Aquaponics is the raising of fish and plants in a recirculating ecosystem. The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants. Bacteria and plants help to clean the water for the fish.

Elms' aquaponics system was installed in April 2018.  Although we first tried tilapia, we now have goldfish and coy in our 300+ gallon tank. The fish provide nutrients to the plants, while the plants provide oxygen to the fish.

We currently have 7 fish and have planted Romaine Lettuce, basil, green string beans, sugar snap peas, broccoli, kale, radishes, and parsley seeds.   Students are learning how to test the fish tank water for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

Video for students (9 minutes): Aquaponics: Why and How it Works

Video for adults (16 minutes): Aquaponics: A New Way of Thinking

Click to see

• Electronic books (selected by our students) about fish, plants, and ecosystems
• How to read an electronic book in the Jackson School District