Choosing The Type of Fish For an Aquaponics System

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There are so many species of fish which can be raised in an aquaponics system. It depends on the territory because not all species of fish are allowed to be grown in some places. The regulations of the concerned area should be preferred before choosing the species of fish for food production system. The rules and regulations of the area are made on the basis of the climate of that particular area because the survival of the fishes is closely related to the climate. If a symbiotic environment is not given to the aquaponics system, the growth or survival of the fishes and plants is not possible.

To decide the best species of fish, the following must be considered,

1. What do you expect from your system?
If you expect to eat fish from your food production system, you need to grow the edible species of fish which provide protein, and that can live longer compared to other species. On the other hand, if you don't want to eat the fish grown in the system, you need not to grow edible fish. Ornamental fishes can be grown.

2. Availability of type of fish
The species of fish, available in the area have great importance because to stock the system with fish the farmer should buy the easily available species of fish.

There are thousand of species of fish which are able to grow in the aquatic system. Some popular species are:

Goldfish
This species of fish makes a remarkable addition to the system. Goldfish is bred in a fish tank in most areas but generally, they can be bred in a covered tank of plant within the fish tank.

Barramundi
An exceptional type of fish which is crispy in taste and is usually grown during hot weather. So, in the warmer month of the year it is recommended by the experience farmers.

Catfish
There are several types of catfish in the world that can be easily raised in an aquaponics. The Channel catfish are the famous fish among farmers in the United States of America and also in Australia because of its availability. They grow rapidly if a symbiotic environment is provided.

Carp
In many parts of Asia, carp species are grown because it is well suited for aquaponics cultivation. But, it has become a noxious pest to the native environment and waterways due to its reproductive capabilities and tough nature.

Jade Perch
It is an Australian fish. The quality of it's rapid growth and having the best level of omega 3 oil differentiates it from all other species of fish. It's omnivorous diet and warm water is considered the basic requirements for it.

Koi
It is a species of carp, but known as KOI. It is famous in most of the Asian communities.

Silver perch
Silver perch is an Australian fish that is capable of growing rapidly under a variety of circumstances. They eat green scarps happily.

Murray cod
It is a magnificent kind of fish known as native Australian fish. It is also known for rapid growing and able to grow well in an aquaponics culture.

Tilapia
It is the best cultured fish all around the world and is the most popular specy to grow in aquaponics.

Trout
Trout is a type of fish which is very famous due to its amazing taste. It grows well in cooler water.

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The Science Behind Aquaponics Food Production System

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Aquaponics is an innovative and growing industry in which plants and aquatic animals are grown by providing them the symbiotic environment in a recirculating system. It stimulates our real life eco system. The basic instruction and proper guideline must be followed to run the system. The plants and fish species should be selected according to the area climate. The existence of this unique food production system comes into being by the existence of two sub system. To understand Aquaponics' real meaning, we need to understand the following sub systems • Aquaculture • Hydroponics

Aquaculture

Aquatic animals like fish, prawns, crayfish, crustaceans and molluscs are grown in symbiotic environment by the hydroponics combination. Imagine! You can grow fish in your own home with few dollars and you can also produce vegetables without clay that is absolutely free with it. You think to cultivate fish in food production system and vegetables are also produced with it? It looks like a dream but with a little passion it is possible anywhere around the world. If un-experienced farmers decide to run this system, it is not a hard task for such farmers if they follow the instructions provided by experts of food production systems. But, if they do not do so, the whole system is at a risk.

Particular types of aquaculture are
• Shrimp farming
• Fish farming
• Ornamental fish cultivation
• Oyster farming
• Algaculture like seaweed farming

Hydroponics

A unique method of growing plants with out clay or soil, by using different minerals solutions. Terrestrial plants are usually grown by putting their roots in the solution or in inert medium like gravel, perlite, coconut husk or mineral wool.

