There are three basic types of aquaponics systems.
These would be the media filled beds, NFT (nutrient film technique), and DWC (deep water culture) systems. There are many ways to setup each type of system within the categories. The common thread is that fish and plants are raised together in a closed system.
Each system must be custom tailored to site specific conditions such as normal high and low temperatures. The systems will need to be protected from wind, weather and contamination by chemicals and animal wastes. The best location will also be influenced by the amount of sunlight and the compass direction.
A major determinant in the final design will be the budget and scope of the project. Small system built for residential use will share little resemblance to a large commercial system. However, most aquaponics systems are derived from these basic systems.
1. Media Filled Beds: Containers are filled with a granular media like expanded clay or rock. Make certain the media is pH neutral or it could impact the nutrient uptake. The size of the media should provide generous surface area and adequate void space. Water from the fish tank is pumped into the media using a simple piping system which floods the media and nourishes the plants. The water from the media filled beds is then returned back to the fish tank. Recirculation can either be intermittent (ebb and flow) or continuous. The biggest advantages to these systems are the ready availability of materials, low cost of construction and the ease of operation and maintenance.
2. The NFT (nutrient film technique) is another common way to setup an aquaponics system. Water is pumped from the fish tank and then allowed to gravity flow in a thin film through an enclosed gutter where the plants are placed until they are harvested. this is a great way to grow leafy vegetables, but is not as optimal for taller plants due to the lack of support for the roots.
3. Deep Water Culture is exactly what the name implies. Deeper water is used and plants are floated on the surface so the roots can dangle into the water. The water is aerated for the fish and the plants float on the surface. This is ideal for larger scale operations.
The best system for beginners is the flood and drain method of farming. It can be done in a thousand different ways and can be designed and built using recycled materials.
The deep water culture technique is commonly used in commercial systems due to its lower overall cost on a larger scale and the ability to expand production in a smaller footprint.
These would be the media filled beds, NFT (nutrient film technique), and DWC (deep water culture) systems. There are many ways to setup each type of system within the categories. The common thread is that fish and plants are raised together in a closed system.
Each system must be custom tailored to site specific conditions such as normal high and low temperatures. The systems will need to be protected from wind, weather and contamination by chemicals and animal wastes. The best location will also be influenced by the amount of sunlight and the compass direction.
A major determinant in the final design will be the budget and scope of the project. Small system built for residential use will share little resemblance to a large commercial system. However, most aquaponics systems are derived from these basic systems.
1. Media Filled Beds: Containers are filled with a granular media like expanded clay or rock. Make certain the media is pH neutral or it could impact the nutrient uptake. The size of the media should provide generous surface area and adequate void space. Water from the fish tank is pumped into the media using a simple piping system which floods the media and nourishes the plants. The water from the media filled beds is then returned back to the fish tank. Recirculation can either be intermittent (ebb and flow) or continuous. The biggest advantages to these systems are the ready availability of materials, low cost of construction and the ease of operation and maintenance.
2. The NFT (nutrient film technique) is another common way to setup an aquaponics system. Water is pumped from the fish tank and then allowed to gravity flow in a thin film through an enclosed gutter where the plants are placed until they are harvested. this is a great way to grow leafy vegetables, but is not as optimal for taller plants due to the lack of support for the roots.
3. Deep Water Culture is exactly what the name implies. Deeper water is used and plants are floated on the surface so the roots can dangle into the water. The water is aerated for the fish and the plants float on the surface. This is ideal for larger scale operations.
The best system for beginners is the flood and drain method of farming. It can be done in a thousand different ways and can be designed and built using recycled materials.
The deep water culture technique is commonly used in commercial systems due to its lower overall cost on a larger scale and the ability to expand production in a smaller footprint.
About the Author:
Build your own aquaponics farm with complete backyard aquaponics plans for your backyard paradise.
No comments:
Post a Comment