Choosing the type of your aquaponics system aquaponic systems come in three configurations including raft nft nutrient film technique and media filled bed the raft system aka float deep channel deep flow involves growing plants on polystyrene rafts which float on water in a tank separate from the fish tank this system involves a closed circuit water flow from the fish tank into the . 2 fifty dollar tabletop aquaponics by garden thrifty another tank upgrade system an aquarium of only 10 gallons is a home for the fish and a simple matching pvc pipe with end caps plays the role of a hydroponic plant bed because it is so simple cheap and affordable it makes a great first try at aquaponic and a good opportunity to educate children in your home on your class about . Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture fish farming and hydroponics growing plants in a nutrient solution you can create a self sustainable garden with limited space and resources to grow your organic food with aquaponics a simple aquaponics system involves growing plants and raising fish with the help of beneficial bacteria. The aquaponics system solves most problems faced in hydroponic and fish raising systems providing a stable balanced amount of plant nutrients devoid of additional fertilizer while disposing of the wastes that build up from fish and food in aquaculture tanks