Indoor Aquaponics Kits: The Best 5 for Beginners

If you’re short on space or don’t like digging in the dirt, an indoor aquaponics kit could be an enjoyable solution. Aquaponics systems use fish and plants so they help each other. The $5 scientific term for that is “symbiotic relationship.”

These systems have one or more fish in a tank or pond. Large systems use food fish to double-harvest plants and fish.

Beneficial bacteria convert the waste matter from the fish into nutrients for the plants. A pump delivers the nutrient-rich water to the plants.

The plants are above the tank and in a grow media of pebbles or perlite. Some aquaponic systems don’t need a pump because the plants’ roots are in the water tank. In a well-designed system, the plants filter and clean the water. That way, the fish benefit from improved water quality.

Would you like to know more about aquaponics?  The Aquaponics Journal has a variety of free, interesting articles on the subject.

Since so many kits are available, the list below should help you decide. Most of these are small indoor setups, so they’re perfect aquaponics starter kits for beginners.

1. Back To The Roots Aquaponics Garden

Back to the Roots Indoor Aquaponic Garden – 3 Gallon Self Watering, Mess-Free Planter and Self-Cleaning Fishtank for Herbs, Microgreens, Bamboo, Succulents, and Houseplants, support Fish

• YEAR ROUND WATER GARDEN: The Back to the Roots Water Garden Duo allows you to grow a succulent or houseplant garden all year round and comes with everything you need to get started – no green thum or big backyard needed.
• CONVENIENT AND EASY: Harvest organic microgreens from your aquarium in just 10 days; Your Water Garden becomes a self-cleaning fish tank that also grows fresh food up top; The fish waste fertilizes the plants on top and the plants clean the water.
• THE PERFECT LIVING HOME DECOR OR GIFT: Each Back to the Roots Water Garden Duo comes with a free STEM curriculum on aquaponic and hydroponic systems to encourage your kids to learn more about it; This award-winning ecoystem is also the perfect gift.
• COMPLETE AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM KIT: This DIY aquaponic fish tank kit is fully equipped with everything you need to get started – radish and wheatgrass seeds, water conditioner, a growing medium for your seeds to take root, water dechlorinator, fish food, and even a fish coupon
• MADE IN THE USA: Back to the Roots indoor gardening kits are crafted with care in the USA. For any concerns with your kit’s performance, please contact us for assistance. Refill kits are also available

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This mini indoor kit is ideal for growing herbs or microgreens. It consists of a small fish tank under the planter and a pump to deliver water to your plants. This kit includes a coupon to help you buy the fish.

2. Sweetsea Wall-Mounted Garden

Sweetsea Hanging Wall Mounted Fish Bowl Betta Tank Aquarium Wall Decor Plant Fish Bubble – Clear (Medium)

• Wall-mounted design saves space
• Ideal for small fish, goldfish and live plants
• High quality clear acrylic is bright and durable
• Size: 9inch x 9inch x 4inch
• Easy to install. One cute wall hanging fish bowl and planter. Ideal gifts and unique home decor and wall decor.

$21.99

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If you’re short on space, the Sweetsea Wall-Mounted Garden could be an option. This is a wall-mounted fishbowl and planter. Since the plant roots are in the tank, no pump is necessary. The tank holds about ½ gallon of water, so there’s room for one or two small fish.

3. Penn Plax Aquaponics Planter

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Penn-Plax (APON1) Aquaponic Planter and Aquarium for Betta Fish Tank Promotes Healthy Hydroponic Environment for Plants and Fish

• BETTA TANK and HYDROPONIC PLANTER: See nature in motion through our Aqua-Ponic Tanks. Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environment for fish and plants.
• YOUR BETTA’S NEW HOME: Bettas are the most popular fish for our 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank. With that said, please decrease the water level about an inch, giving them enough space to breathe from the water’s surface. Weekly partial water changes are highly recommended.
• SUGGESTED PLANTS: Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We recommend using established plants instead of starting from seed.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retain water and support the root growth for any plant you choose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, allowing the runoff to enter the tank. As for feeding your fish, you’ll need to lift the black plastic top.
• MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 5.9″ (Dia) x 8.25″ (H) / Tank Interior = 4.25″ (Dia) x 7″ (H) / Enclosed Pot = 5.9″ (Dia) x 2.25″ (H)

$19.99 −21% $15.79

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The Penn Plax Aquaponic Fish Tank doesn’t need a pump since the plant roots are in the tank. The holder for the grow bed is ceramic.

The manufacturer recommends betta fish, bloodfin tetra, or white cloud minnows in the fish tank. This is a mini aquaponics kit since it’s one of the smallest indoor kits and easy to set up.

