This technical paper begins by introducing the concept of aquaponics, including a brief
history of its development and its place within the larger category of soil-less culture and
modern agriculture. It discusses the main theoretical concepts of aquaponics, including
the nitrogen cycle and the nitrification process, the role of bacteria, and the concept of
balancing an aquaponic unit. It then moves on to cover important considerations of
water quality parameters, water testing, and water sourcing for aquaponics, as well as
methods and theories of unit design, including the three main methods of aquaponic
systems: media beds, nutrient film technique, and deep water culture