Selfsufficiency Tips

Aquaponics – Fish and Plants in Perfect Harmony

Article by Fred Smedleyquaponics is a water-dependent, mutually-beneficial relationship between aquatic animals and plants. It is a very intelligent arrangement involving using water, containing the waste products of aquatic creatures, naturally as nutrients for plants. As soon as the animals’ waste, which transforms into nitrates, has been purified by the plants the water is then fit to be used again by the aquatic animals. This cycle goes round and round with each system feeding the other.

Aquaponic systems come in countless sizes and are customizable, but the main components are the aquatic creatures on the one hand and the plants on the other. The waste products which are unhealthy in the water of animals are advantageous to plants and, as the plants grow wholesome and strong, cuttings can be taken and mulched to turn into food for fish and other water creatures. Therefore, it can be seen that aquaponics is a self-sufficient and self-sustaining, ecosystem in its own right.

This system is remarkably effective, and as the plants are getting a regular supply of essential nutrients they grow very quickly. By incorporating fruit and vegetables into the system people can grow their own food quickly and with very little effort. This is therefore, an exceptionally beneficial system for families who want to eat healthy foodstuffs. An aquaponic system can easily be installed and does not necessarily have to take up a lot of room. This can save people a lot of money on food bills, and help them to become self-reliant.

Aquaponics also make a fantastically enjoyable project for children to study at school. They will be able to plainly see how each part of the system sustains the other. It will teach them about ecology, nature, and the importance of maintaining natural ecosystems. And of course they will have healthy and nutritious food at their disposal.

A plethora of fruits and vegetables and indeed herbs, can be grown using aquaponics, such as tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, strawberries and mint. Although the fish used are generally decorative, e.g. koi, it is possible to use other breeds which in due course may also become a food source. It is possible to incorporate prawns and crayfish into the system. In this way it can be seen that an aquaponic system is an fabulously efficient way of having regular fresh food.

An aquaponic system can be operated in many ways. A deep water circulation system entails plants being held in a styrofoam tray with their roots submerged in deep water to absorb all of the nitrates. A nutrient film method will involve a thin film of nutrient rich water being trickled down a channel containing plants. One other very simple method is where plants are grown in grow beds containing gravel or clay balls. The only determining factors as to which method to use are budget and the space available.

The facts suggests that an aquaponic system is a tremendous method of self sufficiency and food production. Large scale commercial operations have even been set up in addition to all of the individuals and families who are seeing the benefits of aquaponics. One of the greatest bonuses of this system is that it does not necessarily take up a lot of space and the water used is minimal. In conclusion, if you are serious about the environment and want a food production system that gives you healthy food and also respects the plants and animals, then aquaponics fits the bill.
About the Author

The author Fred Smedley discusses this subject in more detail at www.howtoaquaponics.co.uk where you can also see more Articles on Aquaponics.