Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

My idea is to make a micro system
1 or 2 fish and 1 or 2 plants
I'm thinking of an Deep Water Culture
wanted to use bubble bars (things for small aquariums) and not using pumps
someone told me that I'll need a bacteria (to convert ammonia to nitrate) wanted to know where to find this kind of thing.
it is really necessary?
if it works I will gradually increase

My stepmother keeps a 1 beta fish in a large decorative bowl. She has a house plant that sits on top with it's roots dangling into the water. She uses no pump air or otherwise. This is what it sounds like you are trying to do.

Depending on the plant, more aeration may be necessary.

The fish bowl has substrate on the bottom for nitrification bacteria but she still has to clean the bowl every couple of weeks to deal with solids buildup.

I want to do it this way
I'll need a filter?
bacteria, where I can buy?
with 3-4 goldfish as I can plant?
I can only put air pumps for fish?

That picture is basically what i was describing. The fish load in the picture would require additional filtration but 3-4 small-medium sized fish as you describe would probably work.

Generally gold fish are a fine option for aquaponcs but with that design they will likely eat your plant roots rendering your plants weak and unhealthy. Tilapia will eat plant roots too.

In this design the filtration is the gravel at the bottom of the tank.. You will need to vacuum/clean the tank every few weeks to remove solids.


The bacteria are naturally occurring, you should do more reading about the basics of aquaponics.

most small aquaponics I saw had no filters
and I do not plan on an aquarium. this will be a test for something more complex.
I'll probably do in a plastic container (large)
I think the bacteria will not come in this "container"
if I do something big I'll need a filter?
most tanks I saw were filthy