What is Aquaponics? A Comprehensive Guideline about Farming with Aquaponics

An eco-friendly approach is gaining popularity in the landscape of agriculture which is aquaponics, an innovative and sustainable method to meet the demand of the world population. In this blog. we will discover what is aquaponics and its potential in the future of agriculture.

What Is Aquaponics Farming:

A simple yet effective closed-loop system built through the cultivation of fish with growing plants in nutrient-rich water is called aquaponics. The concept is simple, fish produces waste and the beneficial bacteria turn this waste into powerful nutrient (food for plant) for plants, in return plant purify the water for fishes. It is a dynamic duo where the fish gets a clean home and the plants get a tasty meal. Isn’t it surprising? 

History Of Aquaponics:

Aquaponics isn’t a new technique it is something coming from our ancestors, as they also knew fishes and plants can make an amazing superhero farming team.

Aztecs had their vision of aquaponic and they were the true pioneer of it. They made a floating Island called Chinampas in lakes.

Around 5 AD the Chinese settlers brought this technique into South Asia and South China. Wang Zehn was the first person who made the first floating wooden raft for rice and other goodies.

Components Of Eco-System:

Aquaponic systems consist of two main parts:

Aquaculture

Hydroponics.

Aquaculture is a part where the aquatic culture rises while in hydroponics fishes grow. Let’s explore what components are needed to build up aquaponics.

Primary components.

Secondary Components.

Primary Components:

The main components of the aquaponics system are:

Fishes.

Plants

Bacteria.

Fishes:

Fishes play an important role in building aquaponics. You need to choose high-quality fish to achieve maximum growth.

Best Fishes For Aquaponics:

Edible fishes like tilapia, catfish, carp, trout, salmon, etc.

Ornamental Fishes: guppies, goldfish, etc.

Other: Shrimps.

Where to buy best fish for aquaponics:

You can purchase the best fish for your aquaponics system from an online store or from your nearest aquaponic store. Make sure the store is credible and provide high-quality and chemical-free fishes.

Plants:

To make a well-balanced aquaponic system, plants need to choose carefully. Initially, don’t choose plants that need more nutrients like tomatoes, choose plants that serve as a reliable indicator for system health like leafy green and herbs such as cilantro and basil. Add some flowers it will not only appeal to insects but add aesthetic appeal. Don’t forget to monitor PH regularly.

Best Aquaponics Plants:

Different plants need different environments to grow. Choose plants that grow well on your raft system, grow bed, and nutrient film techniques.

Where To Buy Best Seed:

Choose a reliable online or physical store for the best seeds and instructions that come with the product.

Bacteria:

In the aquaponic system, two types of bacteria are important 

ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and nitrate-oxidizing bacteria depend on. temperature, and oxygen availability. As the system matures they create a self-sustaining environment. These bacteria form naturally over time and form colonies on the surface. Their growth is affected by PH, like the biofilter

Secondary Component:

Hydro Fish Tank Or The Fish Hub:

Fish Hub is just like a home sweet home for the aquatic buddies, where the fishes swim, play, and get nutrients.

Settling Basin:

Just like the superhero cleaning squad, the settling basin catches waste (leftover food & tiny particles) to make sure to keep the water tidy.

Aquaponics Bio Filter: 

It is just like the nitrification station where the beneficial bacteria ( a real superhero) convert the waste of fish into a powerful nutrient that is the absolute love of plants.

Hydroponic Subsystem:

It is like a green paradise where the plants flourish by soaking up the nutrients from the water.

Sump: 

It is the lowest point of the aquaponic system that manages the flow of water and pumps the water back to the fish tank completing the life cycle in the aquaponic world.

How Does Aquaponics System Work:

Farming With Aquaponics Benefits:

• Aquaponics does not like traditional agriculture methods and hence uses 90% less water.
• It is an organic method that depends on natural nutrient sources.
• From a single integrated method, it provides a diverse range of fresh fish and vegetables.
• It is a cost-effective method and equally suitable for both rural and urban areas.
• It minimizes the environmental impact.
• Due to direct access to nutrient-rich water, plants grow more rapidly than traditional methods.

Challenges Of Aquaponic System:

1- To enjoy the long-term benefits initially it needs a high cost to set up a suitable system. It includes a fish tank, reliable electricity, grow beds, a plumbing system, etc.

2- To run a successful aquaponic system it needs regular maintenance such as checking PH value, nutrient concentration, clogged pipes, malfunctioning pumps, etc to avoid disruption in the ecosystem.

3- Maintaining a balanced aquaponics system can be challenging and lead to different issues such as fish stress, low plant growth, and an increase in diseases. To deal with it needs complete understanding and experience so the issues can be resolved promptly.

The Rise Of Aquaponics In Current Regions:

Europe.

Asia.

North America.

The Caribbean.

To get complete details please click here.

Interesting Facts About Aquaponics System:

The first aquaponics system was made by Aztecs in ancient Mexico.

In more recent years,  china installed a floating aquaponic system on polyculture fish ponds.

In the 90s a rise in the aquaponic setup has been noticed and raised high-value crops such as lettuce and trout.

In Aquaponics fish pond tilapia are the most common fish for use for this purpose due to their ability to tolerate crowd and water-changing conditions. 

FAQS:

1- How much space is required to set up an aquaponics system?

A Small aqua phonics system can be built on a 2000 sq m place and can be run on commercial lines. 

2. What types of fish are suitable for aquaponics?

Tilapia, Koi, Bass, Goldfish, barramundi, carp, trout, and catfish are some ideal aquaponic fish

3. Can any type of plant be grown in an aquaponics system?

A well-balanced aquaponic system can grow a variety of plants but leafy green plants are those that can be successfully grown.

4. How often should water quality be tested?

It is recommended to check the water quality of the aquaponic tank daily if the system is new, then every week.

5. Is it possible to run an aquaponics system indoors?

An indoor aquaponic system can be ideal because it is good for fish and plants that are more sensitive to fluctuations in temperature.

Conclusion:

The Aquaponics system is an amazing solution to the challenges of traditional agriculture. The innovative approach not only improves the resource’s efficiency but also provides a sustainable resilient food system

Resources:

https://www.ncrac.org/files/publication/aquaculture_components.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics