Aquaponics

• Aquaponics is the integration of recirculating aquaculture and hydroponics in one production system.
• In an aquaponic unit, water from the fish tank cycles through filters, plant grow beds and then back to the fish
• In aquaponics, the aquaculture effluent is diverted through plant beds and not released to the environment, while at the same time the nutrients for the plants are supplied from a sustainable, cost-effective and non-chemical source.
• This integration removes some of the unsustainable factors of running aquaculture and hydroponic systems independently.

Major benefits of aquaponic food production:

• Sustainable and intensive food production system.
• Two agricultural products (fish and vegetables) are produced from one nitrogen source (fish food).
• Extremely water efficient.
• Does not require soil.
• Does not use fertilizers or chemical pesticides.
• Higher yields and qualitative production.
• Organic like management and production.
• Higher level of biosecurity and lower risks from outer contaminants.
• Higher control on production leading to lower losses.
• Can be used on non-arable land such as deserts, degraded soil or salty, sandy islands.
• Creates little waste.
• Daily tasks, harvesting and planting are labor saving and therefore can include all genders and ages.
• Economical production of either family food production or cash crops in many locations.
• Construction materials and information base are widely available.

Major weaknesses of aquaponic food production:

• Expensive initial startup costs compared with soil vegetable production or hydroponics.
• Knowledge of fish, bacteria and plant production is needed for each farmer to be successful.
• Fish and plant requirements do not always match perfectly.
• Not recommended in places where cultured fish and plants cannot meet their optimal temperature ranges.
• Reduced management choices compared with standalone aquaculture or hydroponic systems.
• Mistakes or accidents can cause catastrophic collapse of system.
• Daily management is mandatory.
• Energy demanding.
• Requires reliable access to electricity, fish seed and plant seeds.
• Alone, aquaponics will not provide a complete diet.