I came across periphyton-based aquaculture a few years ago, while researching options for a fishery development project in Nigeria. Rather than try to explain it here, I will refer you to this document, which does a better job than I could (or do a quick internet search on your own):

http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.echocommunity.org/resource/collection/CAFC0D87-129B-4DDA-B363-9B9733AAB8F1/Issue105.pdf


I believe the concept would work well, integrated into an aquaponics system.

very interesting link thank you, i see it could be very useful in aquaponics and perhaps play a role in permaculture ponds , perhaps as a way to use up excess nutrients in a swimming pond?

I would recommend doing a thorough search of the subject on the internet. Other search terms are "brush park" and "acadja."

If you are really serious about it, borrow or buy Periphyton: Ecology, Exploitation and Management by Ekram Azim, (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0851990967/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=). It is pretty pricey, comparable to the average textbook. I haven't read the book yet, but it is highly recommended.

One method used to improve productivity is to stuff manure into the hollow center of perforated bamboo which then leaches out to feed the periphyton. If you are adding nutrients, you need to be careful to maintain a proper balance.