What You Need To Know About Aquaponics

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aquaponics fish tank

What aquaponics is can be seen as food production, but the essential definition lies in combining hydroponics and aquaculture. The combination of both make aquaponics a system that is perfectly suitable for farming both plants and fish at the same time, in a cycle that is mutually beneficial.

The fish produce waste, and this waste becomes ammonia and nitrates. Neither of these are good for the fish, when they have been build up too much, but they are still great fertilizer for plants. The plant suction of these nutrients make them purify the water, which is very good for the fish.

Water

In addition to answering what is aquaponics, the hydroponics needs nutrient that is expensive for feeding the plant, and flushing the system periodically, which potentially leads to disposal waste issues.

The re-circulation of aquaculture is in need of having excess nutrient being removed from the system, which normally means that a percentage of water is generally removed on a daily basis.This is a nutrient enriched water that need to be disposed, and replace with fresh and clean water.

Fish

There are many cultures that made use of the cycle to successfully grow better crops, and then nurture the fish as an optional food source. Both Thailand and China has been padding their rice with the aquaponic techniques for years.

Aztecs has developed a building floating island system for food-plants like squash and maize. There is fish propagated around islands, while leaving waste behind them at bottom of the lake, which is where they could be collected for fertilizing plants.

The modern aquaponics has more advanced technology than the classical ones. However, they are still both environmental friendly and efficient for production of food.

Tank

The fish is usually kept in large tanks, and plants are hydroponically grown without any soil. They are normally planted in beds, with a little clay or gravel, while their roots are hanging down, and inside the water.

In what aquaponics is, it is partly the water being cycled through the system, which make it possible to collect waste from the fishes, which are then pumped to plants bed, where the plants can naturally filter it, before they can be returned to fish tanks.

Unlike the farming methods that are traditional, the plants has no need for any chemical fertilizers, because they will all be coming from the fish-waste. This is also normally organic, as any use of pesticides would damage the fish.

System

This is aquaponics, because when the system has been set up, then it only need a little extra water to make up for evaporation, because there is consistency in the water-recycling.

This is a great improvement to the traditional way of growing plants, which has always need a lot water.

There are many types of plants that can be grown in the aquaponic farms, regardless if it is of commercial sized or home sized, these includes especially herbs and leafy plants.

The most popular fish in aquaponics is tilapia, even though there are many others that are suitable for the aquaponics environment.

What aquaponics is can be seen as food production, but the essential definition lies in combining hydroponics and aquaculture. The combination of both make aquaponics a system that is perfectly suitable for farming both plants and fish at the same time, in a cycle that is mutually beneficial.

The fish produce waste, and this waste becomes ammonia and nitrates. Neither of these are good for the fish, when they have been build up too much, but they are still great fertilizer for plants. The plant suction of these nutrients make them purify the water, which is very good for the fish.

Water

In addition to answering what is aquaponics, the hydroponics needs nutrient that is expensive for feeding the plant, and flushing the system periodically, which potentially leads to disposal waste issues.

The re-circulation of aquaculture is in need of having excess nutrient being removed from the system, which normally means that a percentage of water is generally removed on a daily basis.This is a nutrient enriched water that need to be disposed, and replace with fresh and clean water.

Fish

There are many cultures that made use of the cycle to successfully grow better crops, and then nurture the fish as an optional food source. Both Thailand and China has been padding their rice with the aquaponic techniques for years.

Aztecs has developed a building floating island system for food-plants like squash and maize. There is fish propagated around islands, while leaving waste behind them at bottom of the lake, which is where they could be collected for fertilizing plants.

The modern aquaponics has more advanced technology than the classical ones. However, they are still both environmental friendly and efficient for production of food.

Tank

The fish is usually kept in large tanks, and plants are hydroponically grown without any soil. They are normally planted in beds, with a little clay or gravel, while their roots are hanging down, and inside the water.

