Introduction
An integrated recycle aquaculture-hydroponics (aquaponics) vegetable system was
developed by the Freshwater Institute to demonstrate the technical and economic
feasibility of using natural gas from shut-in gas wells for alternative agricultural
activities. The system was installed in the spring of 1996 and has been in operation since
May 1996. The system, which cost $38,632 to build, was designed to produce about 950
lbs of tilapia and 7,000 to 10,000 lbs of mixed vegetables and herbs per year