If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of growing your own food in a way that’s smart, sustainable, and space-saving. That’s where aquaponics comes in—a beautiful blend of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil). But let me tell you, not all plants and fish are made to be best friends. The secret to a thriving aquaponics setup is pairing the right fish with the right plants.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time experimenting with different combinations, and trust me, some pairings are a match made in eco-heaven while others are… well, let’s just say they didn’t go so well. In this blog, I’m sharing 11 of the best combos that not only work but truly flourish together. These pairings are great for beginners and hobbyists alike—many with easy-to-find products on Amazon.
What Makes a Great Aquaponics Combo?
So what makes a fish and plant combo “perfect”? First off, both need to thrive in similar water conditions. That means the water temperature, pH, and nutrient levels have to suit them both. If you’re growing cool-weather lettuce and housing tropical tilapia together, one of them won’t be happy. Trust me, it’s like trying to have a cactus and a goldfish share the same living space.
The next big factor is nutrient compatibility. Fish waste breaks down into nitrates, which plants love. But some plants are heavy feeders (like tomatoes), while others are light eaters (like mint). You want to match heavy-feeding plants with fish that produce a lot of waste, and lighter plants with smaller, cleaner fish. That balance keeps the ecosystem running smoothly.
Lastly, it’s about practicality. You don’t want to choose exotic fish that are hard to feed or plants that require constant attention—especially if you’re just getting started. Each of the combinations I’ll share below is selected for its low-maintenance nature, compatibility, and proven success. Let’s get to the good stuff!
11 Best Plants and Fish Combos for Aquaponics Systems
1. Tilapia + Lettuce
Tilapia and lettuce are like peanut butter and jelly in the aquaponics world. Tilapia are hardy, fast-growing fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them perfect for beginners. They’re especially great because they produce a steady stream of nutrient-rich waste that lettuce thrives on.
Lettuce, on the other hand, is one of the easiest plants to grow in water-based systems. It doesn’t require intense lighting, grows quickly, and doesn’t need a ton of nutrients to stay healthy. Plus, you can harvest leaves continuously for fresh salads, sandwiches, or wraps. Who doesn’t love the taste of homegrown greens?
This combo is ideal for raft or nutrient film technique (NFT) systems. Keep the water warm—around 75-80°F—and monitor pH levels to stay between 6.5 and 7. Tilapia love commercial floating feed, which is readily available online. I started with this beginner aquaponics kit on Amazon, and it worked like a charm!
2. Goldfish + Basil
Goldfish aren’t just for decorative ponds—they’re surprisingly great for small aquaponics setups. They’re resilient, low-maintenance, and they don’t require heaters or filters to survive in mild climates. They also produce just enough waste to feed herbs like basil without overloading your system.
Basil is a fragrant, easy-going herb that grows quickly and smells amazing in the kitchen. It’s a light feeder, meaning it doesn’t require tons of nutrients, making it a perfect match for goldfish. You can clip leaves as needed or harvest full stalks every few weeks, and they’ll just keep coming back.
This pairing works well in countertop or tabletop aquaponics kits. It’s also an ideal combo for classrooms or apartments where space and electrical outlets are limited. Use a small, quiet pump and a compact LED grow light for best results. I personally recommend this sleek countertop system for anyone short on space but big on flavor.
3. Trout + Kale
Now, if you’re living in a cooler climate or you prefer a setup in the garage or basement, trout and kale might be your new best friends. Trout thrive in colder water—ideally around 55–65°F—and they’re protein-packed if you’re planning to harvest them for food. They’re a little more sensitive to changes in water quality, so be prepared to monitor them more closely.
Kale, like trout, prefers cooler temperatures and lower humidity, which makes this combo perfect for fall or winter systems. It’s packed with nutrients, grows fast, and adds a crunchy bite to salads, smoothies, and stir-fries. Plus, it can handle the nutrient load trout produce without getting “burned out.”
Because trout are more demanding, I recommend using a digital water tester and high-flow filter setup. They need excellent aeration and clean water to thrive. For the kale, a deep water culture (DWC) system with a little added support for the stalks is ideal.
