If you want to have a crack at aquaponics, you can try it yourself on a smaller scale using the mason jar method. Despite it’s name, it’s actually advised that you don’t use a classic mason jar because they are far too small to accommodate a fish.
1. Choose Your Habitat
You can use any container you like, just consider the three main requirements: size, shape, and
opening. The size of course depends on the size of the creature you are keeping in the jar.
2. Choose a Creature
Betta fish are the most common creature for home aquaponics, but you can also use Endlers, Zebra Danio, ghost shrimp, assassin snails and African dwarf frogs, although larger containers are necessary to accommodate frogs.
3. Choose a Plant
Almost any plant can be grown in mason jar aquaponics, but perhaps the best are herbs and leafy greens. A smaller mason jar system will struggle to sustain a larger fruit or vegetable plant (such as tomatoes), but it’s not impossible!
4. The essentials
To get your system up and running, you will need a few more essentials. Firstly, a pot. This is anything that will hold your plant, and sit comfortably in the top of the mason jar.
You will also need a growth medium to sit on the bottom of the tank, as well as in the pot. It should be relatively small, as a larger surface area allows for more helpful bacteria, but not so small that it falls through your pot and into the water. Think small gravel as opposed to large gravel or sand.
Although having a live plant in the container isn’t essential, it’s recommended to have one in any aquaponics system for cleaning and oxygenation. Just one plant offers cleaning, a hiding place, and entertainment for your creature; and a
good plant saves time on water changes.
Animals don’t belong in jars. If you feel compelled to try this yourself, please be sure to use a container that can hold at least 3.8 litres of water. -ed
The Bowland Lady 