AquaponicsAquaponics is a relatively new approach to growing crops, which combines many of the advantages of hydroponics and aquaculture. Yet this approach does away with many of the disadvantages of those two parent methods. It can be very simple, or quite involved, depending on quite a few factors. It can also be either inexpensive, or very costly, again depending on a variety of factors. Even as we learn more about this method and start to use it here, we'll share what we've learned so far, along with references for more information.Fish Component One half of the aquaponics equation is the fishtank. The fish provide the nutrients for the plants in this closed-loop system. A variety of fish species have been used successfully in aquaponics, and even standard tropical aquarium fish have been used in hobbyist systems. However, tilapia and goldfish are by far the most commonly used species in small scale and commercial operations. Aquaponics is a demanding growing system and fish health is imperative to plant health. So growers must not only know their plants, they must also be able to successfully manage their fish populations. In return, those fish can provide either a food or market crop for the grower. So far we have experimented with tilapia, goldfish and common tropical aquarium fish. We'll be writing up those first results, and our next experiments. Check back here for those updates. Plant Component The other half of the aquaponics equation is the plant population, whether they be vegetables, ornamentals, herbs or fodder crops. The plant roots provide crucial water filtration, consuming the fish wastes in the water, such that the water can be circulated back to the fish tanks. This is how an aquaponics system can be as close to a closed system as any form of agriculture yet conceived by man. Yet there are many challenges to be overcome. The plant population must be carefully matched to the fish population, or more precisely to the amounts fed to the fish. If there are too many plants compared to fish, then the plants suffer from deficiencies. If there are too few plants compared to fish, the plant roots cannot adequately remove all the nutrients from the water and water quality declines. Yet when they are well matched, the plants can thrive with growth rates and production rates far beyond what is available in soil-based growing, and sometimes beyond even hydroponic yields. System Layouts Since the fish component and the plant component must be combined so carefully, only a few possible layout systems have emerged as being cost-effective. We discuss those layouts here. Some are very well suited to home and even classroom use. Others are well suited for small scale production, and a few are better suited for large scale production. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. We'll be writing up each of them here as we get the chance to do so. Check back for those updates. Growing Media Just as in hydroponics, growing media is a critical component of an aquaponics system. And just as with hydroponics, each possible growing media selection has its advantages and disadvantages. We have experimented with most of the options available, and we have written up our experiences with each type on our Growing Media page. Controlled Climate Growing Methods Most aquaponics systems, either hobbyist or commercial, take place in some kind of protected environment - a hoophouse or greenhouse of some type. Even when folks are in love with the notion of aquaponics, they can hesitate to take the plunge simply because of concerns about creating and maintaining that protected environment. In our Season Extension section of the website, we cover a variety of ways to create protected environments for whatever you're growing, via whatever method. At least some of these methods would work very well for an aquaponics setup. Click here to look at that new section and review your options. |
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