Aquaponics - Simple, Efficient, Bio

Simple, Efficient, Bio 

Aquaponics is the method of growing crops and fish together in a re-circulating system. It is a system that combines conventional aquaculture, (raising aquatic animals in tanks), with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment. The waste produced by farmed fish or other aquatic creatures supplies the nutrients for the plants.

When fish is grown in aquariums or small fish tanks, then there is a need to change at least a third of the water every couple of weeks. This is due to the build up of ammonia in the water from the fish excretia. Too much ammonia in the water becomes toxic to the fish and they die, so by removing a third and replenishing it with fresh water you are creating a balance for the fish to survive.

Plants are grown as in hydroponics systems, with their roots immersed in the nutrient-rich effluent water. This enables them to filter out the ammonia that is toxic to the aquatic animals, or its metabolites. After the water has passed through the hydroponic subsystem, it is cleaned and oxygenated, and can return to the aquaculture vessels. This cycle is continuous.

The hydroponic techniques usually used is Deep Water Culture or Nutrient Film Technique, but all the hydroponic systems are suitable in Aquaponics. 

Most green leaf vegetables grow well in the aquaponic system - varieties of chinese cabbage, lettuce, basil, roses, tomatoes, bell peppers are most common. Other vegetables that grow well in an aquaponic system include beans, peas, watercress, radishes, strawberries, melons, onions, and herbs.

Freshwater fish are the most common aquatic animal raised using aquaponics, although freshwater crayfish and prawns are also sometimes used.  Tilapia are the most popular fish for home and commercial projects that are intended to raise edible fish. Silver Perch, catfish, Jade perch and Barramundi are also used. Goldfish  can be used if do not want to have edible fish.

Aquaponic systems do not discharge or exchange water. The systems rely on the natural relationship between the aquatic animals and the plants to maintain the environment. Water is only added to replace water loss from absorption by the plants or evaporation into the air.