# Mini Ecosystem Fishtanks The AquaFarm Combines Aquaponics to Create a Mini Ecosystem By Janelle Savel | Published 2014-02-04 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-aquafarm References: [backtotheroots](https://www.backtotheroots.com/shop/aquafarm) & [thegadgetflow](http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/aqua-farm-back-roots-57/) The AquaFarm fish tank is like a mini ecosystem that uses fish, water and plants in a continuous cycle of growth. The AquaFarm uses the ancient tradition of aquaponics to create fully functional a biological community. Aquaponics is a method of farming which uses a combination of fish and [plant cultivation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerospring-pinch-hydroponic-system) together in a symbiotic environment. The water from the fish tanks is pumped to the plants and the healthy bacteria from the plant roots converts to ammonia-rich waste for the fish. Both the plants and the fish get their nutrients from each other to continue to live and grow in a substantial environment. This mini ecosystem is great for the home or classroom, and the tank is self cleaning, so it requires hardly any maintenance. This is also a fun and perfect way to help teach children biology. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Aquaponics Farming:** The AquaFarm demonstrates the potential for aquaponics to create sustainable farming systems. - **Mini Ecosystems:** The use of mini ecosystems in products like the AquaFarm opens up possibilities for self-sustaining environments in various settings. - **Self-cleaning Tanks:** The self-cleaning feature of the AquaFarm presents an opportunity for the development of low-maintenance aquariums for home and educational use. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Agriculture:** The aquaponics methods employed by the AquaFarm offer innovations for sustainable farming practices. - **Consumer Goods:** The creation of mini ecosystems for home and classroom use presents a potential market for consumer goods manufacturers. - **Education:** The AquaFarm's ability to teach children biology through a hands-on experience could disrupt traditional educational methods. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [App Controlled Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydroponic-farm.md) - [Container-Based Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bottle-farm-mini.md) - [Indoor Herb Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auk-mini.md) - [Haute Hydroponic Gardening Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasis-smart-farm.md) - [Aquatic Floating Farms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-marine-farm.md) - [Automated Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-evergrow.md) - [Minimalist Indoor Gardening Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balconyfarm-pot.md) - [Structural Smart Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantafrom-smart-indoor-garden.md) - [STEM Gardening Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-terrarium-kids-grow-kit.md)