Aquaponic System Design
Are there any aquaponic inflatable fish tanks?
Hello, I’m an Industrial Design student and I have to design a new Aquaponic System as an assignment. The point is to create this new system and make the process of starting to grow your own fish and veggies even easier. The fish I was thinking of is tilapia, and I was thinking of maybe creating some sort of inflatable fish tank; but is this possible?
Are the tilapia going to be safe and healthy?
Will the tilapia bite the tank causing holes in it?
I was thinking of using materials similar to those found in inflatable boats, such as PVC or polyester fabric, are they harmful to the fish?
Any kind of help will be appreciated guys, Thanks!! 
A lot of people us those inflable kiddie pools with good success. They would last more than a few years by they usually only cost about $20. Their are also these things called “snap set” kiddie pools that are not inflatable. They come to about 600 gallons and the positive they have is they will not deflate but their sides are known to fall in. The kiddie pools may not be the best of quality bit they are dirt cheap.
Their are some of these inflatable koi holding tanks that some people use. Those would work very well but they tend to cost over 2,000.
Another option is to build a wooden frame and line it with rubber pond liner.
I doubt you would have any problem with tilapia puncturing the tank. Catfish on the other hand may puncture it by sucking or with their barbs, but tilapia should be fine. Tilapia also tend to be good for a beginner fish because thy tolerate cloudy water although they can not be in coolish water. They have a fast growth rate and produce great meat. You can raise duckweed in a smaller tank and than feed it to tilapia.
Good luck
Vertical Aquaponic System