Calculators
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Real Gear Reviews
The cheap option is usually fine. When it isn't, this site says so. Reviews include real cost-of-ownership math, not "5 stars on Amazon" reasoning.
Why this page exists
Aquaponics content online splits into commercial-scale academic papers and Instagram setups that won't survive winter. This site is run by a person who has actually crashed an aquaponic system or two.
The ratios here are conservative because real systems have pump failures, real fish die, real plants get root rot. Theoretical Rakocy ratios assume everything works perfectly. The calculators bake in margin for the times it doesn't.
Gear actually worth buying
Smart eBay searches we'd start with ourselves. We earn a small commission on qualifying sales through these links; the price you pay is the same whether you use them or go direct to eBay. Full disclosure.
Aquaponics air pump + airstonesDissolved oxygen is the invisible variable most beginners under-engineer. More air than you think.
Water test kit (API freshwater)API Master Test Kit is the reference for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH. Buy the liquid kit, not strips.
Grow lights (full spectrum LED)For indoor systems: full-spectrum quantum board panels outperform blurple lights by meaningful margins.
Grow media (hydroton / clay pebbles)Expanded clay is the standard media for flood-and-drain beds. Rinse thoroughly before use.