Aquaponics How To
Plants growing in freshwater aquaponics
Algae growing in a saltwater aquaponics
What is Aquaponics?
aqua-pon-ics
Pronunciation Spelt: [ak-wuh-pon-iks] - noun (used with a singular verb)The symbiotic cultivation of
plants and aquatic animals in a recirculating
environment.
Aquaponics is basically a
combination of Aquaculture (growing fish) & Hydroponics
(growing plants).
[Origin: 1996-97; aqua(culture) + (hydro)ponics]
Related forms:
aqua-pon-ic, adjective : an aquaponic system
aqua-pon-i-cal-ly, adverb : he grew the plants aquaponically
aqua-pon-i-cist, noun : she is an aquaponicist
Aquatic animal effluent (fish
waste) accumulates in water as a byproduct of the keeping them in a
closed system or tank (recirculating aquaculture system). The
effluent rich water becomes high in plant nutrients but is toxic to
the aquatic animal.
Plants are grown in a way
(hydroponic system) that utilizes the nutrient rich water. The
plants in turn digest the nutrients, reducing or eliminating the
waters toxicity for the aquatic animal. The water, now clean, is
returned to the aquatic animal environment and the cycle
continues.
Aquaponic systems do not
discharge or exchange water. The systems rely on the natural
relationship between the aquatic animals and the plants to maintain
the environment. Water is only added to replace water loss from
absorption by the plants or evaporation into the air.
Aquaponic systems vary in size
from small indoor units to large commercial units. They can be
based on fresh or salt water.
Freshwater systems rely on three major elements:
* Freshwater aquatic animals;
* Nitrifying Bacteria; and
* Plants.
The freshwater aquatic animals produce Ammonia. A nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomonas sp) converts the Ammonia to Nitrite. Another nitrifying bacteria (Nitrobacter) then converts the Nitrite to Nitrate. The plants then use the Nitrate and thus "clean" the water for the fish.
Saltwater systems rely on only two major elements:
* Saltwater aquatic animals; and
* Seaweed/Algae.
Photos are of aquaponic systems built and/or maintained by Martin and Kerri