What Exactly Is Aquaponics

There is a great deal of aquaponics information available today and much of the information was obtained through trial and error. Relatively new to us, is a very unique system that is proven time and again. This system is a hybrid of aquaculture and hydroponics and is a truly "green" and remarkable process. Aquaponics systems can be small or they can be very big.

Having an understanding about aquaponics is necessary to build and maintain your own system. The statistics of food poisoning and other issues is rapidly increasing which is unfortunate with the amount of technology that currently exists. Growing our own food is becoming a necessity in order to keep our families healthy.

Balance

Any aquaponics information that you read should advise that it is an eco system that will work if and when the system is balanced. This only makes sense as we see this within our own systems. However, the components in this system interact with each other so if one part of the system fails (and not addressed in a very timely manner) the entire system will fail.

It must be stressed at this point, that if you were to start your own aquaponics system that it would fail (to a point). You may have trials and errors, but this is mandatory as you are bringing together two different systems and they must successfully unite. Having an understanding of each is important; especially if gardening and caring of fish is new to you.

Simplicity

The concept of the entire process is very simple and should be stressed in any aquaponics information that you read. You are growing two completely different crops that benefit each other. The system includes two containers that are connected by a pump and some tubing. One container, we'll call it a fish tank, holds fish and water. The other container, we'll call it a grow bed, holds plants and either water or another growing medium other than soil.

The fishy water is transferred to the container that the plants are in. The plants absorb the water along with all of the toxins that the fish created in the water, thus cleaning the water. The water is drained back into the fish tank giving the fish clean water to live in until it is time for the water to cycle again.

Decisions

Of course, there is much more aquaponics information to review. The balance of the system also hinges on the types of plants as well as the type(s) of fish you choose. The easiest plants to grow are leafy ones; however, almost any plant can grow in this type of system. The fish chosen can be almost any fish but there are limitations, to a certain point.

The choice of the fish will depend upon if you will harvest them or just use their natural services to fertilize the plants. If you choose to grow them for food, you should choose a species that is easy to care for, is hardy, reproduces easily,goldfish, grows fast and eats almost anything. The species should also be good to eat. One of the most popular species is Tilapia.

As the saying goes, knowledge is power and with aquaponics this is indeed true. The aquaponics information provided here was to give you the basics in the hopes that you will be interested enough to begin your own aquaponics system.