AQUAPONICS

A Technical Description by Robyn Rees

o What is aquaponics?

Aquaponics is an organic food production system that integrates hydroponics

and aquaculture to simultaneously grow herbs and/or vegetables and raise fish with
minimal use of resources.

o How does aquaponics work?

Aquaculture:
The process by which fish are
raised in a controlled
environment.

Hydroponics:
The process by which plants
are grown without soil.

The fish produce

ammonia, which
is then nitrified
by bacteria,
making it plant
fertilizer.

The plants filter

the water,
making it livable
for the fish.

Aquaponics mimics a natural ecosystem, creating a healthy, and self-sustaining cycle.

(See next page for the chemistry of aquaponics.)

o Why aquaponics?

Industrial food production currently dominates our food supply. This has both drastically
decreased the quality of food available, and had dire impacts on the natural environment. Many
fish species are extinct or threatened due to over-fishing, and produce is often sprayed with
chemical fertilizers, detrimental to human health. The amount of energy and water needed to
produce, harvest, and transport food is substantial aggravating global climate change.
Aquaponics ensures that the food is organically produced with minimal water and energy use,
which is good for human, ecological, and environmental health!

Concordia
University
Greenhouse,
13th Floor of
the Hall
Building

Experimental
Small-Scale
Aquaponic
System
Robyn Rees 2010

o The chemistry of aquaponics

1

Freshwater fish establish themselves in the water provided and naturally secrete
ammonia into this water as waste, as well as through their gills.*

Bacteria submit the ammonia to the nitrification process, converting it first to

nitrite and then to nitrate.

The nitrate in the water fertilizes the plants through their roots dangling in the
water, encouraging and strengthening their growth.

Water Return

Water Level
Delivery Pipe

Grow Bed

Siphon
Fish Tank
Pump

Sump Tank

Return Pipe

o The mechanics behind aquaponics systems

1

Water from the fish tank flows through the delivery pipe and into the grow bed,
providing water to the plants.

The siphon then sucks the water down into the sump tank, leaving the grow bed
temporarily empty, so that the roots have a chance to absorb oxygen.

The pump forces water from the sump tank through the return pipe and into the fish
tank, raising the water level and restarting the cycle.
Note: There are different systems. This description represents just one.

The Benefits of Aquaponics

Organic Food Option

Source of Food Security

The global food supply is under pressure from both
increased demand from the growing global
population, and environmental degradation.
Meanwhile, the price of good quality food is a
problem, preventing many from maintaining healthy
diets. Aquaponics is an inexpensive food production
method that can be established at small or large
scales in many localities, having great potential to
feed the masses without depending on local soil
quality.

Much of the vegetables and herbs that are currently

produced have been sprayed with chemical
herbicides and pesticides. Most of the freshwater
and ocean water from which we harvest fish is
polluted, affecting its quality as a food source.
Organic food is higher in nutrition, and removes the
risk of ingesting chemicals. Aquaponics systems
provide fish and vegetables that are guaranteed
organic they have to be in order to function.

Sustainable Production

Easy to Maintain System

The industrial food system that dominates our food

supply is highly energy and water intensive. This
system also causes many social and economic
inequities, putting farmers in debt and destroying
traditional cultures in the developing world. Also,
unsustainable fish harvesting has caused the collapse
of many species. Aquaponics cuts down on energy
and water use and takes pressure off fish populations
that need to reestablish themselves.

Most food production processes are labour

intensive, and require constant human input in terms
of energy. Because aquaponics initiates a natural
chemical cycle, it basically sustains itself without
much need for human intervention. Once the system
has been set up, basic maintenance includes feeding
the fish, and making sure that the water circulation
system is in order.

o Interesting Videos About Aquaponics

Amazing animations from ecofilms Australia: See how the mechanics of aquaponics works.
Aquaponics greenhouse tour: An example of a very technically elaborate aquaponics system.

References and Useful Resources

What the heck is aquaponics? http://www.practicalenvironmentalist.com/gardening/what-the-heck-isaquaponics.htm
Black and white plant images - plant #1, plant #2: eol.org
How does aquaponics work image: compostguy.com
The chemistry of aquaponics image: blueplanetgreenlivingcom
The mechanics of aquaponics image: affnan-aquaponics.blogspot.com