In what aquaponics is, it is partly the water being cycled through the system, which make it possible to collect waste from the fishes, which are then pumped to plants bed, where the plants can naturally filter it, before they can be returned to fish tanks.

Unlike the farming methods that are traditional, the plants has no need for any chemical fertilizers, because they will all be coming from the fish-waste. This is also normally organic, as any use of pesticides would damage the fish.

System

This is aquaponics, because when the system has been set up, then it only need a little extra water to make up for evaporation, because there is consistency in the water-recycling.

This is a great improvement to the traditional way of growing plants, which has always need a lot water.

There are many types of plants that can be grown in the aquaponic farms, regardless if it is of commercial sized or home sized, these includes especially herbs and leafy plants.

The most popular fish in aquaponics is tilapia, even though there are many others that are suitable for the aquaponics environment.

Understanding The Aquaponics System Equipment

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Loop Siphon

A loop siphon is flexible tubing that is attached to the drain.   The loop siphon is used to flood and drain the media beds.  When the water gets to the top of the tube it breaks the airlock causing it to drain.   When its empty air is again introduced into the tube and the cycle starts over again.

Bell Siphon

The bell siphon works just like the loop siphon but it’s a bit more sophisticated.  It has a vertical pipe and the height of that pipe is what determines the maximum level of the water.   When the water gets to the top of the tube the drainage begins.   A bell siphon comes with three parts.

• The standpipe – this is the part that determines the height of the water level
• The bell shroud with an air line – this is the part that stops the draining once the water has reached the maximum level
• The gravel and media guard

Unlike the loop siphon, the bell siphon will always leave some water and sediment at the bottom and this will allow the necessary bacteria to grow.  If you use the bell siphon, somewhere between one and two years, you will notice your crops beginning to grow faster and you will also see an increase in your plant yields.

Fish Tank

Your fish tank doesn’t have to be perfect you can use practically anything.  Just remember that if you use a tank that is used that you know the background of the container.  You need to make sure that it has never been used to hold chemicals or anything else that could be harmful to your fish.  You could use something like a large trash can; however, fish generally prefer to swim horizontally as opposed to vertically.  In addition, a horizontal tank will allow for a larger surface area which helps keep the water oxygenated.   You should use a tank that is black and if your container isn’t black then you should paint the outside black to keep out as much light as possible.  (Use paint that is made for a plastic surface.)

You will need to have a large enough tank to accommodate the number of grow beds you have or plan to have in the future.   A 100 gallon tank can accommodate four 25 gallon  2″x4″x6′ grow beds.

Grow Beds

The grow beds should be between 6″ and 12″ deep.  The deeper it is will enable you to plant a wider variety of plants.  Plants such as carrots and onions have an extensive root system and require a deeper bed in order to be grown successfully.  However, if you are on a budget, stick with the vegetables that don’t have such an extensive root, then you will only need the more shallow grow beds.  Thus requiring less clay or gravel making it cheaper because you don’t have to buy as much product to fill the beds.

Your grow beds capacity should equal the capacity of your fish tank.  That means if you are using a 100 gallon tank, you will need to be able to handle 100 gallons of water.   Just remember that the clay pellets will displace approximately half of the water volume .  If when starting out, your grow bed isn’t as large as your fish tank, just use less water or use more media to displace the water.  Always keep in mind the 1-1 ratio.  A one foot long by one foot wide by one foot deep area of water will hold around 7.5 gallons of water.

Sump Tank

Technically you don’t need to have a sump tank.  This is optional.  However, a sump tank will help prevent the water levels from fluctuating in the fish tank when the water is flooding and draining the beds.  If you use a sump tank, just remember to keep it above the level of the grow bed.

Water Pump

Your water pump should be big enough to recycle the water about four times each hour.  Some of the water will remain in the grow bed so you will need to calculate accordingly.  Example:  a 2″ x 4″ x 6′ bed system you will need a 250 GPH rated water pump and this will give you an output of 100 GPH as it has to push the water up at least four feet.   This is more than enough for this size of bed; however, any overflow you have will go right back into the fish tank and provide additional circulation and oxygenation.

