Growing Fish, Feeding Plants, Serving People

Aquaponics at Roots Ministries‍

‍🌿 What Is Aquaponics?‍

Aquaponics is a closed-loop food production system where fish and plants grow together in harmony. Fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants help clean the water, which is then recirculated back to the fish. It’s like nature’s version of a stream— no synthetic fertilizers, no runoff, just pure biology doing what it does best. At Roots Ministries, our aquaponic setup brings together fish and plants grown in limestone gravel beds. We hope to move the systems into our high tunnel, using the warmth of the sun and biological activity to keep things running through the seasons. There can be many combinations of creatures in the systems. For example: In the fish tank, Bluegill fish for a meat protein and fertilizer creation, Fatmucket mussels at the bottom of the fish tank to filter solids floating around in the water, Duckweed in a wide, shallow bed above the fish tank to grow a plant protein feed for the fish and our chickens, White River crayfish in the sump to eat solid organic waste that settles at the bottom of the system, and plants like tomatoes, basil, and other herbs to absorb the nitrates from the fish. Our approach is a combination of strategies from Murray Hallam, Diana Walstad, and Louis Foxwell aka Father Fish.

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🐟 How Our System Works‍

Our 400-gallon system is made up of:

• 275-gallon fish tank (for Fish and mussels)
• 100-gallon sump tank (home to our crayfish)
• 35-gallon duckweed tray
• Three 4x4x1 ft gravel grow beds
• A recirculating pump that moves water from sump to fish, through the beds, and back again
  

• Fish Options: We've used Tilapia and Comet Gold fish, but we would like to experiment with Bluegill and Fathead minnows as well.

Fish waste and uneaten food break down in the water, and beneficial bacteria convert ammonia into nitrates — which plants love. The gravel beds filter and oxygenate the water before sending it back clean and refreshed to the fish.‍

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🪱 The Role of Worms

We add Red Wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida) to our grow beds. These unsung heroes help:

• Break down solids and organic matter
• Prevent anaerobic (stinky) zones
• Improve nutrient availability for plants
  

Think of them as micro-livestock — constantly turning waste into gold (well, worm castings), and keeping the whole system biologically alive.

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💡 Why We Chose Aquaponics‍

Aquaponics fits perfectly with our mission:

• Low-input, high-yield: It makes the most out of water and nutrients.
• Educational: Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the synergy between fish and plants.
• Adaptable: we have rocky ground, so we have learned to grow food in the rocks.

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🛠 DIY Tips for Beginners

Want to build your own system? Here are a few starter tips:

• Start small: Even a 10-gallon desktop system can teach you the basics.
• Focus on balance: Test water parameters regularly. Keep fish, bacteria, and plants happy.
• Don’t overfeed: Overfeeding is the #1 beginner mistake. Keep it light and consistent.
• Choose hardy fish: Bluegill, tilapia, or pond goldfish are great for learning.

We’ve kept things simple, using gravel instead of media like clay pellets, and feeding our Bluegill black soldier fly larvae, duckweed, and the occasional laying pellets that we feed our chickens.‍

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🌎 The Bigger Picture

Our aquaponics system isn’t just about growing food — it’s about demonstrating the cycles of life and showing the part each creature plays. It's a system that highlights interdependence, resilience, and regeneration.

Whether it’s a tomato plucked in winter or a fish grown from fingerling to feast, every piece of this system tells the same story: We can feed people, care for creation, and point to something deeper — all at the same time.

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Peace to you,

Nate Hale

Roots Ministries