Tilapia are among the most sustainable species to grow for food. Tilapia are lower in sodium, fat and calories than most processed meats. Tilapia contain high amounts of protein, nutrients and healthy fatty acids that aid in heart health, vision and joint strength. It takes 5-10 pounds of feed to produce just one pound of beef or pork, whereas tilapia need only 1-2 pounds of feed to grow to one pound. Tilapia can grow from fry to harvest ready fish in just 42 weeks.

Aquaponics systems can grow a wide variety of vegetables, however, the best type of plants to grow are leafy greens and herbs that consume primary nitrogen. Fish produce a natural nitrogen-heavy fertilizer which is ideal for these crops. Seeds are started in the germination area where they grow for 2-3 weeks. Seedlings are then transplanted into the aquaponics system where they take just 21-28 days to reach maturity. With water, dissolved oxygen, nutrients from fish waste, and a controlled environment, aquaponically grown plants can yield 5-10 times more each year than soil-based farming methods, all while using 90% less water.