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.
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