Air Pump

The proper amount of air for your system should be about five to ten GPH for each gallon on water in your fish tank.  It’s really difficult to add too much air into your system.  So this is something you really should not worry much about.  Just buy a pump that is rated for the size of the fish tank you’ll be using.

Grow Bed Media

Your grow bed media can consist of gravel (just make sure it’s the right type of gravel) or clay pellets.  Gravel is cheap but it could easily cause problems with the pH of your water and you will then have to continually adjust it which is not good for your fish.

Clay pellets are the preferred grow bed media because it is pH neutral and retains the moisture very nicely.  Clay pellets are also much lighter than the gravel so the weight of your system won’t be as much of a concern.

Plastic Plumbing Parts, Plastic Tubing & Hoses

You will of course need various plastic plumbing parts, as well as, plastic tubing and or hoses.  The type and extent of these will depend on the system you decide to install.

Loop Siphon

A loop siphon is flexible tubing that is attached to the drain.   The loop siphon is used to flood and drain the media beds.  When the water gets to the top of the tube it breaks the airlock causing it to drain.   When its empty air is again introduced into the tube and the cycle starts over again.

Bell Siphon

The bell siphon works just like the loop siphon but it’s a bit more sophisticated.  It has a vertical pipe and the height of that pipe is what determines the maximum level of the water.   When the water gets to the top of the tube the drainage begins.   A bell siphon comes with three parts.

• The standpipe – this is the part that determines the height of the water level
• The bell shroud with an air line – this is the part that stops the draining once the water has reached the maximum level
• The gravel and media guard

Unlike the loop siphon, the bell siphon will always leave some water and sediment at the bottom and this will allow the necessary bacteria to grow.  If you use the bell siphon, somewhere between one and two years, you will notice your crops beginning to grow faster and you will also see an increase in your plant yields.

Fish Tank

Your fish tank doesn’t have to be perfect you can use practically anything.  Just remember that if you use a tank that is used that you know the background of the container.  You need to make sure that it has never been used to hold chemicals or anything else that could be harmful to your fish.  You could use something like a large trash can; however, fish generally prefer to swim horizontally as opposed to vertically.  In addition, a horizontal tank will allow for a larger surface area which helps keep the water oxygenated.   You should use a tank that is black and if your container isn’t black then you should paint the outside black to keep out as much light as possible.  (Use paint that is made for a plastic surface.)

You will need to have a large enough tank to accommodate the number of grow beds you have or plan to have in the future.   A 100 gallon tank can accommodate four 25 gallon  2″x4″x6′ grow beds.

Grow Beds

The grow beds should be between 6″ and 12″ deep.  The deeper it is will enable you to plant a wider variety of plants.  Plants such as carrots and onions have an extensive root system and require a deeper bed in order to be grown successfully.  However, if you are on a budget, stick with the vegetables that don’t have such an extensive root, then you will only need the more shallow grow beds.  Thus requiring less clay or gravel making it cheaper because you don’t have to buy as much product to fill the beds.

Your grow beds capacity should equal the capacity of your fish tank.  That means if you are using a 100 gallon tank, you will need to be able to handle 100 gallons of water.   Just remember that the clay pellets will displace approximately half of the water volume .  If when starting out, your grow bed isn’t as large as your fish tank, just use less water or use more media to displace the water.  Always keep in mind the 1-1 ratio.  A one foot long by one foot wide by one foot deep area of water will hold around 7.5 gallons of water.

Sump Tank

Technically you don’t need to have a sump tank.  This is optional.  However, a sump tank will help prevent the water levels from fluctuating in the fish tank when the water is flooding and draining the beds.  If you use a sump tank, just remember to keep it above the level of the grow bed.

