Aquaponics · Online
Aquaponics (Beginner)
Grow fish and fresh greens together in one system, from your first tank to a working farm.
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- Price
- R2 940
was R3 822 - Duration
- 2 weeks
- Delivery
- Online
- Next dates
- 3 to 12 November 2026
- Live sessions
- 4 live online sessions
- Schedule
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, times to be confirmed
- Certificate
- Aquaponics (Beginner) certificate
Your first step into aquaponics. Four live online sessions over two weeks on how the system works, which fish and crops to start with, and how to design a small unit that stays healthy.
Course overview
The Beginner Aquaponics course introduces learners to aquaponics, a production system that combines fish farming with soilless plant cultivation. Learners explore how fish, plants, water and beneficial bacteria interact within a recirculating system. The course introduces the main system components, including fish tanks, grow beds, water circulation and filtration. Learners gain an introductory understanding of water quality, fish care, plant requirements and routine system monitoring. The course also highlights hygiene, responsible feeding and the importance of maintaining a balanced system. By the end of the course, learners should be able to explain the basic principles and components of aquaponics and describe routine tasks involved in operating a beginner system.
What you'll learn
- Explain exactly how fish, bacteria and plants feed each other in a balanced system
- Design a small aquaponics unit that fits your space and budget
- Choose fish species and Higher-Value Crops that suit your climate and your market
- Start a system safely: cycling, stocking and planting your first crops
Your pathway
The Aquaponics courses in order, from first steps to running it at scale.
- Level 1 Aquaponics (Beginner) You are here
- Level 2 Aquaponics (Intermediate) Requires Aquaponics (Beginner) You are here
- Level 3 Aquaponics (Advanced) Requires Aquaponics (Intermediate) You are here
Curriculum
Session 1: How Aquaponics Works
The nitrogen cycle in plain language, the three living parts of every system, and why aquaponics uses a fraction of the water of soil farming.
Session 2: Choosing Fish and Crops
Tilapia, catfish and trout compared. Leafy greens, herbs and fruiting crops, and which to start with.
Session 3: Designing Your First System
Media beds, deep water culture and NFT. Sizing tanks, pumps and grow beds for your space.
Session 4: Cycling and Stocking
Starting the bacteria, adding fish safely and planting your first crops.
Who it's for
- Complete beginners who want a practical way into farming
- Backyard and community growers ready to produce more with less water
- Graduates and career changers building an agribusiness
- Existing farmers adding fish and Higher-Value Crops to their operation
How it works
Live Online Sessions
Join live from your phone or laptop, with time for questions in every session.
What You Need
A smartphone or computer, a stable internet connection and a notebook. No land or equipment is needed.
Your Certificate
Complete the course to receive your Aquaponics (Beginner) certificate.
Your Next Step
Aquaponics (Beginner) opens the door to Aquaponics (Intermediate), then Aquaponics (Advanced).
Common questions
Can I start at Intermediate or Advanced?
Each level builds on the one before it, so most people start at Beginner. If you already run an aquaponics system, contact us and we will help you decide where to start.
What if I need a refund?
Cancel within 7 days of paying, before your course starts, for a full refund. Cancellations after that are not refunded. The Refund and Cancellation Policy, linked at the bottom of every page, has the full terms.
What if I miss a live session?
Let us know as soon as you can, quoting your booking reference. The session's material stays on the learner site while the course runs, and your facilitator will tell you what catch-up is available. The Missed Session Policy has the details.
Do I need my own land or equipment?
No. The online courses teach you how to plan, build and run a system before you spend a cent on equipment.
Can I join from outside South Africa?
Yes. Online courses are open to anyone, anywhere. Live session times are set in South African time (SAST), so check how they fall in your time zone.
Can I book for a group or a team?
Yes. Choose up to 10 seats when you book. For larger groups, cooperatives or company teams, contact us and we will put together a group package.