The potential reason for such an outcome is the interlinking procedures of aquaculture and hydroponic systems that resulted to a promising source for sustainable food production
. This system can also ensure the protein security to the ever-growing urban population
. Review study shows that aquaponics system is likely to be a good option for adoption
, but the overall technical and economic feasibility of this system has not been yet fully realized. Current study suggests that the management of the aquaponics system is quite complex as it deals with three different concepts of fish, plant, and microorganism together. Failure to maintain the unique water quality parameters, particularly the PH stabilization and nutrient balance may likely to jeopardize the whole system, when the production is the main concern . In addition, few other technical points should be addressed before transforming this system from a small scale to a commercial level (Sverdrup et al. 1981); (1) improved nutrient solubilization and recovery for a better use of the nutrient input and reducing extra-mineral addition, e.g., phosphorus recycling; (2) adapted pest management; (3) reduce water consumption to a high degree by limiting the need for water exchange; (4) use of alternative energy sources for hot/cold and arid areas .
Review study also showed that deep-water culture system and nutrient film technique could be the good option to adopt at a commercial level. Lettuce, herbs, and specialty greens (spinach, chives, basil, and watercress) are suggested as they have a low to medium nutritional requirements and are well adapted to aquaponics systems
. Vegetables yielding plants (tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers) have a higher nutritional demand and perform better in a heavily stocked, well established aquaponics system
. Among warm and cold-water species, tilapia, trout, perch, Arctic char, and bass are well adapted to recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)
. Tilapia is highly favored in commercial aquaponics system due to their high adaptive nature and tolerating capacity in fluctuating water conditions
. In terms of economics point of views, vegetables and other plants derived from hydroponic system is likely to be more profitable than fish produced from RAS (
. Hence, addi tional costs and risks associated with this complex system should be analyzed before investing the money in adopting the aquaponics technique.