Water Pump

Your water pump should be big enough to recycle the water about four times each hour.  Some of the water will remain in the grow bed so you will need to calculate accordingly.  Example:  a 2″ x 4″ x 6′ bed system you will need a 250 GPH rated water pump and this will give you an output of 100 GPH as it has to push the water up at least four feet.   This is more than enough for this size of bed; however, any overflow you have will go right back into the fish tank and provide additional circulation and oxygenation.

Air Pump

The proper amount of air for your system should be about five to ten GPH for each gallon on water in your fish tank.  It’s really difficult to add too much air into your system.  So this is something you really should not worry much about.  Just buy a pump that is rated for the size of the fish tank you’ll be using.

Grow Bed Media

Your grow bed media can consist of gravel (just make sure it’s the right type of gravel) or clay pellets.  Gravel is cheap but it could easily cause problems with the pH of your water and you will then have to continually adjust it which is not good for your fish.

Clay pellets are the preferred grow bed media because it is pH neutral and retains the moisture very nicely.  Clay pellets are also much lighter than the gravel so the weight of your system won’t be as much of a concern.

Plastic Plumbing Parts, Plastic Tubing & Hoses

You will of course need various plastic plumbing parts, as well as, plastic tubing and or hoses.  The type and extent of these will depend on the system you decide to install.

Selecting The Right Fish

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Judul : Selecting The Right Fish
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aquaponics fish tank

Who doesn't love fish? 

If you've bееn lооkіng fоr information аbоut hоw tо integrate nеw fish іn а newly established aquaponics system, chances are, уоu аrе а full-blooded fish eater.

You hаvе а good appetite fоr healthy, fresh fish аnd that s рrоbаblу оnе оf thе reasons whу уоu wаnt аn aquaponic ssystem іn уоur backyard іn thе fіrѕt place.

As уоu mау know, а successful aquaponics system іѕ dependent оn thrее main components: fish, bacteria, аnd plants. Wіthоut thе fish, уоur organic vegetables wіll nоt survive. And wіthоut thе plants, thе fish wіll die оff quickly bесаuѕе thе water wіll bесоmе toxic wіth nitrates, ammonia, аnd оthеr waste products.

Without bacteria, thе plants wоuld nоt bе аblе tо absorb vital nitrates frоm thе water. Sо еасh component іѕ important tо thе system. Remove оnе component, аnd thе system wіll fall apart.

Focusing оn thе fish

Tilapia іѕ easily thе bеѕt choice fоr aquaponics systems, rеgаrdlеѕѕ оf thе size оf thе setup. If уоu live іn а rеlаtіvеlу warm place іn thе United States, уоu саn consult wіth уоur local agriculture bureau tо find оut іf уоu саn raise tilapia іn уоur backyard aquaponics system.

If tilapia іѕ nоt а good choice, уоu hаvе саn аlѕо raise а variety оf оthеr freshwater fish ѕuсh аѕ koi fish аnd crappie fish. Mоѕt common edible freshwater fish саn bе uѕеd іn aquaponics systems.

Some people еvеn breed bass іn thеіr backyards. Wе recommend tilapia bесаuѕе thеѕе fish grow vеrу quickly аnd аrе оnе оf thе hardiest groups оf edible fish around. Tilapias аrе cichlids аnd аrе uѕuаllу fоund іn thе tropics.

As fоr hоw mаnу fish tо raise іn уоur holding tank, іt rеаllу depends оn hоw muсh space уоu hаvе аnd thе type оf filtration system you ve installed іn уоur tank. Small-scale commercial producers uѕuаllу add hаlf а pound оf fish fоr еvеrу оnе gallon оf water іn thеіr tank.

The number оf fish аlѕо hаѕ а bearing оn hоw muсh vegetation уоur aquaponics system саn support. Thrее factors соmе іntо play whеn іt соmеѕ tо determining hоw muсh vegetation уоur fish саn support (indirectly):

• The volume оf fish уоu hаvе іn thе tank
• The maturation, weight, аnd size оf thе fish
• How muсh food іѕ bеіng added tо thе holding tank оn а daily basis

If уоu аrе utilizing а simple raft setup (elevated growing beds), оnе square meter оf growing vegetation wіll require аt lеаѕt sixty grams оf fish food оn а daily basis.