4. AquaSprouts Garden Desktop Aquaponics System

AquaSprouts Aquaponics Garden, Self-Sustaining Desktop Aquarium Hydroponics Ecosystem Kit, fits Standard 10 Gallon Aquariums

• The AquaSprouts Garden is a self-sustaining aquarium & aquaponics kit for the home, office or school
• Fish fertilize the plants. Plants clean the water for the fish. Once up & running, aquaponics requires minimal water changes & no filter replacements
• Grow your favorite veggies, herbs and greens anywhere, all-year-round. No need for added fertilizers—let your fish friends provide the nutrients your plants need
• Perfect tool to explore how our natural environment works and great option for those with limited space
• Fits any standard 10-Gallon aquarium (approximately 20″ X 10″ X 12″) from any manufacturer (not included)

$174.89

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This attractive unit would make an excellent first choice for an apartment aquaponics kit. It requires a standard 10-gallon fish tank with the dimensions 20 inches X 10 inches X 12 inches.

The submersible pump has a water flow rate of 160 gallons per hour. That will get a good flow of fish waste to the plants. Controlling the water pump is easy with the included timer.

Whether you’re growing plants for fresh food or decoration, this compact indoor garden is a winner. It also includes an overhead bar for attaching a grow light. See below for a 10-gallon tank that will fit this item.

Tetra 10-gallon Aquarium, Complete Kit

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Tetra Aquarium, 10 Gallon, Complete Tropical Fish Tank Kit with LED Lighting for Freshwater Fish

• GLASS AQUARIUM KIT: The starter kit includes one glass aquarium with a low-profile, hinged hood, an LED lighting system, an internal filter and filter cartridge, a water conditioner sample, a food sample and a setup and maintenance guide.
• LED LIGHTING: Energy-efficient LEDs give you a beautiful natural daylight effect.
• FILTRATION SYSTEM: The included Tetra Internal Filtration System features mechanical filtration to catch debris and chemical filtration with Ultra-Activated Carbon for removal of odors, discoloration and toxins.
• EASY SETUP: Aquarium kit includes items you need to create a healthy home for your fish*.
• SIZE: This 10-gallon glass aquarium measures 20 inches wide by 10 inches deep by 12 inches high.

$99.49 −13% $86.28

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This tank is the perfect size for the Aquasprouts Garden Desktop Aquaponics System.

5. EcoLife Indoor Aquaponics Garden System

ECO-Cycle Aquaponics Indoor Garden System with LED Lighting

• Grow fresh organic produce all year long on your 20 gallon fish tank with no water changes
• Fish fertilize the plants. Plants clean the water for the fish in this closed loop, sustainable system
• Advanced, programmable LED lights help your plants grow faster using less energy. 4 grow settings, remote control, and built in timer give you the most efficient, easy to use system available
• Instructional videos, email and phone support included. Tank not included
• Excellent learning tool for all ages with curriculum offered for teachers

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If you already have a 20-gallon fish tank, this unit can turn it into a larger indoor aquaponics system. The plant tray is large enough to grow full-sized plants, not just microgreens or herbs. This unit includes LED grow lights, a remote control, and a built-in timer. See below for a 20-gallon tank that will fit this system.

Tetra 20-gallon Aquarium Tank For EcoLife Indoor Aquaponics System

Tetra Aquarium, 20 Gallon, Complete Tropical Fish Tank Kit With LED Lighting And Decor For Freshwater Fish

• GLASS AQUARIUM KIT: The kit includes one glass aquarium with a low-profile, hinged hood, an LED lighting system, an internal filter and filter cartridge, an aquarium heater and thermometer, a water conditioner sample
• LED LIGHTING: Energy-efficient LEDs give you a beautiful natural daylight effect.
• FILTRATION SYSTEM: The included Tetra Internal Filtration System features mechanical filtration to catch debris and chemical filtration with Ultra-Activated Carbon for removal of odors, discoloration and toxins.
• EASY SETUP: Aquarium kit includes items you need to create a healthy home for your fish*.
• SIZE: This 20-gallon glass aquarium measures 24 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 16 inches high

$119.14

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This Aqueon unit provides a good place for the fish to live when using the EcoLife System shown above.

An Outdoor Aquaponics Kit

Corisrx Floating Aquaponics Planters

G&B 8Plugs /1pc Aquaponics Floating Pond Planter Basket- Hydroponic Island Gardens

• DIY floating plant baskets make planting and maintenance easy, especially for ponds that don’t have adequate plant shelves.
• They provide excellent soil containment and protect plants from fish.
• The buoyant PVC float ensures that the baskets stay at the surface.
• The plant baskets also provide shade and protection for fish.
• Cup 2-1/2-inch diameter.Kit of : 1 floater +8 planting Cup+3 Fixing band.

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All the items above are indoor kits, but this one is ideal for outside. If you already have a koi pond, this will get you started with aquaponics.

The Floating Pond Planter Kit includes two floating trays holding eight planting cups. Since the roots of the plants are in the pond water, it doesn’t need a pump.

Your plants’ roots go through the bottom of the planter for exposure to the water. The fish in your koi pond produce waste, and that waste fertilizes the plants.

Would you like to see more unique gardening products? See our catalog of gifts for gardeners.

Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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