1. The integration of aquaculture and hydroponics.

An aquaculture is used to continuously generate a nutrient-rich solution to feed a hydroponic garden. Aquaponic systems can be used to duplicate controlled wetland conditions that are useful for reclaiming potable water from typical household sewage, in addition to generating a continual supply of food with minimal fertilizer use.

2. The integration of hydroponics (growing plants without soil) and aquaculture (the cultivation of the natural produce of water such as fish or shellfish).

Aquaponic systems combine the best of both worlds. Fish are raised in one area and the plants in another. The waste from the fish is pumped into a holding area where it is usually treated with bacterial agents that help break it down. Then the treated waste is pumped in the plant area to be used as fertilizer for growing. The used water is pumped from the plant area back to the fish.