Jennifer: What are you reading?
Eric: I’m reading an article about aquaponics. It’s a way of growing plants without soil. We can also grow plants and raise fish in just one system.
Jennifer: Is that possible?
Eric: We’ll see. I’m going to try it at home for my science project.

Fish, bacteria, and plants are the main parts of aquaponics. After you feed the fish, they produce waste. The waste is turned into food for the plants by bacteria. The plants clean the water by consuming the food. This process is repeated again and again!

Home Aquaponics
by Eric Jackson
Questions: How can I make an aquaponics system at home? Why is aquaponics good?
Period: From May 15 to August 15
Materials: a pot & small stones, a fish tank, a plastic tube, a water pump, plants, some fish, a box cutter, clay

Steps:
1. I made holes in the bottom of a pot. Then I put small stones and plants in it.
2. I made a big hole in the lid of the fish tank and put the pot in the hole.
3. I fixed the pot in place with clay.
4. I made another hole in the lid and put a tube through it.
5. I put a water pump in the fish tank. I used the tube to connect the pump to the pot.
6. I filled the fish tank with water and put some fish in it. Then I turned on the pump.

Results
From this experiment, I grew my plants and raised fish with aquaponics. I just fed the fish, but the plants have grown 17 centimeters in three months. The fish stay healthy and the water is clean all the time.

Conclusion
Some important things about aquaponics were learned from this experiment. First, water is saved because the plants don’t need watering. Second, it is good for the environment because no chemicals are used. Finally, you can do aquaponics anywhere because it doesn’t need much space.

I found out...
Some farmers use aquaponics to produce vegetables and raise fish. They choose aquaponics because it is far easier than traditional gardening. Also, it is a much more productive way of growing food. The plants grow much faster than plants in soil, and it saves space. I hope more food is produced in this way in the future because it is healthy for us and the environment.