Our FAQ page aims to cover the questions we get asked on a regular basis.
General Aquaponics Questions
Is aquaponically grown food organic?
While aquaponic produce meets many organic standards (no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides), official organic certification varies by region.
Our systems are designed to produce clean, chemical-free food using natural biological processes.
How does aquaponics compare to traditional farming?
Aquaponic systems use up to 90% less water than conventional farming, require no chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and can produce both plants and protein (fish) in the same system.
They also allow for year-round growing regardless of climate and typically yield crops faster than soil-based methods.
What is aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a sustainable farming method that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a symbiotic environment.
Fish waste provides natural fertilizer for the plants, while plants filter the water for the fish.
How much labor is required to operate a Farmtainer?
A Farmtainer typically requires 15-20 hours per week of hands-on management for full production, including feeding fish, harvesting plants, packaging, and system maintenance.
What fish species work in the Farmtainer system?
Our systems typically use tilapia, which grow quickly and tolerate a range of conditions, but can be adapted for other species like catfish, perch, or trout, depending on your climate and market preferences.
How much can a Farmtainer produce?
A single Farmtainer can produce up to 5,670 heads of lettuce monthly, 3,600 pounds of fish annually, and 200 gallons of MicroRevive soil amendment monthly.
What is the Farmtainer’s footprint and space requirements?
The Farmtainer is built within a standard modular 40-foot shipping container design, requiring approximately 320 square feet of level ground plus access space.
It needs access to electricity and a water source.
Yes, the Farmplex is designed with modularity in mind. Additional growing units can be integrated into the existing control and filtration systems as your business grows.
What is the production capacity of a Farmplex?
A Farmplex can produce up to 17,000 heads of lettuce monthly, 6,000 pounds of fish annually, and 600 gallons of MicroRevive monthly.
How much space does a Farmplex require?
A standard Farmplex installation requires approximately 2,000 square feet of level ground plus access areas, along with appropriate utility connections.
What makes the Farmplex different from multiple Farmtainers?
The Farmplex is designed as an integrated five-container system (three for crops, one for fish, one for workspace) with centralized controls and automation.
This design optimizes workflow, reduces labor requirements, and increases efficiency compared to operating multiple independent units.
While we don’t use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers—meeting many organic standards—our aquaponic growing method means we’re not technically certified organic since we don’t grow in soil. However, our produce is cleaner and more sustainable than most organic options.
How fresh is your produce?
Our produce is harvested daily and delivered to customers within 24 hours of harvest.
Unlike conventional produce that may travel thousands of miles and sit in storage for weeks, our greens and herbs retain maximum nutrition and flavor.
Where is your produce grown?
All our produce is grown locally in Provo, Utah using our advanced aquaponic farming systems.
This means you’re getting truly local food that’s harvested fresh and delivered within hours, not days or weeks.
What types of produce do you grow?
We specialize in premium herbs and specialty microgreens grown in our state-of-the-art aquaponic systems.
Our selection includes various herb varieties such as basil, mint, oregano, thyme, rosemary, dill, and chives. Our microgreen selection includes shiso, wasabi, mild mix, spicy mix, basil, cilantro, sorrel, kohlrabi and cabbage.
Primary operational costs include electricity (for pumps, lights, and climate control), fish feed, seeds or seedlings, packaging materials, and labor. We provide detailed operational cost projections during your consultation.
Do you offer financing options?
We partner with several agricultural lenders who understand the aquaponics industry and can offer competitive financing packages.
We can connect you with these resources during your consultation.
What’s the ROI timeline for commercial systems?
Most commercial operators see return on investment within 3-5 years, depending on market conditions, crop selection, and operational efficiency.
What’s the initial investment for a Farmtainer system?
Please contact us for current pricing. The investment includes the complete system, installation support, training, and initial startup supplies.
Our systems are designed for worldwide deployment, though they require access to electricity and water.
Site requirements include level ground, appropriate permits, and reasonable climate conditions unless supplemental heating/cooling is added.
What kind of ongoing support do you offer?
We provide 12 months of technical support with all system purchases, including remote assistance and troubleshooting.
Extended support packages and consulting services are available beyond the initial period.
Do you provide training with your systems?
Yes, all our commercial systems include comprehensive training for you and your staff, covering system operation, maintenance, fish and plant care, harvesting, and troubleshooting.
How long does it take to install a system?
Farmtainer installation typically takes 2-3 days once site preparation is complete. Farmplex installations generally require 5-7 days plus site preparation time.
After initial filling, our systems typically require water additions of just 1-2% of total system volume per day, primarily to replace what’s lost through plant transpiration and minimal evaporation.
What are the power requirements?
A FarmTainer typically requires 140–300 kWh/day in a relatively temperate climate.
Solar and battery integration options are available for both systems.
How automated are your systems?
The Farmtainer includes basic automation for water cycling and environmental monitoring.
The Farmplex features advanced automation, including water quality management, feeding systems, and climate control with remote monitoring capabilities.
What crops grow best in your systems?
Our systems excel at producing leafy greens, herbs, and many fruiting crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
We can help you select crops based on your market needs and growing conditions.
