good drainage and water retention for plants. When clay pebbles are placed at the bottom of the pot, it prevents plant roots from rotting. Putting them on top not on…
- Premium Grow Media: Clay aggregate which porous structure can absorb water and retain nutrients, and its good aeration provides the right amount of oxygen for your plants. Additionally, our light expanded clay can improv…
- Wide Application: Our natural expanded clay pebbles is excellent grow media for plants, which great for orchid, succulent, cactus and olive tree. Also, lightweight clay pebbles are perfect for soilless culture, hydroponi…
- Clear Acrylic Plant Holder: 2PCS of clear acrylic aquarium plant holder is made of high-quality Acrylic, has a smooth surface, and is ideal for hanging in the aquarium fish tank.
- Holes Design: The holes in the fish tank plant holder allow plenty of water to flow through the roots which can form a good internal circulation of aquarium water. The holes at the bottom allow the roots to grow outward,…
- Easy to Use: This aquarium plant holder is uniquely designed and easy to use. It can be hung stably on the glass edge of various aquariums (glass thickness is less than 0.8 inch/2 cm) plant holder size is 3.15 x 3.15 x 2…
- Versatile and Aesthetic: Transparent material allows you to keep an eye on the growth of plants at any time. Ideal for growing aquatic plants or ferns, potted plants, greenery, bamboo, lotus, daffodils, water poppies, an…
- Perfect Choice: This aquarium plant holder is suitable for aquariums and fish tanks. It can provide a comfortable environment for fish growth, and also a great aquarium aquascape decoration. Whether you’re a novice or an…
$7.99
- 🍀2025 New Design🍀 – This aquarium plant holder is perfect for growing fully aquatic as well as semi-aquatic plants in your aquarium, it not only decorates your aquarium but also prevents fish from eating the plant roots.
- 🍀Unique Designs🍀 – There are many slits and holes around and at the bottom of the holder to ensure that water can flow through the roots of aquatic plants, thus creating good water circulation. If your aquatic plants are…
- 🍀For All Your Needs🍀 – This aquarium plant holder is uniquely designed and easy to use. It can be used in two ways, it can be hung stably on the glass edge of various aquariums (aquarium edge thickness is less than 1.57 …
- 🍀Safety and High Quality🍀 – This aquarium plant holder is made of High quality PP plastic, strong and durable, corrosion resistant, high temperature resistant, non-toxic and odorless, can provide a safe and healthy livin…
- 🍀Product Size🍀 – Aquarium plant holder size: 3.54 x 3.54 x 3.94 inches. Complete with 6 hooks: there are 3 sizes (0.4/0.8/1.57 inches) 2 of each size. Also comes with 2 suction cups: 1.18 x 0.43 inches. Product weight: 1…
$16.99
- 【Unique Design】: The upgraded aquarium plant holder allows plants like pothos to thrive by immersing their roots in the nutrient-rich water of the fish tank. With a hook design, it can be securely hung on various types o…
- 【Beneficial for Biological Cycle】: The porous design at the bottom of the aquarium plant holder promotes the growth of aquatic plant roots and creates good water circulation within the aquarium. This helps in the breedin…
- 【Aquatic Landscape】: Cultivating aquatic organisms can beautify and purify your aquarium. Our product enhances the visual appeal and purification effect of the aquarium. It adds lush greenery without taking up too much s…
- 【Premium Materials】: Our aquarium plant holder is made of high-quality plastic, providing a safe and healthy living environment for fish and other aquatic organisms. It is sturdy and durable, capable of decorating your a…
- 【Wide Application】: Suitable for planting various aquatic plants such as ferns, bamboo, lotus, daffodils, and water poppies. Our aquarium plant holder is versatile for diverse aquatic plant cultivation, giving you the fr…
$15.96
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Water Conservation: Uses up to 90% less water than conventional gardening
- Space Efficiency: Vertical growing allows for increased production in limited spaces
- Reduced Physical Effort: No digging, weeding, or heavy watering required
- Year-Round Production: Indoor systems enable continuous harvests regardless of weather
- Dual Harvests: Provides both protein (fish) and produce from one system
Disadvantages
- Initial Setup Complexity: Learning curve for balancing the ecosystem
- Regular Monitoring Required: Systems need consistent attention to water parameters
- Power Dependency: Most systems require continuous electricity for pumps
- Startup Costs: Higher initial investment than traditional container gardening
- Weight Considerations: Water-filled systems can be extremely heavy on floors
Special Considerations
For Maximum Accessibility
- Place systems where they can be accessed from multiple sides
- Install systems on sturdy surfaces at appropriate heights (30-36 inches for standing, 24-27 inches for seated use)
- Consider partial water changes rather than complete ones to reduce the weight of water being handled
- Use automatic feeders and timers to reduce daily maintenance requirements
- Look for systems with built-in water testing capabilities to simplify monitoring
Conclusion
Home aquaponics kits offer a creative approach to food production that can be adapted to various physical abilities and space constraints. The ideal system balances productivity with accessibility features. With thoughtful setup, aquaponics can provide years of productive, low-maintenance gardening.
For additional soil-less growing options, check out Smooth Gardening’s Buying Guides for Countertop Hydroponics Kits and Tower Hydroponic/Aeroponic Kits.
