In the world of sustainable growing, there are those who simply follow the pace of change… and then there are those who set it.
That’s the case with Albert, founder of Hydro Mediterránea, a pioneering aquaponics project that blends technology, tradition, and deep respect for the environment. From his farm in Salomó, in the province of Tarragona, Albert runs a sustainable hydroponic garden that not only feeds but also inspires.
In this article, we chat with him about his journey, his day-to-day working among fish and plants, and his thoughts on the future of aquaponics in Spain.
But first, let’s take a look at what an aquaponics system actually is, and why it stands out as a brilliant alternative within the world of organic farming.
What Is Aquaponics? The Perfect Cycle Between Fish and Plants
An aquaponics system brings together two worlds that, at first glance, might seem completely unrelated: aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation).
The result?
A closed-loop, efficient system where fish waste becomes nutrients for the plants, and in return, the plants purify the water before it cycles back to the fish. All of this happens thanks to beneficial bacteria that transform ammonia into nitrates that plants can absorb.
These types of systems make it possible to grow fresh food sustainably — and with minimal water loss.
One of the great things about aquaponics is how adaptable it is: from a small home system to a large-scale operation like Albert’s.
Among its many advantages, efficiency takes the lead. With smart design and proper environmental control, aquaponics harnesses the natural cycle of photosynthesis to its full potential, delivering strong harvests and healthy fish.
Interview with Albert from Hydro Mediterránea: Where Sustainability, Innovation and Passion Meet
Behind every great project, there’s someone with a clear vision and the drive to make a difference. In the case of Hydro Mediterránea, that someone is Albert — a cultivator who has made it his mission to combine nature and technology to create an aquaponics system that’s efficient, healthy, and environmentally friendly.
In this interview, Albert welcomes us into his world from Salomó (Tarragona) and answers all our burning questions.
Discover how his system works, which fish he raises, what challenges he faces, and what dreams he has for the future. Albert also shares anecdotes, practical tips, and his personal experience using Atami products in his cultivation setup.
If you’ve ever been curious about aquaponics or are considering growing more sustainably yourself, don’t miss this conversation. It’s bound to inspire you!
Q: Hi Albert! To start things off — tell us briefly, what exactly is aquaponics, and how is it different from traditional hydroponics?
Albert: Well, let me explain… Aquaponics is all about combining two different types of systems: aquaculture, which is fish farming, and hydroponics, which is soil-free plant cultivation using water recirculation systems.
Because both rely on recirculated water, they can be integrated into one system.
In aquaponics, we use the solid waste from the fish and the water from the ponds to nourish the plants. Whereas in traditional hydroponics, nutrients are added directly to the water tanks.
Q: How did Hydro Mediterránea come to life? Was there a key moment that made you commit to such an innovative growing system?
A: Right, so the idea behind the project was to create self-sustaining crops: powered by renewable energy, reusing water… but not only that!
We also wanted to support biodiversity and help protect native aquatic species that are under threat — by raising them in our ponds so they can recover, in collaboration with an environmental association. And all this while producing top-quality vegetables.
As you can see, it’s quite an ambitious project, but we really wanted to do our bit to help tackle climate change and push for a more sustainable and healthier future.
We’re determined to make a mark in the world of cultivation. Aquaponics is one of the most sustainable systems out there — and we’ve already received four official awards to back it up…
Q: That’s right! Your project has earned recognition from institutions like the Tarragona Provincial Council and even nominations for the EU’s RURAL AWARDS. What has this kind of institutional support meant for you? How has it helped you grow?
A: Receiving these awards has been such a compliment after all the hard work, hehe. For us, it’s a confirmation that our way of working and growing really does work.
It shows that it’s possible to produce both high quality and high yields without harming the environment. In fact, our aim is to actually regenerate it through the system.
“We wanted to do our bit to help fight climate change and support a more sustainable and healthier future.”
Q: What kind of fish do you use in your aquaponics system, and why did you choose them? How do you keep the balance between the fish and the plants?
A: At the moment, we use two types of fish: an ornamental one, which is the goldfish, and one for consumption, the tench.
