There are three basic types of aquaponics systems.
They are media filled beds, nutrient film technique and the deep water culture system. Within each category there are endless variations in the design and construction of individual systems. The important thing is that the plants and fish co-exist in their separate environments.
Each system must be custom tailored to site specific conditions such as normal high and low temperatures. The systems will need to be protected from wind, weather and contamination by chemicals and animal wastes. The best location will also be influenced by the amount of sunlight and the compass direction.
Another major factor in the design of the system is the budget and space constraint. Systems can range in size from small systems using an indoor aquarium to large scale commercial operations. Depending on the site conditions one of the following options will likely be best suited for your needs.
1. Media Filled Beds are containers filled with a growing media which is usually commercially manufactured. Water infused with fish waste is flooded into the media to nourish the plants. The media should be pH neutral to avoid affects the plant's absorption of minerals. The media should also be shaped to provide good surface area and air voids. This type of system has been used successfully by countless farmers and it relatively low cost and easy to get started.
2. The Nutrient film technique is another simple and effective way to leverage fish production and hydroponics. Using NFT, water is pumped into gutters with holes placed periodically along the length of the gutters for plants. The plants root systems absorb nutrients as the thin film of waste discharges past their roots. This is a great system for small plants but not as ideal for taller plants since they will tend to tip over.
3. Deep Water Culture is exactly what the name implies. Deeper water is used and plants are floated on the surface so the roots can dangle into the water. The water is aerated for the fish and the plants float on the surface. This is ideal for larger scale operations.
Flood and drain media filled beds are simplest and most reliable systems for beginners. It can be done in a variety of different containers and you can use recycled materials. The flood and drain system also doesn't require extensive maintenance.
The deep water culture technique is commonly used in commercial systems due to its lower overall cost on a larger scale and the ability to expand production in a smaller footprint.
They are media filled beds, nutrient film technique and the deep water culture system. Within each category there are endless variations in the design and construction of individual systems. The important thing is that the plants and fish co-exist in their separate environments.
Each system must be custom tailored to site specific conditions such as normal high and low temperatures. The systems will need to be protected from wind, weather and contamination by chemicals and animal wastes. The best location will also be influenced by the amount of sunlight and the compass direction.
Another major factor in the design of the system is the budget and space constraint. Systems can range in size from small systems using an indoor aquarium to large scale commercial operations. Depending on the site conditions one of the following options will likely be best suited for your needs.
1. Media Filled Beds are containers filled with a growing media which is usually commercially manufactured. Water infused with fish waste is flooded into the media to nourish the plants. The media should be pH neutral to avoid affects the plant's absorption of minerals. The media should also be shaped to provide good surface area and air voids. This type of system has been used successfully by countless farmers and it relatively low cost and easy to get started.
2. The Nutrient film technique is another simple and effective way to leverage fish production and hydroponics. Using NFT, water is pumped into gutters with holes placed periodically along the length of the gutters for plants. The plants root systems absorb nutrients as the thin film of waste discharges past their roots. This is a great system for small plants but not as ideal for taller plants since they will tend to tip over.
3. Deep Water Culture is exactly what the name implies. Deeper water is used and plants are floated on the surface so the roots can dangle into the water. The water is aerated for the fish and the plants float on the surface. This is ideal for larger scale operations.
Flood and drain media filled beds are simplest and most reliable systems for beginners. It can be done in a variety of different containers and you can use recycled materials. The flood and drain system also doesn't require extensive maintenance.
The deep water culture technique is commonly used in commercial systems due to its lower overall cost on a larger scale and the ability to expand production in a smaller footprint.
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