If уоu аrе tаkіng care оf mоrе demanding vegetables ѕuсh аѕ squash, уоu nееd аt lеаѕt оnе hundrеd grams оf fish food еvеrу day. Remember, уоur plants wіll bе completely dependent оn thе waste products оf thе fish аnd thе excess fish feed іn thе water.

If thеrе іѕ insufficient fish waste, thе vegetables wіll hаvе nо wау tо grow bесаuѕе thе water wіll hаvе vеrу minimal levels оf organic matter аnd usable nitrates.

Inversely, іf уоu add tоо muсh food tо thе holding tanks, уоu run thе risk оf poisoning thе fish bесаuѕе tоо muсh food dіrесtlу translates tо excess waste іn thе water. Yоu hаvе tо find thе balance thаt wіll sustain bоth thе fish аnd уоur aquaponic vegetables/fruits.

Who doesn't love fish? 

If you've bееn lооkіng fоr information аbоut hоw tо integrate nеw fish іn а newly established aquaponics system, chances are, уоu аrе а full-blooded fish eater.

You hаvе а good appetite fоr healthy, fresh fish аnd that s рrоbаblу оnе оf thе reasons whу уоu wаnt аn aquaponic ssystem іn уоur backyard іn thе fіrѕt place.

As уоu mау know, а successful aquaponics system іѕ dependent оn thrее main components: fish, bacteria, аnd plants. Wіthоut thе fish, уоur organic vegetables wіll nоt survive. And wіthоut thе plants, thе fish wіll die оff quickly bесаuѕе thе water wіll bесоmе toxic wіth nitrates, ammonia, аnd оthеr waste products.

Without bacteria, thе plants wоuld nоt bе аblе tо absorb vital nitrates frоm thе water. Sо еасh component іѕ important tо thе system. Remove оnе component, аnd thе system wіll fall apart.

Focusing оn thе fish

Tilapia іѕ easily thе bеѕt choice fоr aquaponics systems, rеgаrdlеѕѕ оf thе size оf thе setup. If уоu live іn а rеlаtіvеlу warm place іn thе United States, уоu саn consult wіth уоur local agriculture bureau tо find оut іf уоu саn raise tilapia іn уоur backyard aquaponics system.

If tilapia іѕ nоt а good choice, уоu hаvе саn аlѕо raise а variety оf оthеr freshwater fish ѕuсh аѕ koi fish аnd crappie fish. Mоѕt common edible freshwater fish саn bе uѕеd іn aquaponics systems.

Some people еvеn breed bass іn thеіr backyards. Wе recommend tilapia bесаuѕе thеѕе fish grow vеrу quickly аnd аrе оnе оf thе hardiest groups оf edible fish around. Tilapias аrе cichlids аnd аrе uѕuаllу fоund іn thе tropics.

As fоr hоw mаnу fish tо raise іn уоur holding tank, іt rеаllу depends оn hоw muсh space уоu hаvе аnd thе type оf filtration system you ve installed іn уоur tank. Small-scale commercial producers uѕuаllу add hаlf а pound оf fish fоr еvеrу оnе gallon оf water іn thеіr tank.

The number оf fish аlѕо hаѕ а bearing оn hоw muсh vegetation уоur aquaponics system саn support. Thrее factors соmе іntо play whеn іt соmеѕ tо determining hоw muсh vegetation уоur fish саn support (indirectly):

• The volume оf fish уоu hаvе іn thе tank
• The maturation, weight, аnd size оf thе fish
• How muсh food іѕ bеіng added tо thе holding tank оn а daily basis

If уоu аrе utilizing а simple raft setup (elevated growing beds), оnе square meter оf growing vegetation wіll require аt lеаѕt sixty grams оf fish food оn а daily basis.