There are some reasons of adopting hydroponics in food production system,
• It is very easy to harvest.
• No clay or soil is required for plant cultivation.
• Due to controlled system, the nutrition pollution is not released.
• The water always remains in the system and it can be re-used at any time.
• High and stable yields.
• Less nutrition cost because the level of nutrition is easy to control.

How an aquatic system works? Water uses the gravity as its transport and is drained in the gravel bed from the fish tank. Bacteria break down the ammonia which is present in fish waste and change it into nitrate and nitrate which is necessary or key nutrients for plants growth. Watercress is use often as a secondary way of water filtration. Water after filtration is pumped to growing beds from the gravel beds. The roots of Vegetables like tomato and other salad green receive this water. When plants absorb all essential nutrients (nitrate and nitrogen) from water, the water is cleansed and finally re-circulated back to fish tank. This cycle is repeated with small intervals.

For a success full aquatic system, monitoring for fish and plants health is necessary because both are the soul of the system and survival of both elements depends on each other. For example, the nitrate produced by fish waste is used by plants and fish uses the oxygenated water which is cleansed by plants within the system.

Jonathan Dylan is a food production expert. For more great tips on aquaponics information, visit http://aquaponicsculture.com/

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Creating a Sustainable Food Supply Through Aquaponics

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Aquaponics is the science of raising fish and growing vegetation within a closed water system that takes advantage of the natural partnership that exists between aquatic animals and plants. Aquaponics is considered a combination of two older approaches to cultivating fish and plants; aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (the growing of plants in nutrient rich water without soil.) By combining these approaches, many aquaponics fans around the world have experienced tremendous success in developing sustainable platforms that turn out organic produce and fish that can either be consumed or kept as ornamental accessories or wet pets.

Aquaponics is much more efficient than standard backyard gardening techniques and creates greater crop yields with less expense and effort. Most plants that can be grown in land based vegetable gardens can also be produced via aquaponics. Fruits can also be grown in aquaponic systems but generally require a higher fish density to provide additional nutrients. As stated above, the fish utilized in aquaponics can be raised as either an additional source of food or as pets. Tilapia, trout, bass, crappie, crayfish and prawns are all good options for fish that are eventually eaten. Ornamental fish such as koi and goldfish are good choices for pets.

Here is how aquaponics utilizes the partnership between plants and fish. Because they eat and grow, fish produce waste that adds ammonia into the water. Even at relatively low concentrations ammonia is deadly to fish. Through a natural process known as the Nitrogen Cycle, ammonia from fish waste is transformed by beneficial bacteria into nitrites, which are transformed again by different bacteria into nitrates. While nitrites are also harmful to fish at low concentrations, nitrates are not. However, high levels of nitrates in the water can cause excessive algae growth and are harmful to fish. Fortunately, nitrates also provide nutrients that are necessary for vegetation. By consuming the nitrates, plants filter the water and help maintain a healthy and balanced aquatic environment for the fish. So by eating and growing, the fish provide essential nutrients for the plants and by eating and growing, the plants provide safe water for the fish. Aquaponics is the best answer for a fish enthusiasts need to dispose of excess nitrates, as well as a hydroponic gardeners need to feed nutrients to their plants.

Aquaponics does not require a great deal of space. It is relatively easy to build a system outdoors in your backyard, in a greenhouse or even in your basement. It is neither overly expensive nor time intensive to maintain the system once it is up and running. Costs for the system can be recovered by selling of the output or it can be scaled up to be a profitable business. Aquaponics provides a truly organic form of food and allows for a higher density yield conserving space. You can also locate an aquaponics system so you can grow plants and vegetables year-round. Even a small aquaponics system can produce 100 lbs of fresh fish and 200 lbs of organic fruit and vegetables every 6 months. If you are interested in owning a self sufficient food supply or just like growing plants and fish, aquaponics is the right hobby or business for you!

If you are interested in learning more about the practice of aquaponics, visit All About Aquaponics Fish.

If you are interested in Tilapia Farming or learning about other freshwater fish that can be used in aquaponics and aquaculture, click on this link Tilapia Farming.