We chose these species because they’re well adapted to the Mediterranean climate and, being omnivorous, we can feed them with vegetables from our own crops.
Our aquaponics system is a mixed one.
We extract the water and solid waste from the fishponds, then we treat this “grey water” by oxygenating it and adding Atazyme, which helps break down the organic matter along with the nitrifying bacteria. That way, the water is ready to go back into the hydroponic system to feed our lettuces and so on.
Q: What an interesting use for Atazyme! Now, let’s talk a bit more about your day-to-day life and personal experience. Tell us, what do you enjoy most about working with plants and fish every day?
A: They don’t complain! Haha.
No, honestly, what I love the most is working with the “tools” nature gives us and blending that with technology, so everything flows — quite literally 😉.
I love arriving, taking a look around and seeing that everything is ticking over nicely: plants, fish and tech all in harmony. It’s just amazing!
Q: Do you remember any funny or unexpected moments you've had while growing?
A: One of the most curious things that’s happened to me is getting to see what you normally don’t see: the roots.
Trying to pull a plant out and realising… it just keeps going! Like that magician’s trick with the endless scarf. I’ve seen roots stretching out for metres. Unbelievable — you have to see it to believe it!
Q: That must be thanks to the Root Stimulator in your system! Speaking of which, what role do our products play in your growing routine? Has any of them particularly surprised you with its results?
A: Spot on! Hahaha.
I think Atami’s fertilisers play a vital role in the quality of our crops.
We’re talking about thousands of plants grown in the same system, where even a small nutrient imbalance could cause serious economic loss. That’s why I completely trust your fertilisers: they’ve never let me down.
I’m really happy with all of them.
I’ve seen fantastic results with Hydro A&B, which gives my lettuces a lovely deep colour and great vigour. And of course, I use Root Stimulator on my baby lettuce or lechus — that’s what I call them — because it gives them strong, healthy roots for transplanting… sometimes even kilometre-long roots 😉.
For me, Atazyme is essential. I use it to maintain the system, break down organic matter and keep the plants healthy and strong. It’s key to a successful grow and harvest!
I could also mention Silic Boost, which, thanks to its high silicon content, lets me grow even in the peak of summer without the plants getting heat stressed. I love it because you only need a tiny amount, and I apply it through the misting system. Super practical.
Q: Wow, that’s basically an ode to our products — thanks so much, Albert! And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about getting into hydroponics (or even aquaponics)?
A: Atami… I’d tell them to use your products, hands down. And if they’ve got any questions, to get in touch with you so they get proper guidance right from the start.
“I love arriving, taking a look around and seeing that everything is ticking over nicely: plants, fish and tech all in harmony. It’s just amazing!”
Q: What do you dream of achieving with this project in five years’ time? What are the biggest challenges ahead for Hydro Mediterránea?
A: Well, looking five years ahead, I’d love to expand, create my own commercial brand and see my lechus alive and kicking on supermarket shelves. And of course, keep growing and working with you guys. Hehe… #AtamiLover!
Q: And finally, if you had to convince someone in one sentence to give aquaponics a go, what would you say?
A: Because it’s set to be one of the pillars of global food production in the future: an efficient, technical, scalable system that works in harmony with nature. It ticks all the boxes!
Talking to Albert is like a breath of fresh air — or better yet, a splash of well-nourished, well-used water.
His project, Hydro Mediterránea, proves it’s possible to grow with both brains and heart, while respecting the environment. Through aquaponics, he’s managed to blend technology, sustainability and biodiversity into a single system where everything balances and feeds back into itself.
At Atami, we’re proud to be part of his journey. Seeing our products play a role in his daily routine, helping boost plant health and keep such a demanding yet efficient system running smoothly, reminds us why we do what we do.
Thank you, Albert, for inspiring us with your vision, for looking after your lechus — and your whole ecosystem — and for showing us that a different way of growing isn’t just possible, it’s essential.
If Albert’s story has inspired you, make sure to follow his journey at @hydro.mediterranea. And if you’d like to discover more stories like his: innovative, committed and growing side by side with Atami, follow us too.
Because together, we grow more than just plants.
