Using Aquaponics to produce sustainable food

Introduction

Aquaponics (sometimes mistakeningly spelled as aquaphonics) is the name given to the synergistic combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. The appeal of aquaponics is that in combining the two activities the potential negative aspects in each are dealt with in a viable and sustainable manner. In other words, the sum of the two when combined has greater benefits than the individual activities alone.

The process makes use of waste products from growing fish as a natural nutrient source for plants. Nutrient rich fish water from the fish tanks are pumped into the plant growing area which can be simple trough type tanks, hydroponics NFT tanks, drip feed systems or gravel beds. Whatever the type, plants growing in the system extract the nutrients from the water, nutrients that the fish provide. The plants clean the water of excess nutrients, the water is then oxygenated by simple means and is reused again and again in the fish rearing tanks. This practice makes efficient use of what would otherwise be considered organic waste.

There is minimum effluent runoff from this type of farming. Plants and bacteria in the growing beds use nutrients from the fish effluent and in return purify the water for the benefit of the fish. Fertilizers normally required for hydroponics production are not needed, the integration of plants and fish actually necessitates that NO chemical pesticides or medications be used.

A well designed and properly operated system will use about one tenth of the water required for normal vegetable growing and reduces the water needed for single usage fish farming by 95% or greater. The system can be quite simple and revolutionary because it generally does not make use of complex technology normally required for high tech aquaculture, hydroponics, or both.

Many farms the practice aquaponics also use similar lighting, environmental and temperature control systems commonly found in hydroponics grow systems. In many warmer climates structures similar to those used in commercial greenhouse operations are also used in housing the equipment while allowing light transfer from the sun.

The tanks used to grow the fish crops come in many forms and sizes including circular and rectangle tanks constructed from plastic, fiberglass, concrete steel or even wood that has been lined with PVC or similar type liners. Stainless steel is used at certain locations in constructing some equipment components.

Aquaponics in part time aqua farming

Aquaphonic farming is an excellent way to grow your own supply of fresh herbs, vegetables and fish year round. A basic simple system can be made at home and consists of a tank of fish connected to one or more growing beds. It can be constructed small enough to fit into a garage, spare room, or kitchen, one or more systems could fit into a shed or home  greenhouse. The instructions  for constructing and operating a simple home made aquaponics system is available free in our knowledge library. Download the do it yourself manual - "Aquaponics in a barrel"

Hobby scale aquaphonics systems are becoming more attractive to people that desire to grow some of their own food in a natural manner that they control. This process has a considerable following among gardeners, acreage farmers and urban groups. Numerous internet discussion groups have been formed for information and a good quantity of magazine articles have been written on the subject. Additional information and resources on small scale aqua farming is available in our Hobby Farming section. Visit the homepage for additional information resources.

Commercial farming usages

The integration or polyculture of plants and fish is also practiced on a commercial scale. Any number of larger systems could function in commercial fish farms, greenhouse operations, existing barns or city warehouse space. Besides offering the ability to produce and sell multiple crops, aquaponics systems can also be used to reduce water requirements and mitigate waste issues at commercial aquaculture farms. These factors also help to  increase the number of locations acceptable to establishment of farms in areas closer to market centers.

Visit our knowledge Library and download the reference document titled Recirculating Aquaculture Tank Production Systems - Integrating Fish and Plant Culture. It provides excellent information on commercial scale aquaponics. It was produced by the Southern Region Aquaculture Center and available for free distribution. Our article on recirculation aquaculture systems provides a further explanation of the water saving technologies and the benefits of these designs.

Although the operating methods involved in Aquaponics have been practiced for many years, the emergence of the self contained food production systems based on Aquaphonics is a fairly new concept in today's society. Call it new or old, it is without a doubt a practice that is receiving considerable interest due to an ever increasing need for fresh wholesome food and an acute global awareness that sustainable eco-friendly agriculture practices should be the rule rather than the exception. Aquaculture Information Home