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Converting Existing Greenhouses to Portable Farms Aquaponics Systems

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You will find that each of these planned Eco Cities has started to realize that they are already facing a series of problems that are much tougher to solve than originally expected. The excitement to advance their particular project has blinded many groups to the hard realities of creating these wonderful 'intentional communities.' What has also become increasingly obvious is that the first Eco Cities will be inhabited by upper middle class people who can afford to live anywhere they want and they want (insist on) the amenities of modern upper middle class living. They may profess to be green, but they want to make sure their green choice is also buying them comfort, security, beauty and status.

Major issues for each Eco City to address:

Providing locally grown food for the residentsA safe place for people to live and work in the city or nearby in urban centersResilient and beautiful - lovely and long lasting with emphasis on biodiversityJobs onsite or very close by, so residents can provide a living for their familiesEco-friendly transportation within the community with biking and walking trails and a low emphasis on cars and motor cycles. Possible trolley or rail use.Proper water, energy and waste managementMinimal governance

Eco Cities can be built, grown and nurtured by addressing all of these issues and making each of them a separate focus tied to the overall installation. The issues are addressed below in order of their impact on the overall plan. Portable Farms Ltd demonstrates how any dedicated group can begin with a plan and have the intended outcome be very close to the original expectation of the group's Eco City plan.

1. Food: Here is the one area where most projects have a hard time with reality because most sponsoring groups have no idea the huge effort required for growing and providing raising a constant supply of food for a community of any size. There is a great deal of talk in each Eco City group about having community gardens and what most people do not understand is that even in a community garden; individual plots are the only way they will work. Very often, when the idea of a 'community' garden or project is brought up, the vision of the hippy communes from the 60's and 70's rears up and puts people off. Some people are willing to live and work in a community, but do not ask them to donate their personal time or sweat to keep it up for others in the group. Research the phrase 'tragedy of the commons' to see how well people in a community take care of shared property. (If you've ever lived in a private area with a Home Owners Association you'll see the problems that arise when people don't have their expectations met. Think law suits, feuding neighbors, and vitriolic meetings to resolve issues that need to be handled.

Now for the real answers to this serious dilemma: Installing Portable Farms? Aquaponics Systems (PFAS) to raise the majority of green vegetable to be consumed onsite, plus the tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and peppers everyone loves. The PFAS installations have a huge impact in providing an unending food supply for the village. The PFAS is so effective at growing vegetables that 25 sq ft of Grow Tray space is all that is required to feed each adult year around, plus providing them with two four ounce fish fillet each week for protein.

Then each Eco City can add in some orchards, some land for growing starchy foods and an animal raising component for chicken, goats and whatever else the residents want to consume - all within walking distance of the homes. Maybe even some vineyards and berry patches are wanted by people willing to tend them.

Oh, wait, this will mean that these 'cities' have to be fairly small, like satellite suburbs, or ecoburbs. Yes. Small really is beautiful and doable.

2. Sustainability: Today the energy necessary for an ecoburb can come from solar power or other forms of onsite energy production. The careful construction of the living structures and utilities can reduce the overall energy requirements of the project. Locating an ecoburb in a warmer climate also helps. There must be a reliable, unending water source located onsite and all water recycled to the last drop. With today's technology this is actually very easy to accomplish. By using building materials throughout that have very long useful life or from renewable sources means not 'using up' or using non renewable resources or having to import them.

Creating enough jobs for the inhabitants in the 'outside world' either as telecommuters or assemblers of components or assemblies to have a steady income is as important as having a constant food supply. All of these items can be provide today plus there must be easy access to markets and entertainment for the residents. No one wants to be stuck out in the country away from 'real' stores, restaurants, doctor, dentists and all the other modern conveniences necessary for a nice life.

3. Safe and Resilient: Safety can be designed-in because the Eco Burb is out of the city (generally near major urban centers and cities) and there is no overt accumulation of wealth to attract looters, plus not having roadways to haul loot really discourages them. The Eco Burbs are small enough so people are aware of their neighbors and the flow of foot traffic at all times. All of the structures are built to withstand the worst weather and natural disasters in the area.

