{
    "name": "Aquaponics Water Flow Calculator",
    "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/aquaponics-water-flow-calculator",
    "markdown": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/aquaponics-water-flow-calculator.md",
    "category": "Agriculture",
    "description": "Size the pump flow for an aquaponics system from the fish tank volume and the turnovers per hour you want, in litres per hour, US gph and gpm.",
    "summary": "Aquaponic systems are sized by turnover: how many times an hour the pump moves the fish tank’s volume through the grow beds and filters.",
    "also_called": [
        "Aquaponics pump calculator",
        "Tank turnover calculator"
    ],
    "applies_to": "Worldwide",
    "last_updated": "2026-10-29",
    "computation": "Results are computed in the visitor’s browser on the HTML page. This API describes the calculator; it does not compute results.",
    "inputs": [
        {
            "name": "tank",
            "label": "Fish tank volume",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "1000"
        },
        {
            "name": "volume_unit",
            "label": "Volume in",
            "type": "segmented",
            "default": "l",
            "options": {
                "l": "Litres",
                "us_gal": "US gallons"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "turnover",
            "label": "Tank turnovers per hour",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "1"
        },
        {
            "name": "bed",
            "label": "Total grow-bed volume",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "500",
            "optional": true
        }
    ],
    "outputs": [
        {
            "key": "flow_l_h",
            "label": "Pump flow needed",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "flow_l_min",
            "label": "Pump flow needed",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "flow_us_gph",
            "label": "Pump flow needed",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "flow_us_gpm",
            "label": "Pump flow needed",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "cycle_minutes",
            "label": "Time to cycle the tank once",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "bed_ratio",
            "label": "Grow bed to fish tank ratio",
            "format": "multiple"
        }
    ],
    "formula": {
        "text": "Flow = Tank volume × Turnovers per hour;  Cycle time = 60 ÷ Turnovers;  Ratio = Grow bed ÷ Tank",
        "variables": {
            "Turnovers per hour": "how many tank volumes the pump moves each hour",
            "Grow bed": "volume of media or channels the water flows through"
        }
    },
    "worked_example": {
        "inputs": {
            "tank": "1000",
            "volume_unit": "l",
            "turnover": "1",
            "bed": "500"
        },
        "steps": [
            "Flow = 1,000 L × 1 per hour = 1,000 L/h = 16.67 L/min.",
            "In US gallons: 1,000 ÷ 3.785 = 264.2 gph.",
            "Grow bed ratio = 500 ÷ 1,000 = 0.5."
        ],
        "result": "A 1,000 L fish tank turned over once an hour needs a pump delivering 1,000 L/h (about 264 US gph) at the working head."
    },
    "interpretation": "Pump ratings fall as the lift (head) rises, so pick a pump whose curve delivers this flow at your total head, including pipe losses. Use the pump power calculator to estimate the electricity.",
    "assumptions": [
        "The whole flow passes through the fish tank."
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "Pipe friction, head and pump curves are not modelled."
    ],
    "rules": null,
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "How many turnovers per hour do I need?",
            "answer": "It depends on stocking density and filtration. Heavier stocking needs more flow for oxygen and waste removal; follow your system design or supplier."
        },
        {
            "question": "Why does my pump deliver less than its rating?",
            "answer": "The rating is usually at zero head. Every metre of lift and every fitting reduces the flow; check the pump curve."
        }
    ],
    "sources": [],
    "related": [
        {
            "name": "Hydroponic Nutrient Concentration Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/hydroponic-nutrient-concentration-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Aquaculture Dissolved Oxygen Demand Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/aquaculture-dissolved-oxygen-demand-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Irrigation Pump Power Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/irrigation-pump-power-calculator"
        }
    ],
    "disclaimer": null,
    "publisher": "GM¹X CalcVerse"
}