What is Aquaponics?

A basic description about what Aquaponics is and how it works.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Aquaponics
• Aquaponic
• Aquaculture
• Hydroponics
• Fish
• Plants
• Gardening
• Organic

[lilbutterfly66]

I would be interested to know how many of the nutrients the plants need are produced by the fish. I wonder if there are fertilizers that would not harm the fish, similar to the kind that aquascape hobbiests use.

[AquaponicsAustralia]

True, most of the nutrients are really coming from the feed given to the fish, they then process it into waste that is then converted by the bacteria. There are several fertilisers available which do not harm the fish, e.g. seasol or other seaweed extract, but if your system is working correctly you will not need added fertilisers.

[sumomaniac]

do you have any pollination issues? or do you have plenty of bee's?

[AquaponicsAustralia]

We have no pollination issues, there are many holes and gaps in the greenhouse that allow the bees access. Obviously if the greenhouse was completely sealed, you may have to bring in bees for pollination yourself.

[CondemnedPatriot]

SHould I angle my growbed on a SLIGHT angle, so water doesnt sit on the bottom?

[AquaponicsAustralia]

Yes, angle the grow bed towards the drain end.

[TheKatr2]

thank you

[500JonesDavy]

@AquaponicsAustralia how are bacteria introduced into the system?

[lilbutterfly66]

You probably cannot you soil in this system and the range of fertilizers needed for optimum plant growth is limited. I would be interested to know just how many of the nutrients the plants need is produced by the fish, and how one could safely supplement this will fertilizers that will not harm the fish.

[photoxpress]

Thankyou for the very basic breakdown. I am very interested in these systems.

[venomousbird]

Depends on the fish feed.