4. Catfish + Spinach
Catfish are bottom dwellers that are super tough and forgiving of water quality changes. They’re known for their ability to tolerate murky water, but in aquaponics, we keep things much cleaner. They’re prolific waste producers, which is great for leafy greens that love nitrogen—like spinach.
Spinach loves cool, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–7.0) and grows quickly under the right conditions. It can be harvested leaf-by-leaf or as a full head, depending on how you like it. I love throwing fresh spinach into smoothies or sautés—and it tastes even better when you’ve grown it yourself!
Catfish like to hide, so I always toss in a few PVC pipes or aquarium rocks for them to chill under. A flood-and-drain (media bed) setup works great here. And don’t forget to feed them high-protein sinking pellets, available here on Amazon. The combo is reliable, productive, and nearly foolproof.
5. Koi + Watercress
If you’re going for beauty and function, koi and watercress are a gorgeous match. Koi are ornamental fish often used in decorative ponds, but they can pull double duty in aquaponics. They tolerate wide pH ranges and are slow growers, which makes them easy to manage over time.
Watercress, a semi-aquatic plant, grows like crazy in aquaponic systems. It’s packed with vitamins and has a peppery flavor that adds a kick to salads and sandwiches. Best of all, it thrives in the same slightly alkaline, oxygen-rich environment koi prefer.
You’ll want a larger system for koi since they get big, but it’s so worth it. I like using a floating raft system for watercress, which lets it spread without getting waterlogged. Keep an eye on ammonia levels, though—koi are messy eaters. I use this test kit to stay ahead of any issues.
6. Bluegill + Swiss Chard
Bluegill are a personal favorite of mine. They’re native to North America, easy to find, and very hardy—making them great for beginners. They don’t require heaters unless your water drops below 60°F, and they adapt well to various water parameters. Plus, they’re fun to watch and grow to a decent size if you want to harvest them later.
Swiss chard is just as tough. It’s a colorful leafy green that thrives in aquaponic systems, and its vibrant stems make your grow bed pop with color. Like kale, it’s a nutrient powerhouse and keeps producing leaves for weeks on end. Bluegill waste provides exactly the nutrients chard loves, making this combo super balanced.
I’ve had great success growing Swiss chard in a media bed setup with expanded clay pellets. Bluegill enjoy a slightly warmer tank (65–75°F), and they’ll eat a variety of feeds, including insect-based floating pellets you can grab here. If you’re aiming for a system that’s both attractive and functional, this pairing really delivers.
7. Perch + Tomatoes
This is one of those combos that feels like you’re farming in the future. Perch, especially yellow perch, are ideal for aquaponics thanks to their tolerance of cooler water and their meaty yield. They’re calm, grow steadily, and produce moderate waste—just enough to keep heavier-feeding plants like tomatoes happy.
Tomatoes are rockstars in aquaponics if you give them the right support. They need more nutrients than herbs or leafy greens, but when paired with perch, they grow tall and produce juicy fruit that tastes better than anything you’ll find at the store. Just make sure you provide strong netting or cages for support.
A hybrid media bed with a vertical trellis works best for this combo. Keep your water temperature around 68–72°F and make sure the tank is well-aerated. I use this tomato cage and grow light combo to keep mine upright and thriving indoors. Trust me, nothing beats plucking fresh tomatoes straight off the vine in your kitchen.
8. Guppies + Mint
If you’re working with very limited space—think countertop or desktop systems—guppies and mint are a low-maintenance dream team. Guppies are small, colorful, and prolific breeders. They produce just enough waste for herbs and are extremely forgiving in nano-systems.
Mint, on the other hand, is one of the easiest plants to grow in aquaponics. It doesn’t need rich nutrients or deep root beds. Just keep it trimmed, or it’ll take over everything! Guppies won’t mind slightly cooler water either, which works well for most types of mint.
