Aquaponics at Lago Bay

Growing Life in Balance

At Lago Bay, we’re always exploring ways to live more in tune with nature. Lots of people have various definitions of sustainability. For me, the idea of aquaponics is a good example of a sustainable system. You can pack a lot of nutrients (plants) and protein (fish) in a small area that works in harmony as a closed ecosystem. From an urban garden to a large area like Lago Bay, aquaponics is an exciting expression of a symbiotic closed system: a living, breathing system where fish and plants work together in perfect balance.

The Mechanics of the Aquaponics

At first glance, it’s simple. A fish tank of about three cubic meters is the aqua part of the operation. Here in the tank we have about ten tilapia. We chose tilapia because they are relaxed, vegetarian fish that are not aggressive towards each other. They have a timed pump in their tank (which is at ground level) and water is continually circulating. Circulation provides oxygen which is the most important component for fish density. This tank, although small, could support up to 40 mature tilapia without a problem. They just need a small handful of food daily. The process begins with the fish. As they live and grow, they naturally produce waste. In many systems, that would be a problem—but here, it’s the foundation.

Connected to the fish tank is a pvc pipe that takes the fertilized water up to the nine repurposed 55-gallon barrels, each carefully cut in half and filled with thriving herbs.

The timed pump circulates the water, continuously carrying the nutrient-rich fish waste up into the planting barrels. Each section receives a steady flow through individual spigots, ensuring even distribution.

From there, the plants take over.

Aquaponics Balance: Nitrates, Nitrites, and the Role of Plants

At the heart of our aquaponics system at Lago Bay is a quiet but essential process—one you don’t see, but that makes everything possible. It’s called the nitrogen cycle, and it’s what transforms fish waste into plant food.

When fish produce waste, it releases ammonia into the water. In high amounts, ammonia can be harmful to fish, so something needs to convert it into a safer form. That’s where beneficial bacteria come in.

These naturally occurring bacteria colonize surfaces throughout the system—inside the pipes, along the barrels, and anywhere water flows. The first group of bacteria converts ammonia into nitrites. Nitrites are still not ideal for fish, but they’re a step in the right direction.

Then, a second group of bacteria takes over, converting nitrites into nitrates.

Nitrates are much less harmful to fish and, importantly, they are exactly what plants need to grow.

This is where the herbs at Lago Bay play their role in the cycle. Basil, mint, oregano, and hierba buena absorb nitrates through their roots as a primary nutrient source. In doing so, they effectively remove these compounds from the water.

As the plants feed, they are naturally filtering and purifying the system. By the time the water cycles back down into the fish tank, nitrate levels have been reduced, oxygen has been reintroduced, and the environment is healthier for the fish.

It’s a perfect exchange: fish nourish the plants, and plants protect the fish.

Maintaining this balance is key. Too many fish, and ammonia can spike faster than the bacteria and plants can process it. Too few plants, and nitrates can build up over time. But when everything is in harmony, the system becomes incredibly stable and efficient.

What’s remarkable is that this entire process happens continuously, quietly, and naturally. No chemicals, no artificial inputs—just biology doing what it does best.

At Lago Bay, this invisible cycle is what sustains the visible beauty of our aquaponics garden. It’s a reminder that even the smallest organisms—bacteria we can’t even see—play a vital role in creating something abundant and alive.

Basil, mint, oregano, and hierba buena flourish in this environment, drawing nutrients directly from the water. As they absorb what they need, they simultaneously filter and purify it. By the time the water drains back down through gravity into the fish tank, it’s cleaner, oxygenated, and ready to support life once again.

It’s a closed-loop system. No soil. Minimal waste. Maximum efficiency.

But beyond the mechanics, what makes this project special is the experience of it. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching the cycle unfold—seeing fish feed plants, plants clean water, and everything working together without excess or imbalance. It’s a quiet reminder that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes it’s just about designing systems that let nature do what it already knows how to do.

Aquaponics. Future Growth

For us at Lago Bay, aquaponics is more than a growing method. It’s part of a larger vision—one that values self-sufficiency, environmental respect, and a closer connection to the food we eat. The herbs we harvest don’t just add flavor to meals; they tell a story of interdependence and thoughtful design.

As the system continues to evolve, so do we. We’re learning, adjusting, and expanding what’s possible in this unique coastal environment. And we’re excited to share that journey with you.

If you ever find yourself at Lago Bay, take a moment to visit the aquaponics garden. Listen to the water moving, breathe in the scent of fresh herbs, and see firsthand how a simple idea can represent sustainable balance.

Aquaponics at Lago Bay is all about putting plants and fish together...creating harmony.

Saludos from Lago Bay

P.S. thanks Justin!!! big shout out.