Aquaponics systems are combinations of aquaculture and horticulture sub- systems. Importantly, the aquaculture sub- system is always primary in aquaponics. Aquaculture effluent from the primary sub-system can be diverted to horticulture sub-systems and repurposed to maximize water and nutrient values and to process waste. It is then of utmost importance that the horticulture sub-systems are managed properly to maximize profitability. Among the possible barriers to success in aquaponics are relatively poor plant health and low plant yields, especially when compared to hydroponic systems. Inherent differences between hydroponic nutrient solutions and aquaculture effluent necessitate different approaches to plant production between hydroponics and aquaponics. Horticulture systems should be designed to provide optimizable environments for plant species in any given aquaponics system. In this presentation, w e summarize approaches to maximize vegetable yields and quality in controlled environments, recent research on aquaponics, and highlight work from our lab in which we have improved plant quality and yields, hence potential profitability, in aquaponics systems.