Aquaponics is a natural and sustainable organic food production system that integrates hydroponics and aquaculture. Aquaculture simply refers to caring for aquatic animals in controlled or artificial environments such as tanks or aquariums, while hydroponics refers to growing plants in water. If you combine them, you are creating a mutual and symbiotic relationship between animals and plants, which is definitely beneficial for both of them, and also for you, who can benefit financially from it. It uses both systems, and in doing so it cancels out the main problem of each. Instead of using harmful chemicals to grow the plants, use the fish effluent that acts as a natural fertilizer for them. On the other hand, instead of cleaning and removing water frequently, it uses the ability of plants to clean and purify the water in which the fish lives. Cool right?
So, have you ever wondered how to build your own aquaponics? Let us ask the experts and let me help you there, summarizing everything below:
• Fish tank: also called a breeding tank, it is mainly needed to breed and feed the fish. This also acts as your main point of contact with the fish. This should be well spaced and calculated based on the volume of fish you will be farming.
• Solids removal tank: used to trap extra food not eaten by fish, as well as to remove fine particles in the water. This is necessary in addition to the cleaning and purifying power of plants, since some residues are solid and insoluble in water.
• Biofilter: this is a part where the scientific nitrification process occurs, converting ammonia into nitrates.
• Sump – This is the lowest part of the tank where the water flows through the fish tanks.
• Oxygen supply: both fish and plants need it to breathe and live. Make sure this can be safely supplied by electricity, and in case of power outages, there is a backup.
In addition to these components, you will also need a basic understanding of what the needs of fish and plants are. Fish definitely need nutrients and oxygen-rich water. On the other hand, plants also need nutrients and water. These are just minor things that are covered with the aquaponics building blocks we mentioned earlier.
In the end, you will also think that this could cost quite a bit and be a pain in the pocket. Well, in a way yes, but there are ways to make it easier and cheaper for you, especially when you’re just starting out. Plant beds, usually made of wood, can be recycled. You can use some scrap materials from your own backyard and build your own. As for the tanks, these refer to the usual sinks or containers, and they don’t really require high-priced glass setups. If you just use your creativity and estimation skills, you will need just the right amount of money to start, cultivate, and then turn this hobby into a business.