Aquaponics Systems

It is not difficult to design a basic aquaponic system that can be placed indoors or outdoors. The options you have are to purchase a readymade kit or get the components from your local hardware and hobby supply stores and build the unit yourself.
What are the components of a basic aquaponics system?

1. A fish tank with fish, the size you select will be determined by where you locate it and the scope of your system.
2. A grow bed with plants, there is no limit here in terms of what you can grow, it will depend on your goals, the type of water flow and the space you have dedicated to the aquaponics system.
3. A water pump and filtration system, it is vital that a perfect balance be maintained for healthy plants and fish. It is a symbiotic relationship between the fish and the plants.

There are several different types of water flow and filtration systems, the type you choose will be determined by the scope of your grow project, the room you have dedicated to the aquaponics system and the amount of time you can dedicate to the maintenance of the system.
A very basic system is similar to the a common fish tank you can purchase from a pet store, however since it is a continuous flow system you are limited to growing plants that will thrive in a constant water environment, a good example would be the lettuce plant. Other plants that require more oxygen will develop root rot and not thrive.
There are several considerations before starting a aquaponics system:

1. Check to determine with you will need any special permits for aquaculture.
2. You need to use food grade plastics only and other materials for potable water.
3. Plan for the times you may be out of town.
4. Research your source for fish, because you do not want diseased fish!
5. Plan ahead so that you have enough room for your system.

The idea of designing an aquaponic system can be very appealing and it certainly makes sense because of all the benefits. But it is wise to do your homework, start small and scale up. It would be wise to invest in an aquaponics guide that will give you step by step detailed instructions and advice.

Does the idea of creating an aquaponic system appeal to you? Then don't delay get started today!

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credit By K Bray

The Different Types of Aquaponics System

The method of raising fish and growing plants has now come in a whole new level. Now, you can grow plants and raise fish in a way that brings balance to our ecosystem. Aquaponics system lets you do that. Creating a self-sustaining system can be an intimidating task for some and think it will never be possible. Well, not with aquaponics!

Aquaponics is a combination of two processes - cultivating fruits and vegetables and growing fish at the same time. This is a closed integrated system of traditional aquaculture or growing aquatic animals like prawns, tilapia together with hydroponics or the soil-less fruits and vegetables gardening.

There are several types of aquaponics system:

Raft or deep-flow. This kind of aquaponics is commonly used for commercial purposes. The system uses a floating raft which is made up of Styrofoam or a floating board with holes for the pots that allows the plants to sit firmly, enabling the roots to absorb water.

In a raft system, the raft sits in water which is separated from the fish tank. The raft acts like the bio-filter of the water wastes from the fish tank. Thru this type of system, you can observe that the more you feed your fish, the more the plants will grow and flourish. So if you don't have enough space for planting, make sure to have a separate bio-filter to hold the wastes from the fish.

Media based. It is commonly designed for backyard aquaponics system where every people can see it even from afar. It uses pebbles or clays for drainage and for cleaning purposes. The pebbles in the plant beds will in the regulation of water flooding in the drainage to ensure that it flows continuously, and avoid any blockage that may interrupt the function of the system. However, the clay in the plant beds helps absorbs the water to keep the plant roots maintain its moisture without being soaked up.

NFT/ Nutrient Film Technique. Another type of aquaponics system that can be used on either backyard or commercial system is the NFT or Nutrient Film Technique, however, it is rarely used. In this system, plants are placed in the pots and small amount of water drips from the base of the pots where the roots can access a little amount of water from it.

Indoor Aquaponics system. It can grow veggies and herbs while self-cleaning the water in your fish tank. It's one of the most popular aquaponics systems because people can just use their traditional aquarium. However, like any other types, you need to take extra care in dealing with fish and plants like most other types requires-constant monitoring, proper filtration, and proper water circulation. It uses 5cm layer of river gravel beds method for filtration to trap the fish wastes and allow good bacteria to grow. You can use plants that don't require direct sunlight so the fish can also benefit with it too (take note that fish breeds well in shady areas).

All of the types of aquaponics systems are applicable to every type of home-whether you have large space or small space, as long as it fits your purpose of setting it up like for home or commercial purposes. If you want to use it commercially, of course, you need to have a bigger area in setting up your system. But all in all, it is the most economical way to grow plants and fish and have an excellent harvest in due time.

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credit By Leah Moore

Build Your Own Aquaponics System

     An aquaponics system combines the growth of plants and fish in a symbiotic environment. As commonly practiced, most aquaculture methods allow fish waste to build up in the water, this can poison the fish. The water in an aquaponics system is taken to a hydroponic system, in this system the by-products from the aquaculture are filtered out by the plants that uses them as nutrients and then the clean water is recycled back to the fish tank. Aquaponics systems come in personal sizes to outdoor sizes to giant commercial machines.
     Utilizing practices from fish farming (aquaculture) and soil less farming (hydroponics), aquaponics aims to reduce any adverse ecological effect by making these 2 systems work together. Offering a lot of advantages, this agricultural method is quickly gaining popularity.
A basic aquaponics system that may be placed indoors or outdoors is not difficult to design. You can purchase a ready-made kit or buy the components from the local hardware store or hobby shop and build it yourself.
     What are the basic components you need to build an aquaponics system?
     First you need a fish tank, the size of which will be determined by were you want to put it and what is your goal for the system
     The second thing you need are plants. When choosing what to grow with aquaponics, consider your overall space, goals and type of water flow.
     The third part of an aquaponics system is a water pump and filtration unit, these 2 things are crucial as they will help you maintain the system in balance
     The scope of your project will determine the type of flow and filtration systems you will need. Other factors to consider are the room you dedicate to use for the aquaponics project and the amount of time you can dedicate for its maintenance.
     An Aquaponics system in its most basic form is similar to the common fish tank, however since there is no continuous flow in this basic system you are limited to growing plants that thrive in stagnant water, like the lettuce plant. Other types of plants that require more oxygen will die in a basic system like this. And that is why you need a continuous flow system.
There are many things that you must consider before you begin an aquaponics project. Here are some of them:
1. Find out if any special aquaculture permits are required were you live.
2. Only use materials that are food grade.
3. Make the necessary arrangements if you are planning a trip out of town.
4. Make sure you have checked out the company where you are buying your fish; the last thing you want is fish that are sick!
5. Make future plans so you don't run out of space for your system.

The concept of building an aquaponic system is very tempting and do to all of its benefits the concept makes a lot of sense. The smart thing, though, is to do a lot of research before you start, and first begin on a small scale and then grow. My advice is to invest in a guide that will give you step by step and detailed instructions for building your fist aquaponics system.

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credit By Mark A. Wright