Abstract The focus of this study is aquaponics and its capacity for sustainable food production, with a particular emphasis on the utilisation of wastewater from Tilapia ( Oreochromis sp .) fish farming. Tilapia are known for their rapid growth and high production rates. The study highlights the importance of managing the water environment in facilitating the commercialisation of aquaponics and its ability to address global food security and sustainability challenges. Vietnam stands to benefit significantly from aquaponic systems due to the following factors: the country’s expanding aquaculture industry, its need for economic diversification, and its growing environmental concerns. A 21-day experiment was conducted to assess the growth of Houttuynia cordata in an aquaponic setup. Water quality parameters, including pH, water temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate (NO 3 − -N), ammonium (NH 4 + -N), phosphate (PO 4 3− -P), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) were monitored over time, with samples collected at multiple intervals (0, 3, 7, 10, 17, and 21 days). The dry root weight increased from 0.1079 ± 0.03 g on start time to 0.193 ± 0.04 g by day 21. The results showed that the roots were developing well, which suggests that the plants will also grow well. By day 10, young plants had begun to emerge, and by the end of the study, a robust canopy had developed. The study observed leaf yellowing, suggesting possible nutrient deficiencies and water management issues. Environmental conditions were carefully controlled in the laboratory aquaponic system. The results show that while aquaponics shows a lot of promise, it is still in its early stages and needs more research by different experts. Preliminary results indicate that aquaponics can contribute to sustainable food production. It can also fulfill critical nutritional needs. An example of this research results can partly be the successful cultivation of Houttuynia cordata in small scale.