In order to build an aquaponic garden, we must first understand the cycle involved in an Aquaponic system. The following diagram explains the principles behind the system. 

The water reservoir is close to the area where the client wanted to grow vegetables. The drainage pipe must be larger (3") than the supply of water (1") so that the syphon can be broken and the cycle can continue endlessly. It is pretty neat to watch once it is setup! Plants sit in a bed of gravel where bacteria and microorganisms break down fish waste and provide food for the plants. Finding the right balance of fish to plants is key so the system works without any problems. The system naturally reaches a balance in 6 to 8 weeks.