Spark-Y’s Aquatic Life

The fish that make the aquaponics work, and breathe life into the space

Fishy Friends Brought to Casket Arts – 2018

Shortly after the construction of the aquaponics timber frame, the next important step in creating a closed-loop system was fish. The ammonia in fish waste is crucial for plant growth in an aquaponics system, and removes the need to add chemicals for the plants to grow.

Thus, Spark-Y brought in fish in (year) as a part of an apprentice initiative, and now we have three full fish tanks of cold-blooded cuties.

Why Koi?

Spark-Y keeps three main species of fish: koi, plecos, and tilapia.

These species of fish are tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures, water quality, and are comfortable in smaller tanks. They are a good size for an aquaponics system, though other fish can also do well in an aquaponics system! At North YMCA we have goldfish and snails to support our plant life.

Meet Lucy!

Lucy is our local axolotl! She was brought to us by STEM Educator Madison Tomony in 2024, originally a classroom pet at Northeast Middle School before coming to Spark-Y. Her tank has gone through a couple of upgrades, and now she swims happily near the entryway of Spark-Y’s learning center.

Axolotls are incredibly sensitive to temperature changes and water quality so - unlike our koi and tilapia - she would not make a good aquaponics animal. Instead she is a valuable member of our space as a rare and interesting aquatic species, with student-made infographics about axolotls and artwork for her, alongside information on how to feed and care for an axolotl.

We are continuously working to improve her space, and involve our apprentices in animal husbandry practices to provide a high quality of life for our little pink companion.

  • The pink feathery appendages on either side of an axolotl’s neck are its gills, meaning that their system for breathing is outside of their body!

    Axolotls are able to regenerate limbs and major organs, even parts of their heart and brain.

    Unlike most amphibians, axolotls keep their juvenile features and remain fully aquatic throughout their lives. This condition is known as neoteny.