International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Aquaponics combines fish farming and plant cultivation in a single system where the waste produced by fish becomes a nutrient source for plants. This method is known to save water, eliminate the need for soil, and allow faster plant growth. However, regular aquaponic systems are often too expensive for normal households and depend heavily on electricity for water circulation and aeration, which limits their use in places with water scarcity or power issues. This model focuses on designing a completely sustainable, low-cost aquaponics model that can be built and maintained inside homes. The most unique aspect of the model is that it uses recycled detergent water from washing machines instead of fresh water. This greywater is treated through several simple steps: alum is added to remove turbidity, then the water passes through a handmade filter bed filled with pebbles, fine soil, and jute to remove small particles. Finally, it is purified further using activated charcoal and adjusted to a plant-friendly pH level. The purified water becomes rich in nutrients and suitable for both plants and fish. Another major innovation in our system is a non-electrical air pump built using a bottle, tubing, and an airstone. It works using gravity and pressure differences, continuously supplying oxygen to the fish and helping circulate the water without any power source. The entire setup was built using recycled household items such as water containers and milk bottles, keeping the total cost below 1000 rupees. A 60-day growth study on lettuce, sprouts, and onions showed noticeably faster plant development (around 20–30% higher growth) compared to typical small aquaponics systems. The model successfully reused 100% of water, proving that daily domestic wastewater can be transformed into a productive resource. This research offers a practical solution for sustainable food production at home, especially in water-scarce regions. It demonstrates how simple innovations can make environmentally friendly farming affordable to everyone.