Grow Produce at Home With This Open-Source Fish Tank

What’s the secret to fresh, tasty produce that basically grows itself? A steady supply of fish poop, according to Aquapioneers. The brand's aquaponics kits recycle the natural waste from fish tanks into fertilizer for indoor gardens. And unlike some other home growing systems, these tanks are cheap and easy to assemble.

The Aquapioneers Ecosystem is intended to be an open-source digital file available online, Fast Company reports. Anyone can download the design and take the data to their local maker lab for printing. Once the plywood frame has been put together, it's ready to hold a standard-sized home aquarium.

The fish in the tank and the plants in the garden above them rely on one another to flourish. The fish produce waste, microorganisms in the water convert the waste to fertilizer, and the plants drink up the fertilizer, cleaning the tank in the process. “Think about it—fish and plants can harmoniously coexist in the same ecosystem,” the Aquapioneers website reads. “So why not put those fish to good use?”

The system yields produce faster than a traditional soil garden while using less water. Plants are nourished by a low-energy LED light, which means they can grow in the corner of a kitchen until they’re ready for harvest.

Home gardeners won’t be able to live on an aquaponics diet alone: The kit is best suited for growing herbs, greens, and strawberries. But for people looking to learn more about where their food comes from, the product is a great introduction to personal agriculture.

To reserve a digital download of the design, you can donate to Aquapioneers’ crowdfunding campaign today. The plans will be made available on an open-source basis at the campaign's conclusion.