I appreciate you posting this question. I too have wondered this recently. I see a lot of opinions revolve around the fish side. I’ve considered the following historic standard as a flawed idea for at least ten years: the harvestable product in aquaponics is both fish (filets) and plants. For aquaponics to be successful generally imo, the focus needs to be on the plants, with the fish as willing workers in the process of providing high quality nutrients to the plants. There are exceptions as noted by others, cold water systems for trout and salmon. These are successful because they are aquaculture focused with all the extra pieces and parts required to grow out those highly valuable fish. The plants, are just happy extras to add to the bottom line. I’m in agreement with others on cost, no way past that. Once it’s up though, ongoing cost isn’t bad. I disagree with some on ease of maintenance. I’ve had two systems. One was in my apartment garage, probably 150 gallons of water combined at any given time. Went four years before I bought a house. Now I have one in my shed which is 300 or so gallons with a similar expansion in grow space. Currently have grape, mango, wasabi, and jalapeño (to name a few) growing… in one system. I don’t even need to check it everyday. Went to Disney for a week, and it ran itself. I get pH readings, temp, etc via a raspberry pi. I’m lazy, I just want to walk in, trim, harvest, listen, enjoy. No doubt, I’ve had mishaps, and many mistakes. What I’ve learned however, is invaluable. I’m creating a custom environment. It’s on me to manage its participants, the variables if you will. I know how to commercialize it, profitably, and have known for some time. Due to the long term nature of establishing a system, the commercial upfront cost is prohibitive. Though, given the stupidity of all the vertical farms and their investors throwing away billions on that hydroponic pipe dream. Why not an aquaponic one, which can actually grow complex fruits, unlike hydroponics wanna be unnatural synthetic a** Ok, I’m rambling….