Aquaponics is an important solution to planting-related concerns. If you want to set-up your very own aquaponics tank at home, there are many ways on how to go about it.
Aquaponics is a very interesting subject that should be discussed, especially if you are interested in both fishes and plants.
Basically, aquaponics is a science that marries aquaculture and hydroponics. It combines the principles used in raising fish and growing plants without the use of soil in a unique and integrated system where there is give and take amongst the different species.
In an aquaponic system, the plants being cultivated rely on the fish waste as their food source. The plants, on the other hand, filter the water naturally, allowing the fish to live in a viable environment.
But as with all food chains, there has to be one more participant aside from the producer and the consumer, and this is what we call the decomposer.
In the system, the decomposers are nitrifying bacteria as well red worms used for composting. Their role here is to convert the ammonia produced by the fish waste into food for the growing plants.
The conversion happens when ammonia is turned into nitrites, nitrites into nitrates, nitrates into solids and the solids into what we call vermicompost.
Why should you choose aquaponics?
Aquaponics may be used for a variety of things, but the main idea is to create a reliable and sustainable source of both useful plants and fish. When there is difficulty in cultivating vegetables using soil, one may rely on aquaponics to yield large amounts of produce.
It is also able to address a number of concerns associated with traditional planting. These problems include the growth of weeds, the large amounts of water needed, the presence of insects, pests, plant disease, hard labour when it comes to digging and bending over, the need for fertilizer and the knowledge required to properly care for your plants.
Aquaponics is a low-maintenance way to plant and produce your very own home garden. And since the best plants to use here are vegetables and herbs, you can easily create your very own source of food. This will lessen your expenses immensely, and will guarantee that what you are eating is safe and truly fresh.
What You Need to Set-up Your Aquaponics Tank
According to the Northern Territory Government info sheet on aquaponics, Asian vegetables, basil, tomatoes, cucumbers, various herbs, eggplants, melons and chillies are the most-recommended plants for aquaponic cultivation. When choosing fish, it is best to use sleepy cod and barramundi.
To further help you get your aquaponics tank started, here’s a checklist of the things you need:
- Fish tank
- An area to grow your plants or a medium bed
- Water pump
- Air pump
- Irrigation tubing
- Fish plants
- Optional items: Water heater, Filtration, Grow Light
Things to Consider When Choosing an Aquaponics Tank
When choosing the right aquaponics tank, it is important to consider its durability. You are not required to use a fish tank. Just make sure to use a round or oval container that’s not too narrow and deep.
It’s much preferable to use a tank that’s wider and a bit shallow as this will lessen the dead zones, or areas with little to no water flow and chemical activity.
It is also important to remember that your container should be absolutely waterproof. Make sure it is watertight and that there are no leaks, especially where the plumbing is located. It is best to use materials such as marine-grade silicone and rubber gaskets to prevent this.
The size of your tank will depend on the kind of fish you’d like to raise. If you have a small space, you can use a desktop fish aquarium, but you will have to limit yourself to regular aquarium fish.
If you will not be using a tank, make sure you use a container that’s safe for both humans and fishes.
Depending on your preferred aquaponic system, you can choose from small, medium and large-scale containers. Small containers that you can use are regular aquariums, stock tanks, half-barrels or rubber-tubs.
Medium-sized containers include bathtubs, plastic, steel or fiberglass stock tanks, while large-scale containers include open ponds, large stock tanks, swimming pools and fiberglass tanks.
Conclusion
Aquaponics is more than just about simply planting produce and raising fish. It requires some science and a lot of diligence for your aquaponic system to grow and thrive for a very long time.
When choosing the most suitable tank, make sure that it will be able to withstand the weight of whatever you’ll be placing in it.
Also make sure that your tank or container has been cleaned thoroughly before use and that it does not contain any toxic materials that may ruin your system or may harm you when you consume your produce.
Before deciding to set-up your own aquaponics tank, make sure you have studied all the necessary information for your project to be a success.
