Introduction.
- There are 3 main types of Aquaponics Systems, Media Based, Deepflow and NFT.
- Media based which is the most common design used in backyard systems uses either gravel or clay pebbles. The plants are sown directly into the media. Gravel is used in the flood and drain system where the grow beds are flooded and drained periodically allowing water to circulate through the system on a regular basis. Expanded clay pebbles are used in the continuous flow system. The clay pebbles are designed to absorb water and keep the plant roots moist.
- Deepflow/raft is mainly used for commercial systems. The media used is water and rafts made from styrofoam or a floating board with holes for pots to allow the plants to sit in where the roots are always immersed in the water.
- Nutrient Film Technique or known as NFT can be used for backyard or commercial but is the least commonly used. This is where the plants are in pots and a small amount of water is trickled through the base of the channel where the roots access the water.
The Concept Of Aquaponic.
- Fish produce waste,which is broken down by bacteria into nitrates and then by another bacteria into nitrates. Water is circulated from the fish tank to hydroponic growbeds: the plants eat the nitrates which turn filters the water for the fish. There are also exchanges of Carbon Dioxide and oxygen, as well as Micronutrients; this system emulates what takes place in nature. Aquaponics is inherently organic and can be run entirely chemical free .
- Aquaponics is simple but it must be balanced in order to work. It can take several weeks or months to get a system working properly and there a lot of potential downfalls if built incorrectly. The system must be “Cycled” just like a fish tank , the bacteria must flourish . Also the fish need to be balanced with the plants in order to establish the results.
Aquaponic Has Potential For Following Reasons.
- Little maintenance semimonthly with fishfeeders
- PH mysteriously balances itself
- Nutrients are self regulated by ecosystems
- 100% organic
- Can raise fish for hobby or food
- 1/10 water traditional farming and water is not dumped like with regular hydroponics
- Sustainable technology,eco-friendly
- Plants do not endure nutrient burn
- fish produce valuable fertilizers for many years, saving money
- fish can be fed scraps,bread, duckweeds,inexpensive food
- if the system is built correctly it will run for years nonstop
- The system works better and better as it ages
- Crop production is 300% faster due to the use of water and fish waste as plant growth media over the use of land
- Activities “ 2 In 1” simultaneously, breeding fish while growing crops
- Once a system is set up and running its like a Nuclear reactor, it just keeps on running for years so long as maintain the water levels and keep the fish fed.