This setup is ideal for beginners or even kids who want to learn the basics of aquaponics. A compact NFT or jar system works great here. Add in a USB-powered water pump and a small grow light, and you’ve got yourself a mini eco-cycle right on your countertop. Plus, fresh mint tea on demand? Yes, please.
9. Carp + Peppers
Carp are a staple fish in many Asian aquaponics systems, and for good reason. They’re tolerant, fast-growing, and can handle slightly murky conditions if things get out of balance temporarily. They also produce plenty of waste—great for fruiting plants like peppers that crave extra nutrients.
Peppers—whether sweet bell or spicy chili—love a nutrient-rich environment and warm temperatures. In aquaponics, they can yield amazing results with less water than traditional soil gardening. Just be sure to prune them properly and provide support, as the branches can get heavy with fruit.
You’ll need a slightly larger system for this combo, as carp can grow pretty big. A deep grow bed or vertical grow towers with net cups work really well for peppers. I use these stackable grow towers, and they’ve been a game changer in my garage system. Just don’t forget to check your pH regularly, as carp prefer it closer to 7.
10. Crayfish + Arugula
Crayfish are the unexpected heroes of aquaponics. They’re bottom dwellers that eat leftover food, algae, and even decaying plant material. That means they help clean your system while still producing enough waste for fast-growing plants like arugula. But fair warning—crayfish can be aggressive, so no mixing with other fish!
Arugula grows insanely fast in aquaponic systems and has that peppery kick that elevates any salad. It doesn’t need much space, making it perfect for tight beds or vertical setups. The nutrient levels from crayfish are just right, and the plant’s short growth cycle keeps the system flowing nicely.
I recommend a simple flood-and-drain media bed with hiding places for the crayfish—PVC tubes or decorative rocks work well. Keep the system aerated and the pH around 6.8. Crayfish like sinking food pellets or veggie scraps (you can find a good blend here). Just be careful during harvest—they pinch!
11. Shrimp + Microgreens
Shrimp and microgreens are a beautiful match for vertical farming enthusiasts. Freshwater shrimp (like cherry or ghost shrimp) are gentle, clean creatures that do best in small, calm waters. They produce minimal waste, which makes them perfect for delicate plants like microgreens that don’t need heavy nutrients.
Microgreens—think radish, mustard, and broccoli sprouts—are nutrient-dense, grow in just 7–14 days, and take up very little room. They’re ideal for stacked trays, which can be placed above your shrimp tank to catch any splashes and moisture. Plus, they’re trendy and in high demand if you ever want to sell them.
This is one of the best combos for apartment dwellers or hobbyists looking for high-yield crops in tiny spaces. You can grab a vertical microgreen grow tray set here, and pair it with a clear tank filled with shrimp and aquatic plants. Add a gentle bubbler, and you’ve got a peaceful, productive system that’s fun to watch and even more fun to eat.
Bonus Tips for Pairing Plants and Fish
After trying out these combos, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. First, always consider your local climate when choosing fish—warm-weather species like tilapia won’t thrive in unheated basements, while trout hate warm water. Match the fish to the environment, and the plants will follow suit.
Second, balance your bio-load. If your fish are producing more waste than your plants can absorb, ammonia spikes can harm everything. A simple way to prevent this is by adding more plants or using a biofilter to help convert waste. I also recommend weekly water testing with this all-in-one test kit—it keeps me ahead of any issues.
Finally, remember that aquaponics is a living system. Things will fluctuate, and that’s okay. The key is to start small, observe, and make tweaks as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you’ll learn more than you think!
Final Thoughts
Aquaponics is hands down one of the most satisfying ways to grow your own food. When you pair the right fish with the right plants, everything just clicks. Whether you’re aiming for fresh herbs on your kitchen counter or a full backyard ecosystem, these 11 combos offer something for every level of experience.
Personally, I started with goldfish and basil and now I’m running three systems with tilapia, tomatoes, and even shrimp setups. It’s addictive—in the best way. So go ahead, pick a combo that suits your space and goals, and jump into the aquaponics adventure. Your plants (and fish) will thank you!