We will consider the necessary information about an aquaponics system.
Some important things we must understand in our quest for setting up a functional system in the comfort of our home.
First is to clearly explain what aquaponics is and why it is beneficial.
Aquaponics is a self-sustaining food production system that combines traditional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic and balanced environment creating a system that is quite beneficial to both systems but results in an easier and better productivity rate of the individual system.
What are the benefits of aquaponics? Let's take a look at the problems with the individual traditional methods to help us understand the benefits of this modern technology: Normal hydroponic systems heavily rely on the application of man-made nutrients necessary for optimal growth of the plants.
The concoction of chemicals, trace elements and salts are combined to form the necessary balance to nourish the plants.
Set up this way, hydroponic systems must be discharged periodically, as chemicals and salts accumulate in the water which can become toxic to the plants, otherwise.
Aquaculture systems focus on maximizing the growth of fish in a tank or pond culture.
The fish stocked in the tank causes fish effluent to pollute the tank and give off high amounts of ammonia.
In this arrangement, water must be released at 10 to 20% of the total volume of the tank everyday.
Often, this water is pumped out to open streams where it destroys and pollutes waterways.
The benefit of aquaponics, generally, is that it combines aquaculture and hydroponics (hence the name), and as such cancels out the troubling aspects of both.
The maximization of land (or space, for a home set up) is a key advantage because the system is usually built vertically.
The fish tank is placed under while the grow beds above.
More so the necessary use of soil in other methods of growing food crops is totally eliminated.
A symbiotic relationship forms, where the waste of the fish feeds the plants.
The plants then uses the wastes as fertilizer, thereby cleaning the water that the fish can then re-use.
Many benefits ensue with aquaponics; like the organic fertilizer we get out of the deal, the beneficial atmosphere for the plants, and the absolute best tasty vegetables and fish that can be produced anywhere! Especially at home.
Not only is aquaponics good for our health and for the environment, it is a simple process that can easily be mastered and created within the comfort of your own home.
All you would need is information and a desire to have fresh organic food for you and your family.