How Aquaponics works

An Aquaponics culture combines two systems together (hydroponics and aquaculture) in a symbiotic environment. In hydroponics, plants are cultivated in water while in aquaculture, aquatic animals like prawns, Cray fish and fishes are grown in a closed system. By providing a symbiotic environment for both systems in a very simple way more food is produced both in quality and quantity. This means, you can grow fresh vegetables and fruits with fish (at the same time) at home in a very simple way. Many people consider it an interesting family activity. With the arrival of the aquaponics system, fish cultivation at home became very popular all around the world. Now, everyone wants to know the right methods and technique to setting up this innovative system.

The idea behind aquaponics system:

Fish in aquaponic discharge their waste in water. The water becomes toxic by these wastes and need to be purified for the fish. So, it is pumped from the fish tank and bacteria start their work of nitrate production on the fish wastes. Nitrate is an essential nutrient for plant’s development and growth so, plants receive nitrates and absorbs it through their roots thereby cleansing the water. Water is cleansed after absorption then pumped into the fish tank again after passing through a filter within the system.

Why is the system beneficial?

Our main preference is our health. The first and major benefit of aquatic system is that the system produces organic and chemical-free vegetables, fruits and aquatic animal which contains essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and olive oil. These nutrients are necessary for our growth and development.

The initial cost of this system is very low. So, the price sensitive farmers or poor people are now able to build this system as their source of income. All ingredients used for fish and plants feed are natural. For example, duckweed is used for fish feed and bacteria for water processing and nitrate production,

Useful tips to creating a successful aquaponics

Location of the system, plants or seeds selection, monitoring and observing the system are very important. They are the most sensitive points for the running of a successful and balanced system. First an aquaponics system must be created at a proper place where sunlight easily falls on it. The best recommended place for the system is under a tree. Secondly proper selection of fish and plant seed is also necessary. Always choose seeds and fish species according to regional climates because the temperature of an area is very important for the fish and plant survival. Finally monitoring and observation is key to it’s success because plants and fish need their feed and nutrients periodically.