Aquaponics is a fairly new food production system, but its many advantages, especially in the context of increasing food prices, are rapidly gaining popularity. In this brief introduction to aquaponics, we will explain what is involved in aquaponics and list some of its many benefits.

Aquaponics is a mixture of aquaculture (fish cultivation) and hydroponics (soil-free growing of plants in water). This integrated system works so well because the two establish a symbiotic relationship, and the two recycle nutrients and energy. Fish provide waste that the bacteria convert into plant nutrients, providing food for the plants and clean water for the fish. Indeed, the linchpin which keeps the whole system going is bacteria.

It is actually quite clear with regard to the set-up. You have fish ponds in which you grow fish, and a rising bed sits on top of the tanks. The growing bed is the region in which the plants are rooted and is the origin of most of the system's bacteria. The growth bed can be made of various materials, but gravel is a common one. Gravel is suitable as it cleans the water and provides the roots with protection. Furthermore, it has a large area of surface and can house a large number of bacteria.

Water is pumped from the fish tank to the rising bed, where the bacteria live, in an aquaponics system. The bacteria break down the waste of the fish and turn it into an excellent fertiliser, nitrates. The plants take up the nitrates and some of the water, and philtre the water in the process. The water is then cleaned through gravity back to the fish tank.

There are many benefits of aquaponics. It is the food production process that is most sustainable and cost-effective. It saves you money and provides you with your own backyard with fresh organic food. It doesn't take up much space and can be put anywhere: in the backyard, in the spare room, in the garage, etc. It is very versatile, as a wide variety of vegetables and fish can be produced. As no water is lost and it creates no harmful by-products, it is environmentally friendly. There is no weeding, no irrigation and no use of fertilisers and toxic pesticides. Aquaponics are also much simpler to manage than a traditional soil farm or fish farm.

In addition, it is very straightforward to scale up an aquaponics system, and many individuals actually end up doing it for benefit. This is because there are minimal costs for food provided by Aquaponics farming and high prices are obtained (as it is organic) and the benefit is therefore large.

For a detailed comprehensive guide on starting an Aquaponics system, check out Aquaponics 4 You