Aquaponics Calculator
Design your perfect aquaponics system by calculating fish stocking ratios, grow bed size, pump flow rate, and media volume requirements.
Gallons Per Fish = Tank Volume / Number of Fish
Recommended Fish = Tank Volume / 5 (gallons per fish)
Recommended Grow Bed = Tank Volume / 7 (gallons per sq ft)
Pump Flow Rate = Tank Volume (minimum GPH)
Media Volume = Grow Area x (Depth / 12)
Example: 100-gallon tank, 20 fish, 16 sq ft grow bed
Gallons Per Fish = 100 / 20 = 5 gallons
Stocking Level = Balanced
Recommended Fish = 100 / 5 = 20 fish
Recommended Grow Area = 100 / 7 = 14.3 sq ft
Pump Flow Rate = 100 GPH minimum
Media Volume = 16 x 1 = 16 cu ft
What is the ideal fish to water ratio for aquaponics?
The ideal ratio is 1 pound of fish per 5-10 gallons of water. Start conservatively with 5-7 gallons per fish (assuming 1 lb fish). Monitor water quality and adjust stocking levels as your system matures.
How big should my grow bed be for aquaponics?
A good rule of thumb is 1 square foot of grow bed per 5-10 gallons of fish tank. For a 100-gallon tank, aim for 10-20 square feet of grow bed area with 12 inches of depth.
What pump size do I need for aquaponics?
Your pump should cycle the entire tank volume at least once per hour. For a 100-gallon tank, use a minimum 100 GPH pump. Many systems use 150-200% of tank volume per hour for better circulation.
🔗 Related Calculators
📐 Formula
Gallons Per Fish = Tank Volume / Number of Fish
Recommended Fish = Tank Volume / 5 (gallons per fish)
Recommended Grow Bed = Tank Volume / 7 (gallons per sq ft)
Pump Flow Rate = Tank Volume (minimum GPH)
Media Volume = Grow Area x (Depth / 12)
📝 Example Calculation
Example: 100-gallon tank, 20 fish, 16 sq ft grow bed
Gallons Per Fish = 100 / 20 = 5 gallons
Stocking Level = Balanced
Recommended Fish = 100 / 5 = 20 fish
Recommended Grow Area = 100 / 7 = 14.3 sq ft
Pump Flow Rate = 100 GPH minimum
Media Volume = 16 x 1 = 16 cu ft
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal fish to water ratio for aquaponics?▼
The ideal ratio is 1 pound of fish per 5-10 gallons of water. Start conservatively with 5-7 gallons per fish (assuming 1 lb fish). Monitor water quality and adjust stocking levels as your system matures.
How big should my grow bed be for aquaponics?▼
A good rule of thumb is 1 square foot of grow bed per 5-10 gallons of fish tank. For a 100-gallon tank, aim for 10-20 square feet of grow bed area with 12 inches of depth.
What pump size do I need for aquaponics?▼
Your pump should cycle the entire tank volume at least once per hour. For a 100-gallon tank, use a minimum 100 GPH pump. Many systems use 150-200% of tank volume per hour for better circulation.