Downloads
Here we have provided you with different information sources, so that you can go and search for more information yourself. Please be aware that aquaponics is growing very quickly around the world, because of this rapid growth it’s very difficult to keep this list updated with the newest information, however we will try to keep things as up-to-date as possible.
Firstly you will find links to free information, these are either PDF or Microsoft Word Document files that you can download, as well as large depositories of good information.
The IBC of Aquaponics
This is the first release of a manual designed to introduce beginners to Aquaponics as well as inform and inspire experienced Aquaponics enthusiasts. The IBC of Aquaponics manual is an interactive PDF; with links to Youtube and Google Sketchups of up to 20 systems and an interactive menu. All systems were designed and created by contributors of the Backyard Aquaponics forum across the globe, from the USA to Hungary to Australia. It provides a comprehensive photo library of the systems and information on the process involved in their creation.
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Backyard Aquaponics Magazine
The first edition of the Backyard Aquaponics magazine is available as a free download. The issue was put together by the administrators and moderators of the Backyard Aquaponics Forum, as an informational source to explain the basics of aquaponics, and how aquaponics works. It was also the forerunner for the continuing editions of the BYAP Magazine, that can be bought through subscriptions in both an electronic format as well as a printed glossy magazine, which we have just started to produce.
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The first edition of the magazine is free, and available for download by clicking on any of the sample pages above, it is a 5MB PDF file with 36 pages. Further information about the BYAP Magazine and subsequent editions are available on the BYAP Magazine website.
Travis Hughey
Travis Hughey’s Barrel-Ponics manual has been a tremendous help to people around the world. Travis wrote the “How To” manual about the aquaponic systems he developed using barrels / drums, he then released it to everyone, free of charge, so that they could build their own aquaponics systems from cheap recycled materials.
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His 101 page manual comes in the form of a 3 MB PDF file that can be downloaded from this link.
Travis also has a website that he keeps updated with lots of information, and he writes frequent articles for the Backyard Aquaponics Magazine. You can visit his website here
ATTRA Aquaponics – Integration of Hydroponics with Aquaculture
This informational paper was put together by Steve Diver of NCAT, the National Centre for Appropriate Technology, which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. Steve wrote a paper about aquaponics during the 1990’s but with the rise in populartity of aquaponics over the past decade, he felt that the paper needed to be rewritten to include the latest information and references.
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This is an extensive reference paper, considering it’s only 28 pages long. Filled with links and information it’s well worth downloading and having a read through.
It can be viewed online through the attra site here.
Or it can be downloaded as a 1.2 MB PDF through their website or by clicking the sample pages above.
ATTRA Aquaponics – Original
This informational paper was put together by Steve Diver, an NCAT Agriculture Specialist in February 2000. This is Steves original paper on aquaponics, and contains a variety of information, it is quite different from his above paper.
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This article can be downloaded as a 0.4 MB PDF through our website or by clicking the sample pages above.
It can be viewed online through the attra site here.
Integrated Agri-Aquaculture Systems
A very interesting and substantial paper produced in Australia, by the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation in 1993, this document was presented as a report of different methods being practiced by some farmers, in combining agriculture and aquaculture. Various examples of working integrated systems are sighted in great detail.
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This is an extensive paper well worth reading, especially if you are interested in the commercial side of aquaponics, and the different methods of integrating aquaculture and agriculture. RIRDC are an Australian government organisation, that help to research and establish new technologies within the rural sector, there’s lots of interesting information on their website here.
The Integrated Agri-Aquaculture system paper, is 189 pages long, the 1.2 MB PDF download is available directly from their site through this link or by clicking the sample pages above.
Aquaponics – Common Sense Guide
This document is a summary of months of researching and experimenting with aquaponics. The author Michael Tezel, who is based in San Antonio, TX, USA, is a member of the BYAP forum and shares his insight with readers. This PDF is a great tool for the novice and experienced alike, as it provides up-to-date information, from a wide variety of sources. The author provides great detail on various methods of draining and siphoning water from the growbeds. Michael also provides readers with a highly detailed troubleshooting page which can be used as a quick reference, if you encounter any problems with your system.
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The Common Sense Guide to Aquaponics, is 28 pages long, the 0.5 MB PDF download is available directly from our site through this link or by clicking the sample pages above.
Aquaponics – Integrating Fish and Plant Culture
This 16 page paper, is about the University of Virgin Islands aquaponic systems and research. This paper was predominantly written by Dr James Rakocy, who is commonly known as one of the leading experts in the field of aquaponics, in the world today. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the commercial side of aquaponics.
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The PDF is a 300 Kb download that can either be downloaded by clicking on the sample pages above.
Alternatively you can visit their website here
Small Unit Aquaponics
This 15 page manual, is an interesting read for those wanting to build their own system from recycled materials, like 200L blue barrels. Written by Dr Paul and Bonnie Range, from oneseedling.com. Paul and Bonnie have been involved in aquaponics for many years. They’ve also been involved in many other areas of intergrated and alternative agriculture, and alternative energy production. This is a must read for the DIY aquaponics enthusiast.
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This PDF is only a 1.7 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
On-Farm Food Safety – Aquaponics
This eight page guide demonstrates how all commercial aquaponics businesses should handle produce, to maximise health and safety of the consumer and employee. The paper was put together by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, which is based in Hawaii. It is a very useful and informative document for anyone thinking about operating an Aquaponics Business.
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This PDF is only a 0.6 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
Alternative you can visit their website here
Update on Tilapia and Vegetable Production in The UVI Aquaponic System
This is a PDF version of a PowerPoint presentation, about the UVI aquaponic systems. The 49 page PDF has some fantastic pictures of their aquaponic system, along with detailed production figures. This is essential reading for anyone who is looking into the commercial aspect of aquaponics.
