Aquaponics is essentially organic cultivation of plants and animals together in a re-circulating closed system (water tank), using water instead of potting mixes. technically speaking it is a combination of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soil-less plant culture).. Get some air stones plus a type of water jetting device for the purpose of oxygenating your aquaponics tank. yet another method would be the use of bacterial colonies which can be purchased. if you can’t find them, then gravel obtained from an already set up aquarium that’s healthy, and clear of disease will do the trick..