Nile tilapia (NT) ( Oreochromis niloticus) are often used in aquaponic systems as a nutrient source for plants due to their hardy nature and ability to grow well under varying conditions. In relation to other fish species, however, t ilapia do not always command a high market value, potentially reducing the sustainability of any aquaponics business. In conjunction with a local aquaponics business, we compared lettuce production between two 9,500-L airlift driven, deepwater aquaponic systems to determine fish species’ impacts over a seven-month period. In system one, NT were raised in combination with Greenleaf and Butter lettuce. In the second system hybrid striped bass (HSB) (Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops ) were raised in combination with the same two types of lettuce. Fish were stocked at typical recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) production densities for each species (NT = 139/m3: HSB = 76/m3). Lettuce plants were grown in rock wool media and floated in foam boards at a density of two plants/ft2 with a total growing space of 108 ft2 /raceway. Other than fish feed, chelated iron, sodium bicarbonate and topping off system water, no inputs were added to either system. Standard RAS/aquaponic water quality measurements were made to monitor overall health of the fish and the systems. Fish were sampled monthly to measure growth and adjust feed rations. An equal number of plant boards were harvested across both systems upon first maturity to make plant production comparisons. Results of plant and fish production, water quality and system recommendations will be presented.