Photo: Freshwater aquaponics
aqua-pon-ics
- Pronunciation Spelt: [ak-wuh-pon-iks] - noun (used with a singular verb)
The
symbiotic cultivation of plants and aquatic animals in a recirculating
environment. Aquaponics is basically a combination of Aquaculture (growing
fish) & Hydroponics (growing plants).
[Origin:
1996-97; aqua(culture) + (hydro)ponics]
Related forms:
aqua-pon-ic, adjective : an aquaponic system
aqua-pon-i-cal-ly, adverb : he grew the plants aquaponically
aqua-pon-i-cist, noun : she is an aquaponicist
Aquatic
animal effluent (fish waste) accumulates in water as a byproduct of the keeping
them in a closed system or tank (recirculating aquaculture system). The
effluent rich water becomes high in plant nutrients but is toxic to the aquatic
animal.
Plants are
grown in a way (hydroponic system) that utilizes the nutrient rich water. The
plants in turn digest the nutrients, reducing or eliminating the waters
toxicity for the aquatic animal. The water, now clean, is returned to the
aquatic animal environment and the cycle continues. There are numerous
Aquaponics plants to choose from.
Aquaponic
systems do not discharge or exchange water. The systems rely on the natural
relationship between the aquatic animals and the plants to maintain the
environment. Water is only added to replace water loss from absorption by the
plants or evaporation into the air. The freshwater aquatic animals produce
Ammonia. A nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomonas sp) converts the Ammonia to
Nitrite. Another nitrifying bacteria (Nitrobacter) then converts the Nitrite to
Nitrate. The plants then use the Nitrate and thus "clean" the water
for the fish. There are a number of Aquaponics fish to choose from.
Aquaponic
systems vary in size from small indoor units to large commercial units. They
can be based on fresh or salt water.
Freshwater
systems rely on three major elements:
* Freshwater aquatic animals;
* Nitrifying Bacteria; and
* Plants.
Photo: Saltwater acquaponics
Saltwater systems rely on only two major elements:
* Saltwater aquatic animals; and
* Seaweed/Algae.
