Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture, which is growing fish and other aquatic animals, and hydroponics which is growing plants without soil. Aquaponics uses these two in a symbiotic combination in which plants are fed the aquatic animals’ waste. In return, the vegetables clean the water that goes back to the fish.
Along with the fish and their waste, microbes play an important role to the nutrition of the plants. These beneficial bacteria gather in the spaces between the roots of the plant and converts the fish waste and the solids into substances the plants can use to grow. The result is a perfect collaboration between aquaculture and gardening. Read more..
What are the best Fish to use?
tilapia
blue gill/brim
sunfish
crappie
koi
fancy goldfish
pacu
various ornamental fish such as angelfish, guppies, tetras, swordfish, mollies
What plants will work best?
Any leafy lettuce
pak choi
kale
swiss chard
arugula
basil
mint
watercress
chives
most common house plants
Plants that have higher nutritional demands and will only do well in well established aquaponic systems:
tomatoes
peppers
cucumbers
beans
peas
squash
broccoli
cauliflower
cabbage
These are other crops grown in aquaponics systems:
bananas
dwarf citrus trees: lemons, limes and oranges
dwarf pomegranate tree
sweet corn
micro greens
beets
radishes
carrots
onions