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This PDF is only a 1.5 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
Alternative you can visit their website here
Cabbage Hill Farm – Aquaponics
This is a PDF version of a PowerPoint presentation, about Cabbage Hill Farm and their aquaponics system. They are an organisation that is dedicated to the practice of sustainable agriculture, particularly focused on aquaponics. This PDF gives a comprehensive view of their system, and is a vital tool for any commercial grower.
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This PDF is only a 7.8 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
Alternative you can visit their website here
Evaluation and Development of Aquaponics and Product Market Capabilities in Alberta
This is an extremely indepth document. A 190 page report on commercial aquaponics based in Alberta, Canada, an extensive study by Dr Nick Savidov, of the Crops Diversification Centre. Dr Savidov has worked extensively in aquaponics for many years now, and this paper is a testament to his work. This report includes many tables and graphs, giving details to the production levels achieved, with their aquaponics systems. Essential reading for anybody looking at commercial capabilities of aquaponics.
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This PDF is only a 3.4 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
Alternatively you can visit their website here
Simplified Aquaponics Manual
Another aquaponics manual by Dr Paul and Bonny Range. This is another essential read for the DIY enthusiast. 16 pages with lots of pictures and diagrams, as well as instructions on building, initialising and operating an aquaponic system, made from predominantly recycled materials.
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This PDF is only a 1.5 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
Alternatively you can visit their website here
Aquaponics And Food Safety
This is very interesting read from Gordon Chalmers, about aquaponics, and how it can help solve many of the food production issues we currently face. If your after colourful pictures this probably won’t be for you, however if you like lots of information, then this 114 page document is definitely worth a download.
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This PDF is only a 0.5 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
Primeron Solar Aquaculture – Aquaponics
An in-depth article on the emergence of alternative Aquaculture practises, that lead the way to more advanced production of fish. The research put forth the idea that certain chemistry within the water, directly affected the growth and health of fish. This document outlines the basic findings and theories, and discusses the Zweig Pond – which uses plants to filter the aquaculture water.
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This PDF is only a 4.5 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
Master Aquaponics Report
This lengthy PDF focuses on Aquaponics in Barbados. The document outlines relevant fish species, plant crops and commercial production information. It also outlines alternative ways of practising aquaponics, such as using coconut husks as a medium. There is also some detail about specific plant nutrients and the requirements for commercial crops.
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This PDF is only a 3 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above. Courtesy of Damien Hinkson and the students at McGill University.
International Specialised Skills Institute – Aquaponics
A very detailed document, outlining various developments in the aquaculture and hydroponics industry; some of which can be used in aquaponics systems. Andrew S de Dezsery, was sponsored by the Australian Government to put together this report, and these are his findings.
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This PDF is only a 1.7 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
Aquaponics Design
An indepth look at various aspects of an aquaponics system. This document follows on from the Master Aquaponics Report. A fair amount of detail and some great diagrams and pictures make this document a good read.
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This PDF is only a 2.8 MB download and can be downloaded by clicking this link or clicking the sample pages above.
Bill Mollison Permaculture
Bill Mollison is the founder of permaculture, and has released hundreds of articles, books, DVDs, CDs and information packages to help promote more sustainable practices. Bill is a fantastic presenter and speaks with such passion and enthusiasm. We have been able to source a fairly good quality recording of one of Bill Mollisions’ presentations for you to download. This was a workshop that he ran in Nannup, Western Australia.
Note: these recordings have been compressed for ease of downloading, at the expense of sound quality.
Nannup workshop Part 1 (3.8Mb)
Many thanks to Jeff Nugent and Bill Mollison for making the above two downloads available.
Small articles and information
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Two Page document describing alternative agriculture techniques. |
Two page article about a school based aquaponic system. |
An article on using an existing fish pond to grow vegetables – two pages. |
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| Small article on Morning Stars’ commercial aquaponics system. | Can aquaponics be the answer to Australias’ salinity problem? | A quick read on an alternative commercial aquaponics system. |
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| Is aquaponics the answer to inner-city living? Interesting read. | Short article on the emergence of backyard aquaculture / aquaponics. | Article focus on backyard aquaponis and the benefits for families. |
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| Comprehensive article on the University of Virgin Islands’ aquaponics system. | Short article on the University of Arizonas’ aquaponics system. |
Links to websites
Websites come and websites go, it seems that aquaponics websites are springing up all over the place. As such, this is by no means a comprehensive list of aquaponics related websites, it is however a list of sites that have generally been established for a while, and have some interesting information.
The place to begin, the original pioneers of media based aquaponic systems, bringing aquaponics to the masses. You should definitely visit Paulas’ site and join her aquaponics list where you can talk with people from all around the world, who are interested in aquaponics.
One of the better websites for information on aquaponics. Based in the United States with an array of information available, including the only publication specifically focused on aquaponics, available both in printed form and also electronic PDF format bi-monthly.
aquaponicgardening.wordpress.com/
A blog site with lots of information about what’s happening within the aquaponics industry in the US. Great information.
Aquaponica is a unique new company in Western Australia, specifically aimed at helping people get their own aquaponic system set up at their house.
attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/aquaponic
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas is a fantastic site for information on aquaponics, and so much more. The site also contains information and links to many other sites and sources.
Ethical food production, including a reasonable size aquaponic system, as well as many other farm production systems, and heritage plants and animals.
A site put together by Mike, a long time member of Paulas aquaponics list. If you go to Mikes links page, he has arranged an incredible number of links sorted by subject matter, that are well worth looking at.
Aquaponics company based in Victoria.
