The solar pond is the best example of a simple yet efficient backyard
aquaponic system. A large barrel or plastic vessel is filled with de-
chlorinated water and fish. The top part of the barrel is covered with a
specially designed grow bed. Seedlings and seeds are transplanted into the
grow bed.
Slowly, the maturing root systems of the seedlings will reach the surface of
the water. The fish, on the other hand, will continue to feed and excrete
waste into the water. Beneficial bacteria will break down the feces and the
excess fish feed in the water.
The nutrient soup that will result after the bacteria are done with the waste in
the water will then nourish the growing plants on top. In this setup, the roots
of the plants are continually in contact with the water.
This setup does not require a water pump, because the roots of the plants are
always in contact with the source of the nutrients – the water. In a slightly
larger setup, an elevated holding tank transfers water to the grow beds
through a flooding mechanism. Excess water from the grow bed will then
move to a sump pit. A motorized pump will then return the water to the
holding tank to begin the cycle once again.
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