Aquaponics: What You Should Know

Transcription

1 Aquaponics: What You Should Know AQUAPONICS AUTHORITY Aquaponics Authority Version

2 By reading, downloading, or printing this material, you CONFIRM that you have read, understand and accepted fully the following: Copyright 2013 AquaponicsAuthority.com All content contained within this ebook is the copyright of SidewaySquare, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of these materials hereby referred to as the website, ebook/book, instructions, or plans can be publicly reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any other means: electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the author. DISCLAIMER/LEGAL NOTICE: No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken to make this information as accurate as possible, the author/publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information provided within. TRADEMARKS: All terms mentioned in this ebook that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately designed. The publisher cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of any term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity if any trademark or service mark. Safety is the HIGHEST priority. Always use common sense when using the information provided in this ebook. Always check with you local environmental agencies to assure that the fish and plants you choose are legal in your geographical location. Aquaponics Authority Version

3 GROW YOUR OWN FOOD Imagine how nice it would be to know exactly what does and doesn t go into your food and exactly where it comes from. This is why it is becoming so popular to grow your own organic food. Eating more plants and vegetables is important part of maintaining your health. Contrary to what you might think growing your own food is NOT difficult. By growing food organically you are ensuring the quality and freshness of your food as well as helping the environment by not using, chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. If you want healthy organic food for LESS, there is actually NO easier way to grow your own food. Some may consider it overwhelming but actually it is not as difficult as it sounds. The benefits of growing your own food are endless and include saving time and money to name just a few. Eating more fresh vegetables and fruits is one of the most important things you and your family can do to remain healthy. When fresh plants are organically grown their vitamin content is at their highest level which also can benefit your health in many ways. Aquaponics Authority Version

4 There is an amazing sense of accomplishment and pride growing your own organic food. In the global food market place, people are becoming more concerned about food safety. You can trust that your food is SAFE and HEALTHY since it is grown by you. So whether you are living in an urban or rural area, you should consider growing your own food to save money, time, eat healthier and be kind to the environment. I hope this information will help you better understand Aquaponics and how it can benefit you. Feel free to share this information with others. Feel free to contact me any time with ANY questions you might have. STOP Wasting Your Valuable Time & Money Searching for ANSWERS TRY My SIMPLE Step-by-Step Aquaponics System Guide RISK FREE and DISCOVER the EASIEST & FASTEST Way to CREATE Your Very Own Aquaponics System from START to FINISH... GUARANTEED. Aquaponics Authority Version

5 INTRODUCTION First, I strongly suggest that you first get familiar with what aquaponics is and how it works before you embark on ANY system. It will be MUCH cheaper to start small and work out the kinks before trying to do the same on a larger scale with more money at stake, etc. Second, I am NOT going to try to sell you something that would do you absolutely no good at this point, like others out there, without you having any prior knowledge or understanding of aquaponics. Once you understand how everything works and get the hang of things you can gradually increase the size of your system and at some point expand it as your needs change. Obviously there are a LOT of questions that need answering and some things you will have to figure along the Aquaponics Authority Version

6 way like everyone else but this is a necessary step in learning and mastering aquaponics. WHAT IS AQUAPONICS? Aquaponics is a combination of two agriculture methods to create an altogether superior and environmentally friendly way of growing your own organic food. Aquaponics is a method which uses the combination of aquaculture the growing fishes, and hydroponics the method of growing plants without using soil. The combination of the two yields an organic gardening system that provides fresh plants, vegetables and fish for food, fun or profit. With organic food prices at an all-time high many are turning to growing their own organic food in an attempt to safeguard their health and their bottom line. Aquaponics is an extremely efficient form of organic gardening that utilizes up to 80% LESS water than traditional gardening does. In many cases it can produce 5-10 TIMES the yield compared with conventional gardening methods. Aquaponics involves NO fertilizers, pesticides, chemical additives, ground treatments, nitrogen boosters, etc. In addition no plowing or weeding is required and maintenance requires less time and effort since there is NO soil involved. Aquaponics is often considered complicated or impossible to master though this is simply NOT the case! Aquaponics Authority Version

