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.

Read More Aquaponic Syatems
credit By Leah Moore