What is Aquaponics and How is it Different that Hydroponics?
Aquaponics and Hydroponics work using the same chemical principles of plant nutrition, but they differ in the method of achieve the nutrient solution. Aquaponics makes use of the natural nitrogen cycle present in aquatic ecosystems to achieve a semi-complete fertilizer for your crops. Essentially, the system follows these basic steps:
1. Ammonia and other macro and micro nutrients are expelled by the fish.
2. This fish waste (effluent) is filtered through a microbial "processing plant" that converts the ammonia to nitrite then to nitrate.
3. The nitrate and other essential nutrients are absorbed by the plant, effectively removing the compounds harmful to fish.
4. The clean water is then returned to the fish tank to begin the cycle again.
In other words, the fish provide the majority of nutrients necessary for incredible plant growth, which in turn purifies and filters the water for the fish to remain healthy and happy. It's a beautifully natural cycle that you can sustainably harness to grow amazing amounts of food!
Since aquaponics also requires the maintenance of fish, it's perfect for freshwater aquarium enthusiasts who already have an adequately large aquarium (more than 10 gallons) and want to utilize the agricultural power of their finned friends.
It's important to note that both the microbial filter and the fish waste do not contain substances harmful to humans; quite the contrary! Fish cannot survive in a nutrient solution with heavy metals, pesticides, hormones, or any other toxic substances that can otherwise exist on your typical commercial soil-based farms. Additionally fish are cold-blooded so bacteria that adversely affect humans, like E. coli, do not naturally exist in fish.
1. Ammonia and other macro and micro nutrients are expelled by the fish.
2. This fish waste (effluent) is filtered through a microbial "processing plant" that converts the ammonia to nitrite then to nitrate.
3. The nitrate and other essential nutrients are absorbed by the plant, effectively removing the compounds harmful to fish.
4. The clean water is then returned to the fish tank to begin the cycle again.
In other words, the fish provide the majority of nutrients necessary for incredible plant growth, which in turn purifies and filters the water for the fish to remain healthy and happy. It's a beautifully natural cycle that you can sustainably harness to grow amazing amounts of food!
Since aquaponics also requires the maintenance of fish, it's perfect for freshwater aquarium enthusiasts who already have an adequately large aquarium (more than 10 gallons) and want to utilize the agricultural power of their finned friends.
It's important to note that both the microbial filter and the fish waste do not contain substances harmful to humans; quite the contrary! Fish cannot survive in a nutrient solution with heavy metals, pesticides, hormones, or any other toxic substances that can otherwise exist on your typical commercial soil-based farms. Additionally fish are cold-blooded so bacteria that adversely affect humans, like E. coli, do not naturally exist in fish.