If уоu аrе tаkіng care оf mоrе demanding vegetables ѕuсh аѕ squash, уоu nееd аt lеаѕt оnе hundrеd grams оf fish food еvеrу day. Remember, уоur plants wіll bе completely dependent оn thе waste products оf thе fish аnd thе excess fish feed іn thе water.

If thеrе іѕ insufficient fish waste, thе vegetables wіll hаvе nо wау tо grow bесаuѕе thе water wіll hаvе vеrу minimal levels оf organic matter аnd usable nitrates.

Inversely, іf уоu add tоо muсh food tо thе holding tanks, уоu run thе risk оf poisoning thе fish bесаuѕе tоо muсh food dіrесtlу translates tо excess waste іn thе water. Yоu hаvе tо find thе balance thаt wіll sustain bоth thе fish аnd уоur aquaponic vegetables/fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aquaponics

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Judul : Frequently Asked Questions About Aquaponics
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aquaponics fish tank

1.  What plants can be grown in an aquaponics system?

Early research indicated that leafy plants and vegetables such as lettuce, chives, etc. did best in an aquaponics system.  However, more recent research shows that many more varieties such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, herbs, etc. also do very well in an aquaponics system.

2.  What types of fish can be used in an aquaponics system?

Tilapia, a fresh water fish, is the most common because of its hardiness and its ability to tolerate a wide variety of water quality conditions.  Click Here to learn more about additional fish varieties that can be used successfully in an aquponics system. One word of caution though, you will need to check with your local fish and waterways department to find out if they have any restrictions on what types of fish you can use in your system.  Many states have very strict restrictions that must be followed.

3.  How many fish can I  put in my tank?

The number of fish you can use will depend on how big of a tank and filtration system you have.  A good rule of thumb is to use 1/2 pound of fish for each gallon of water.

4.  How many fish will it take to nourish my plants?

The number of fish you will need to nourish your plants will again depend on the size of your fish and how much you feed them each day.  Research shows that if you use 60-100 grams of fish food each day, you will be able to support a one square meter of plants in a raft aquaponics bed.

5.  What do I feed my fish?

If you will be raising your fish for food production, you will want to feed your fish a species specific commercial fish food.  If you won’t be using your fish for food production you can make your own fish food or use things such as Duck weed, water lettuce, worms or any other type of similar live feed.

6.  What types of containers should I use?

It’s important that you only use food grade plastic containers.  Anything else could leach chemicals into your water system and cause harm to you and your fish.

7.  Do I need a greenhouse?

Whether or not you need a greenhouse depends on where you live.  Of course, you can always use a greenhouse if that’s what you choose to do.  However, you don’t have to use a greenhouse unless you live in a climate where a greenhouse would be required for the yearround growth and protection of your system.  Additionally, even in a topical location, a greenhouse can be helpful in protecting your plants from hard driving rains, high winds and insects.

8.  Can I use my aquaponics system indoors?

Yes, many people build and maintain their system inside of their homes, basements, garages, etc. but you will need to make sure your system is set up to allow for the indoor conditions such as artificial lighting, etc.

9.  How much power does an aquaponics system use?

How much power an aquaponics system will use depends on how elaborate your system is; however, generally a water pump and the air pump together use about 25 watts.

10.  Can I feed animal droppings to my fish.

No.  Animal droppings could contain e-coli and could contaminate your system.

11.  How much time do I need to spend each day maintaining my system?

Once you have completed the setup, the daily maintenance is only about five minutes.  And that mainly consists of feeding the fish and quickly checking to make sure all your pumps are running correctly.

12.  Do I ever need to change out the gravel, the pebbles or the water?

No, you don’t; however, a small portion of the water will be lost due to evaporation therefore you will need to add water from time to time.

13.  Can I use shrimp or crawfish in my system?

We don’t recommend it because the shrimp will eat anything and everything including your plants.  Additionally, shrimp have a tendency to crawl from bed to bed making them hard to contain.

