Aquaponic Gardening: Frequently Asked Questions

What is aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture (the study and raising of fish and other aquatic life) and hydroponics (growing plants in water versus soil). While plants can be grown in water alone, it is necessary to add the nutrients a plant needs to the water. An amazing fact of life is that fish emulsion (all the nasty little things like ammonia that pollute your aquarium or fish tank) provides exactly what plants need to thrive. And to complete the great circle of nature, the process of the plant taking what it needs from the polluted water filters the water for the fish.

What types of fish are used in aquaponics?

The type of fish (or other aquatic life) you use is dependent upon three things: your climate, your personal tastes, and whether or not you plan to eat the fish you raise. Fresh water fish is most commonly used, with tilapia being the most popular choice--at least for edible fish. For areas where water temperature control could be problematic, catfish or bluegill could be used. If you don't necessarily want to raise the fish to eat, you can even use goldfish or koi. With goldfish though, you need to make sure that the fish can't get to the plant's roots, as they are known to nibble on them.

How does aquaponics compare with hydroponics?

Basically, aquaponics is an advanced form of hydroponics. The study of hydroponics is simply the process of growing plants without the use of soil. Soil-less gardening, in other words. As water has no real nutrients for the plant, these nutrients must be artificially added. Aquaponics takes it one more step by adding fish. In this way the plants get what they need in a totally natural and organic way.

Can aquaponics be done indoors?

Absolutely! In fact, many aquaponic gardeners have found that basements make a terrific space for their gardens. With the climate controlled temperatures of an indoor garden, you can raise vegetables all year long. Want a salad? Just go the basement and pick some lettuce.

One thing you do have to make sure of though, is that your garden gets enough light. In an indoor space, that means adding grow lights to your system. Luckily, this is not a difficult addition.

What types of plants can you raise?

You can raise just about any plants in an aquaponic garden. Of course, it will depend on where you place your garden and how much time you wish to spend on it. Some plants are simply easier to raise than others. Most of the green, leafy types of vegetables will do well in this type of garden. Other popular choices include herbs, tomatoes, bell peppers, cantaloupe, watercress, radishes, onions, sweet potatoes, beans, peas, melons, and even strawberries.You could quite literally have a fresh produce section in your basement...free for the picking!

In Summary:

Aquaponics can be a fun way to raise a sustainable garden and even some fresh fish to boot. The best part is that all this can be done inside your own home. Have you started your aquaponic garden yet? What are you waiting for?

If you are interested in starting your very own aquaponic garden, a great DIY guide is essential. For more information, feel free to visit my page on Aquaponic Plans for Gardening. Thanks for reading!

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Aquaponics Gardening How To

     It may be hard for you to make the change but even if you have little space or do not like to change up your routine you may want to rethink things. You can have a great garden and fresh fish at the same time using aquaponics. You just have to decide to make the change. It can help our environment and at the same time it will give you wonderful organic foods and fresh fish to enjoy.
     The system is called aquaponics. Anyone can do it with the addition of a fish tank and a little work on your part. It does take than few minutes a day to take care of your fish and vegetable plants and you do not need to have fertile land to make an aquaponics garden work for you. No more cleaning weeds, tilling up land, or working hard out in the heat with aquaponics. You only need some fresh water, a couple of small perch and your vegetable of choice, tomatoes, peppers, whatever you love the most can be grown with this method in half the time and with amazing yields.
     You will be able to use aquaponics year round! Cold weather, hot weather, winter, spring, summer, fall, your aquaponics garden can work for you in your garage, in an extra bedroom or just about anywhere you want to start it. You will be enjoying vine fresh tomatoes, peppers, squash and any vegetable you like in the middle of winter when your friends and neighbors are eating junk food. Give them a few of treats from your aquaponics garden and you may have someone to help you build your next crop. If not, well maybe they will become an aquaponic gardener and help save our planet while providing for themselves during good and bad times.
     But wait, we forgot about the fish! With your aquaponics garden you can even use edible fish! So now you have fresh great tasting fish along with vine ripe vegetables any time you want. Really, the setup is easy, the rewards are large. You will save money, have a special menu year round and enjoy sharing and showing off your amazing aquaponics garden to your envious friends. There is not reason to delay building this garden. I have one and my father has enjoyed mine so much he built one this summer. It has helped a ton since the heat has been unbearable here in Texas.
     If you want the aquaponics gardening how to, I HIGHLY recommend a wonderful resource called Fish Aquaponics, Check it out!

     I am deeply involved in aquaponics, that is the building of a organic garden that relates to fish, water and vegetables. I enjoy it very much and have created a guide to share with others. I hope you enjoy and I will try to give as much information as I can on the subject to help you to understand how easy it is.

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Successful Aquaponic Gardening Tips

Learning how to run a successful aquaponics garden is important in today's green economy. As technology in aquaponic gardening is rapidly becoming available, keeping yourself educated on the newer advances will help you keep your garden growing in an efficient, self-sustaining, and earth friendly way.

1. Choosing the appropriate location for your aquaponic system is the most important key to successful aquaponic gardening. Whether real or artificial sunlight is used, your system needs to be fully exposed to it. If your aquaponic garden will be outdoors, you need to think about the temperatures of your climate. The fish and plants in your system will do best around 70 degrees year around. You may consider using a greenhouse if your system will be outdoors. This will also help protect your equipment and plants from animals and adverse weather conditions.


2. Ensuring your water supply has plenty of oxygen will ensure the proper growth and health of your plants and aquaculture. This can be achieved with an air pump or a simple design in your tubing. In terms of oxygen, it's better to have too much than too little.


3. Your location can mandate which types of fish you're using in your aquaponics system. Tilapia is a common breed of fish used in aquaculture, but some areas have banned the use of them. It's best to check your local regulations to ensure your type of fish are legal. Keeping in mind the temperatures of your climate, you will need to research your fish choice to ensure they will be able to survive. If you're heating the water or using an indoor system, this can help with the variety of fish you can use.


4. Purchasing books and browse the Internet on keeping your aquaponics garden healthy is crucial to keep your system successful. The use of additives may sometimes be necessary if your plants look like they are suffering from a deficiency. In a newer system, it may be required to add calcium, iron, or potassium (or a combination of the three) to get your aquaponics system started healthily.


5. Regularly checking the pH levels of your water is very important. The pH measures how acid or alkaline your water is. Each living thing lives in a different optimal level. With humans, the hair, eyes, face, skin and other parts of the body each have a different optimal level. This is also the same with plants and fish. Fish have an optimal pH level of around 6.5 to 8.5, while plants survive better with a lower level of pH... Try to keep your pH level for an aquaponic system around 7.0 for the optimal results.


6. The most successful aquaponics garden will consist of the proper growing medium. Instead of soil, aquaponic systems normally use gravel or rocks. Using dusty or clay based rocks, if not properly cleaned before, can clog your tubing system and allow ammonia to grow. Some rocks contain chemicals that are not safe for your aquaculture or your aquaponics, so it is best to research your decision carefully. Washed river rock or gravel will provide you with the perfect aquaponics medium to grow your garden.

By doing your due diligence when making choices for your aquaponics system, you will avoid making costly mistakes. It is also advisable to find someone locally that can mentor you and answer any questions that might arise.
Successful aquaponic gardening is not that difficult with a little planning in advance!

Denise Clarke, is a retired paramedic firefighter. Since retirement she has re-invented herself as a blogger, author and successful marketer.

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