The Aquaponic System
How Does Aquaponics Work?
The principles of aquaponics are simple, think of it as mimicking a pond with fish and plants: the fish consume food such as insects, plants, etc., and create ammonia waste. Bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite, nitrate, and eventually nitrogen through nitrification. Three types of bacteria are involved in these processes: nitrifying, denitrifying, and Photosynthetic. The nitrification process is vital because it reduces the amount of ammonia in the water and helps create a healthy environment for plants and fish.
What Is The Role of Nitrogen?
Nitrogen is one of the main elements of life, along with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The nitrogen cycle is a process in which nitrogen is moved around in the life cycle and is an integral part of the aquaponics setup. Nitrogen makes up 78 % of our atmosphere; plants need it to produce flowers and fruit.
Why Aquaponics?
An aquaponic system consumes 90% less water than conventional agriculture and does not utilize soil, so planting and harvesting are uncomplicated and straightforward. With water scarcity becoming the norm in many regions worldwide, aquaponic systems offer a viable alternative to conventional agriculture. The principles of aquaponic farming make this system sustainable, unlike the hydroponic systems, where water needs to be replaced regularly because of the accumulation of salts in the water.
What Kind of Fish To Use In An Aquaponics System?
In southern California, a good choice is Tilapia. Tilapia can tolerate poor water conditions and low oxygen levels and grow to plate size in a few months. Catfish, Murray Code, Trout, Goldfish, and Koi, are also used in aquaponics setups. The choice of fish depends on the environment, water temperature range, and personal preferences.
What Media Is Used Instead Of Soil?
Any rock that will not affect the PH of the water can be used as media, including gravel, perlite, and some river rocks, among others. Hydroton is the best choice because its porosity increases the number of bacteria living in the media; more bacteria means a more robust system. Hydroton is a manufactured material made of superheated clay.
What Kind Of Plants May Be Grown in An Aquaponic System?
Kale, peppers, lettuces, some herbs, chard, tomatoes, bok choi, watercress, cucumbers, strawberries, ginger, turmeric, and beets are among the many types of vegetables that will do well in an aquaponic system.
One Last Thing.
Having plants and fish coexist brings challenges, and the system must be checked regularly. Water temperature, PH range, ammonia content, dissolved oxygen, nitrites, and nitrates must be monitored and kept within an acceptable range for fish and plants to thrive.