A 'legal' system that is guided by the idea, "If it is not strictly forbidden, it is permitted." There needs to be very little government or governance of any kind beyond safety and building code requirements for safety. This single facet of people's need for safety usually kills the best idea based group efforts because if you have ever dealt with a homeowners association you know what a group can do when give even a whiff of power. Remember that safe include being safe from the other resident's belief and biases.

4. Beautiful and walking friendly: The very easiest to accomplish and this aspect of an Eco Burb is being done all over the world already. Fun and easy and affordable are easy to build into an Eco Burb.

Portable Farms is a food solution for Eco-Cities to raise their own food.

There you have it. The formula for a viable Eco Burb where you can live, have a job, raise a family, retire, own property, sell your property, be a community member or a recluse and enjoy the best a small self contained community has to offer. Portable Farms Ltd is available to any organization for consultation and help in setting up the all important food component of your Eco Burb.

President, Portable Farms Ltd
pdavis@portablefarms.com

Co-Inventor, Portable Farms? Aquaponics Systems Dean, Aquaponics University

Phyllis Davis' primary initiatives include developing institutional marketing campaigns, and working with media to bring attention to Portable Farms Aquaponics Systems in both the United States and global markets. Her ultimate goal is to bring awareness to aquaponics and to demonstrate that Portable Farms are the solutions that are needed to provide fresh, healthy and affordable food to stop the cycle of poverty and end world hunger. She also works diligently to improve high yields and rapid growth for the food grown in Portable Farms and continues to experiment with seed varieties and excellent fish care to maximize the efficiency for the farms.

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Aquaponics 101

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Having your own fish ponds, and fish tanks seems to be an interesting thing right? You will know the whole cycle of how they live, reproduce, and eventually selling them to the market. Same is true with maintaining your own farm - planting seeds or seedlings, giving them nutrients/ fertilizers, then harvesting the fruits when they plentiful already. Both of these sound cool and beneficial right? It has been practiced for years already and been proven to yield food products and money as well. Today, there is a new food production system that is slowly gaining popularity- and that is Aquaponics.

Do you have enough Aquaponics Information? Most people will say no, since this is not really that popular, but by reading through this article, you will be able to see the whole perspective of the system.

Aquaponics as I said earlier combines Aquaculture and Hydroponics. If you want to build your own system, you will need the following: plant beds, solid drain, fish tanks, thin tubes, your own choice of fish species, and plants. If you are having doubts on whether it requires a lot of money, definitely, the answer is No. You can even be nature friendly, and recycle some of the things you have at home - like scrap wood which can be used for plant beds, old plastic containers and basins for your fish tanks and plant accessories.

As for the technical part of making your Aquaponics system work - it is not too difficult that will also allow genius people to do it. In reality, it is very simple to do. For starters, you can have a Media-filled Aquaponics system first. Meaning, your plant beds will be filled with media (like clay, or soil), and this will serve as the foundation of the roots of your plants. The nutrient-rich water will then be flowed into this, allowing the media to absorb and slightly drain the excess water. Through analysis in this setup, you can see that it just involves the basic knowledge of watering the plants,and taking care of the fish to ensure that none of them will die.

The type of system you will use depends upon whether you like a Continuous water flow system, where the water coming from the fish tanks will be flowed continuously to your plant bed once needed, or apply the flood and drain type- which is based on the concept that there is an overflow limit, and once the water exceeds it either by supply of by the natural waves that occurs, the plant beds act as catch basin.

Lastly, for the fish and plants you can use- the truth is you can have a lot of combination depending upon your location, budget, and interest. If you want less maintenance- go for Tilapia, since they are easy to breed and can live in poor water conditions. For the higher end practitioners, you can use Carp and Koi. As for the plants, if you are for food production system, use root crops since they grow well - bigger than the usual plants cultivated in a normal soil setup.

G. Medina is an aquaponics expert. For more great information on aquaponics information, visit http://www.smallaquaponicssystem.com/.

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