As interest in sustainable food growing continues to rise across Australia, more backyard gardeners, hobby farmers, and commercial growers are turning to aquaponics. In Part 1 of our aquaponics blog series, we explored how to set up your aquaponics system for success. In Part 2, we focused on the best small fish varieties to support a thriving aquaponics ecosystem. Now, in Part 3, we shift the spotlight to the green side of the system—your plants. Let’s discover the best plants for aquaponics systems and how to take good care of them for maximum yield.
While system design and fish health are vital to success, one often underestimated component is plant selection and care. Choosing the best plants for aquaponics and nurturing them with the right conditions can dramatically boost your yield.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining an existing setup, this guide will help you get the most out of your aquaponics garden—while showing you how The Water Tank Factory’s poly aquaculture tanks can provide the ideal growing environment.
Best Plants for Aquaponics Success
What Makes a Plant Ideal for Aquaponics?
Not all plants thrive in soilless, water-based systems. To flourish in aquaponics, a plant should:
- Tolerate high moisture levels and have a strong, non-invasive root system
- Be well-suited to nutrient uptake in water environments (especially nitrogen and iron)
- Thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.8–7.4)
- Adapt to variable light and temperature conditions
- Offer quick or continuous harvests for better system efficiency
These traits help plants efficiently absorb nutrients produced by fish waste, grow rapidly, and stay resilient in fluctuating water conditions.
Top 10 Best Plants for Aquaponics
- Lettuce – Fast-growing, low nutrient demand, ideal for beginners
- Kale – Hardy, nutrient-rich, performs well in moderate climates
- Pak Choi (Bok Choy) – Compact and thrives in wet environments
- Spinach – Grows quickly with minimal maintenance
- Swiss Chard – Colourful and continually harvestable
- Basil – Loves warm water, aromatic, and nutrient-efficient
- Mint – Spreads quickly; excellent pest deterrent
- Tomatoes – Requires more nutrients but thrives with good care
- Strawberries – Compact and productive in vertical systems
- Watercress – Naturally aquatic, low maintenance, fast-growing
For higher yields and lower maintenance, leafy greens are the best place to start. As your system matures, experiment with more nutrient-hungry or fruiting plants.
Nutrient & Water Chemistry Management
Aquaponics relies on a delicate biological balance. Plants don’t receive fertiliser directly—nutrients come from fish waste, which bacteria convert into plant-available forms. This means managing your system’s nutrient cycle is key to successful aquaponics plant growth.
Pro Tips:
- Test water regularly for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH.
- Supplement iron if you notice leaf yellowing (chlorosis), a common deficiency.
- Watch potassium and calcium levels, especially with fruiting plants.
- Avoid using chemical additives that could harm fish or beneficial bacteria.
Choosing The Water Tank Factory’s poly aquaculture tanks helps maintain more stable water temperatures and nutrient distribution thanks to their food-grade polyethylene design and superior wall strength.
Light, Temperature & pH Optimisation
Plants in aquaponics systems need more than just nutrients—they also need the right environmental conditions.
- Light: Most plants require 12–16 hours of good-quality light per day. If using grow lights, ensure a full spectrum (especially for fruiting plants).
- Temperature: Keep your grow bed air temperatures between 18–26°C. Water temperature should generally range between 20–24°C.
- pH: Aim for 6.8–7.2 for the best compromise between plant, fish, and bacteria needs.
To support this, the Tank Factory’s aquaculture tanks are UV-stabilised and maintain consistent internal environments, making them ideal for both greenhouse and outdoor use.
Spacing, Pruning & Growth Techniques
Maximising yield means maximising space and plant health. Poor spacing or overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, root entanglement, and disease.
Plant Spacing:
- Leafy greens: 15–30 cm apart
- Tomatoes and large fruiting plants: 45–60 cm
- Vertical options: Stack leafy greens or herbs to increase production in tight spaces
Pruning Tips:
- Remove lower or yellowing leaves regularly to prevent mould and improve airflow
- Pinch off flower heads on herbs like basil to promote leafy growth
- Train fruiting plants (like tomatoes) with string or trellis supports to keep roots healthy and growth upward
Companion Planting & Vertical Growing
Companion planting is a traditional farming technique that also works well in aquaponics. It reduces pests and improves overall plant health.
Examples:
- Basil and tomatoes pair well
- Mint deters aphids but should be contained
- Marigolds (if grown in a separate bed) help ward off pests
For space efficiency, vertical systems allow you to grow multiple layers of produce without increasing your footprint. The Water Tank Factory’s aquaculture tanks are available in multiple sizes and styles, making them compatible with stacked or modular designs.
Why Choose The Water Tank Factory’s Poly Aquaculture Tanks?
The foundation of a successful aquaponics system is a reliable, food-safe, and structurally sound tank.
The Water Tank Factory offers:
- Poly aquaculture tanks made from food-grade, UV-stabilised polyethylene
- A wide range of sizes for residential or commercial systems
- Durable builds with extra shot-weight thickness, ensuring water integrity
- Seamless construction and superior insulation for temperature stability
Whether you’re building a backyard herb garden or a commercial greens operation, these tanks create the perfect aquatic environment for healthy plant roots.
Explore our Poly Aquaculture Tank Range
Smart Choices Lead to Bigger Harvests
Growing healthy plants in aquaponics systems comes down to selecting the right crops and giving them the conditions they need to thrive. With careful attention to water quality, light, spacing, and pruning—and by using high-quality aquaculture tanks like those offered by The Water Tank Factory—you can enjoy higher yields and a more sustainable food system at home or on the farm.
Ready to level up your aquaponics system? Discover Australia’s best aquaculture tank solutions at
www.watertankfactory.com.au