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Aquaponics with fish: The basics

by Marilyn Mayberry 09/28/2022

If you’re interested in sustainability, aquatic life and gardening, you might consider aquaponics with fish. Aquaponics combines methods from hydroponic gardening and aquaculture to create a symbiotic environment in your home fish tank.

To learn more about aquaponics, here is a basic guide to help:

How it works

Aquaponic systems are used to cultivate fish and plants in a mutually beneficial environment. Using aquaponics, you can grow plants without soil, while also providing a healthy living environment for aquatic animals.

The aquaponic system process consists of these five steps:

  • Fish eat fish food.
  • Fish waste is eaten by special microorganisms called nitrifying bacteria.
  • The bacteria convert the fish waste and create nutrient rich water.
  • The plants soak up the nutrients like a natural fertilizer, purifying the tank water.
  • Fresh water returns to the environment for the process to begin anew.

The main components of an aquaponics system are:

  • Fish tank or aquarium.
  • Water pump and filter.
  • Grow lights.
  • Your choice of plants.

There are beginner kits available with all the parts necessary to set up your own aquaponics system at home. You can grow fruits, veggies and tropical plants among a wide variety of fish and water-dwelling creatures.

Benefits

From a gardening perspective, there are many advantages to aquaponics. Growing plants in water is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional soil gardening, and comes without the risk of weeds or most plant pests. The combination of fish waste and helpful bacteria removes the need to add fertilizer, and the water gives plant roots plenty of room to grow.

Aquaponics systems are versatile, and can be set up almost anywhere. You can have an outdoor aquaponic pond, or a desktop garden over a small aquarium. Not only is there very little waste in the process, it’s an excellent way to combine two interests - cultivate plants and fish at the same time!

Aquaponics systems might seem complex at first, but once you have all the pieces of the puzzle, you can create your very own mutually beneficial natural environment for plants and fish.

About the Author
Author

Marilyn Mayberry

Marilyn Mayberry has had the honor and privilege of engaging in one of the most exciting careers imaginable. She has marketed the American dream of home ownership for over 40 years. Marilyn is the Associate Broker for her own boutique brokerage Real Estate Today LLC in Farmington Hills. Her company offers a complete line of residential and commercial services to buyers and sellers.

Buying or selling real estate is probably one of the most important decisions anyone will make in a lifetime. Marilyn’s passion for the real estate business assures that the transaction will be handled with the highest degree of professionalism. This philosophy has allowed her to build a community of lifelong relationships.