The Basics Aquaculture+ Hydroponics = Aquaponics Electric Oxygen Feed Fingerlings
Aquaculture High nutrient waste water
Electric Water Nutrients Seeds
Hydroponics
High nutrient waste water Electric Oxygen Feed Fingerlings Seeds
Aquaponics
Fish Tank Plant and Bacteria Area Simple Myths #1 These systems are hard to manage. #2 These can be operated indefinitely as a closed loop system #3 Aquaponics is going to save the world #4 You have to grow food fish #5 Any one persons system is the best system What most systems have in common Fish tank - to house fish Pump - to move water Water lines - influent and effluent Filter - to remove solids
Fish Tank Plant and Bacteria Area Inputs: Nutrients (ie Feed) Alkalinity (KOH, CaOH)
Micronutrients Reduction (plants and bacteria) Plants Products Fish Product
Hydroponic System Options NFT - Nutrient Film Technique What it is: Some sort of gutter system where a small bead of water is run through the roots. Pros: Uses very little water per plant Modular system can be easily expanded Cons: Without supplemental filtration solids will be a problem Large root systems clog water line Good idea: Have separate filtration system to remove suspend solids
System design: NFT-Nutrient Film Technique Raft What it is: A flooded channel with plants floating from a raft system. Pros: Cheap construction Plants stay watered; nitrification in the roots Large water storage, increases water for fish Cons: Solids buildup in raft sections Not as much surface area for nitrification Not good for heavy or tall plants with heavy fruits Good idea: Have separate filtration system to remove suspend solids
System design: Raft Vertical Tower What it is: A media filled tower, that has many plant sites Pros: Good use of floor space Nitrification in grow area Minimal use of water Cons: Potential solids buildup in towers sections Can get extremely heavy, depends on media Can grow all types of plants as long as they are supported Good idea: Have separate filtration system to remove suspend solids, such as clarifier Use worms in towers to reduce solid buildup
Media Bed What it is: A bed of inorganic media used to grow plants, provide a nitrify center, and remove large solids Often has a auto syphon that causes bed to drain and fill Pros: Biofilter and plant bed are one in the same Easy to operate, good for first timers Can grow all types of crops in Cons: Solids buildup in bed can cause anerobic dead zone
Hybrid What it is: A mixture of systems previously mentioned Pros: Capture some of the pros from most systems Reduces the cons from most systems Allows for different crops to be grown in their ideal setting Cons: More things could go wrong More cost in initial set up Good idea: Master one type, then hybridize Try media/raft combo first
Getting Started and Operation Starter System Dont try to invent something Kit instructions available on back table Start big Easier to manage More time to correct errors Dont try and set production records You cant beat mine anyway Do be willing to try many plants This is the only area I suggest lots of trial and error Ask for help Often, you are not the first person with that problem!
Maintenance Daily Feed fish and harvest plants Check fish health Weekly Check pH, bring pH up using alternate treatments of KCO 3 and CaCO 3
Add iron if needed Evaluate plant health Check water lines for clogging and cleanliness Monthly Evaluate seeding needs Mild cleaning