Aquaponics in Solid Wall Bulk Bins  

 Let’s start from the beginning! The University of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station defines aquaponics as “the combined culture of fish and plants in recirculating systems. Nutrients, which are excreted directly by the fish or generated by the microbial breakdown of organic wastes, are absorbed by plants cultured hydroponically (without soil). Fish feed provides most of the nutrients required for plant growth. As the aquaculture effluent flows through the hydroponic component of the recirculating system, fish waste metabolites are removed by nitrification and direct uptake by the plants, thereby treating the water, which flows back to the fish-rearing component for reuse.” (James E. Rakocy, Donald S. Bailey, R. Charlie Shultz and Eric S. Thoman, UPDATE ON TILAPIA AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN THE UVI AQUAPONIC SYSTEM.) In short, aquaponics is a soil-less food production system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics to raise plants and fish in a closed system. Aquaponics has been gaining popularity over the years due to its extremely sustainable practice. From large farms to backyard home growers, our solid wall bulk containers can fit in just about any environment to achieve an aquaponic system. 

 Now don’t get me wrong, I am nowhere close to an aquaponics expert, but I can help you with the start- a closed system! We carry 5 different sizes of solid wall bulk bins  that could work for this application. The first and smallest, being a 42x29x28”. These are FDA Approved and made from a non-porous material that is easy to clean and won’t breed bacteria or attract chemicals. The next size we could provide is a 44x48x29”, this is a little bigger than the one I just mentioned but it is made from the same material and has the same design. Two other options, identical in material and design with slightly different sizes are the 45x48x30”  and 45x48x34” solid wall bulk bin. These can both hold up to 1,300 lbs. of weight and are also made of FDA Approved plastic to create an easy sanitization experience as well as food safe contact. The last size we can offer is the largest of the five, a 48x48x53” container . This is made from the same plastic as the two options mentioned before but can hold up to 3,0000 lbs. 

 As you can see, there are many different ways to achieve an aquaponic system using a solid wall bulk container. Whether this is the beginning of a new hobby, or an addition to an existing system- RPP Containers is here to help your sustainable food process! 
Data source: James E. Rakocy, Donald S. Bailey, R. Charlie Shultz and Eric S. Thoman, Update on Tilapia and Vegetable Production in the UVI Aquaponic System. Retrieved from

Article by:  Sarah DeNoma | Account Manager

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