Aquaponics in the UAE: How Systems Work and What They Cost

Aquaponics grows plants and keeps fish in one connected loop. Fish waste feeds the plants, and the plants take nutrients out of the water before it returns to the fish. It is a compact way of growing food or herbs, and it suits homes, hotels and offices that want a productive feature. Our systems start from AED 10,000.

How the loop works

1. Fish in a tank produce waste that contains ammonia.
2. Bacteria convert it into nitrates, which plants can use.
3. Water is pumped to grow beds where plants absorb the nutrients.
4. Clean water returns to the fish.

A balance between the number of fish, the amount of feed and the number of plants keeps the system stable.

Aquaponics or hydroponics?

Hydroponics grows plants in nutrient solution that you supply, without fish. Aquaponics adds the fish and uses their waste as the nutrient source, which makes it more complex but also a living system. We design both, see aquaponics and hydroponics systems.

What grows well

Leafy greens and herbs suit most systems because they need modest nutrients. Larger fruiting plants need more mature, more heavily stocked systems.

Challenges in the UAE

• Heat. Water temperature has to stay in a range that suits the fish and the plants.
• Water quality. Local water can be hard and needs monitoring.
• Light. Indoors, plant lighting is part of the design.

What it costs

Price depends on the size, the layout, lighting, tank size and whether it is built into a room or freestanding. Systems from Water Wonders start from AED 10,000. Running costs are electricity, feed, water and a little attention.

FAQ

Is an aquaponics system hard to run?

It needs regular, light attention, and a stable system is more forgiving than a poorly designed one.

Can I install it indoors?

Yes, with suitable lighting and space for the tank and the grow beds.

Read about the aquaponics and hydroponics service or ask for a design.

Further reading: Aquaponics (Wikipedia) | Hydroponics (Wikipedia)