14.  Can I setup my aquaponics system using solar power?

Yes, you can easily hook up a solar panel and a battery.

15.  Can I use pesticides to kill the bugs?

No.  Pesticides will kill your fish.

16.  How do I control the bugs?

Some people successfully use lady bugs.  Or you could use mix together a quarter cup of molasses, one teaspoon of chili power and about four to five drops of dish soap in a gallon of water and spray it on your plants.  There are other natural options that can easily be found with a quick search on the internet.

1.  What plants can be grown in an aquaponics system?

Early research indicated that leafy plants and vegetables such as lettuce, chives, etc. did best in an aquaponics system.  However, more recent research shows that many more varieties such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, herbs, etc. also do very well in an aquaponics system.

2.  What types of fish can be used in an aquaponics system?

Tilapia, a fresh water fish, is the most common because of its hardiness and its ability to tolerate a wide variety of water quality conditions.  Click Here to learn more about additional fish varieties that can be used successfully in an aquponics system. One word of caution though, you will need to check with your local fish and waterways department to find out if they have any restrictions on what types of fish you can use in your system.  Many states have very strict restrictions that must be followed.

3.  How many fish can I  put in my tank?

The number of fish you can use will depend on how big of a tank and filtration system you have.  A good rule of thumb is to use 1/2 pound of fish for each gallon of water.

4.  How many fish will it take to nourish my plants?

The number of fish you will need to nourish your plants will again depend on the size of your fish and how much you feed them each day.  Research shows that if you use 60-100 grams of fish food each day, you will be able to support a one square meter of plants in a raft aquaponics bed.

5.  What do I feed my fish?

If you will be raising your fish for food production, you will want to feed your fish a species specific commercial fish food.  If you won’t be using your fish for food production you can make your own fish food or use things such as Duck weed, water lettuce, worms or any other type of similar live feed.

6.  What types of containers should I use?

It’s important that you only use food grade plastic containers.  Anything else could leach chemicals into your water system and cause harm to you and your fish.

7.  Do I need a greenhouse?

Whether or not you need a greenhouse depends on where you live.  Of course, you can always use a greenhouse if that’s what you choose to do.  However, you don’t have to use a greenhouse unless you live in a climate where a greenhouse would be required for the yearround growth and protection of your system.  Additionally, even in a topical location, a greenhouse can be helpful in protecting your plants from hard driving rains, high winds and insects.

8.  Can I use my aquaponics system indoors?

Yes, many people build and maintain their system inside of their homes, basements, garages, etc. but you will need to make sure your system is set up to allow for the indoor conditions such as artificial lighting, etc.

9.  How much power does an aquaponics system use?

How much power an aquaponics system will use depends on how elaborate your system is; however, generally a water pump and the air pump together use about 25 watts.

10.  Can I feed animal droppings to my fish.

No.  Animal droppings could contain e-coli and could contaminate your system.

11.  How much time do I need to spend each day maintaining my system?

Once you have completed the setup, the daily maintenance is only about five minutes.  And that mainly consists of feeding the fish and quickly checking to make sure all your pumps are running correctly.

12.  Do I ever need to change out the gravel, the pebbles or the water?

No, you don’t; however, a small portion of the water will be lost due to evaporation therefore you will need to add water from time to time.

13.  Can I use shrimp or crawfish in my system?

We don’t recommend it because the shrimp will eat anything and everything including your plants.  Additionally, shrimp have a tendency to crawl from bed to bed making them hard to contain.

14.  Can I setup my aquaponics system using solar power?

Yes, you can easily hook up a solar panel and a battery.

15.  Can I use pesticides to kill the bugs?

No.  Pesticides will kill your fish.

16.  How do I control the bugs?

Some people successfully use lady bugs.  Or you could use mix together a quarter cup of molasses, one teaspoon of chili power and about four to five drops of dish soap in a gallon of water and spray it on your plants.  There are other natural options that can easily be found with a quick search on the internet.