7 HOW IT WORKS Aquaponics nitrogen cycle is the process whereby the fish waste is consumed by the plants to maintain proper water ph and healthy living conditions for the fish and plants. Without this process the fish would die and the plants would also suffer since there would be no nutrients to feed them. This process maybe slightly difficult to grasp for some but if you are familiar with raising fish in a fish bowl or aquarium it is easy to grasp as it is a fairly simple process. Since we all need nitrogen to survive, the whole world acts as a cycle and there is nitrogen in the air, in plants and in animals. In the aquaponics system, the plants receive their nitrates from the fish. The plants in an aquaponics system need a type of nitrate called ammonia. They need this form of nitrate because it can be more easily absorbed by the roots and help the plant grow healthy. The fish in an aquaponics system consume their food and their nutrients and in turn they excrete ammonia. Because ammonia can be extremely toxic to fish, the ammonia will, as a byproduct, need to be converted into Aquaponics Authority Version

8 nitrites. The good bacteria in the water complete this process before converting the nitrites to nitrates. The nitrates are then absorbed by the plants roots. The water in the tank will eventually evaporate but will be replaced by more water using the aquaponics system. This is a naturally efficient cycle which benefits both the plants and the fish. There is very little need to maintain an aquaponics system as it is all done automatically through this natural cycle. Frequent water changes should not be required if the proper ph level is maintained. If you are familiar with having a fish aquarium this is the same process albeit though the majority of the waste is picked up from the fish by the plants eliminating the need to do water changes. It is recommended that the water ph for an aquaponics system be between 6.8 and 7.2. This ph range will ensure that the water in the system stays clean, crystal clear and tolerant to the fish. It may take a couple of tries to get it right and it is recommended that you start small and gradually increase the fish population as you learn how to maintain the proper ph range and master the aquaponics nitrogen cycle. The ratio of plants and fish in an aquaponics system should be kept at one fish for every four plants grown. It is suggested that the fish to plant ratio be 1:4 to maintain proper ph. In the end it all comes down to maintaining the proper balance of fish, plants and water to achieve the desired results. Aquaponics Authority Version

9 TYPES OF AQUAPONICS SYSTEMS Recent researchers and studies have proven there are several different types of aquaponics systems that can be used effectively to grow plants and fish in a closed system. Hydroponics methods can be effectively adapted to Aquaponics. There are many different types of aquaponics systems. They can range from small to larger commercial designs and can easily be changed based on your needs. This system is self-sustainable because the nutrients cycled in the water from the presence of the fish are used to grow the plants. The set-up is that of a tiny ecosystem where nitrogen and other essential plant nutrients are delivered to the water in the aquarium due to the presence of the fish and algae. The cycling maintains the perfect balance but care has to be taken to ensure that too much waste is not harbored into the tank before it Aquaponics Authority Version

10 is converted and transported to the plants otherwise it may become toxic for the fish. NFT Dr. Allan Cooper s 1960 aquaponics invention called the Nutrient Film Technique or the NFT combines aquaculture and the hydroponics system. Growing at a rapid rate, the NFT has yielded great results. The functioning of NFT is simple. Fish cultivated in a tank create effluent water that is toxic to the fish but highly nutritious to the plants. The plants are grown above the tank or on long pipes. The effluent water from the fish tank is pumped out through an outlet flowing through or over the roots of the plants thus providing the plants with nutrients, oxygen and water. The biggest difference of NFT aquaponics is the is presence of a separate bio filter for fine filtration of solid wastes, which performs solid mineralization in order to ensure that all the beneficial nutrient rich solid waste particles reach the roots. Water circulation in the pipes resemble a thin film and hence the name. Aquaponics Authority Version

11 NFT is easy to operate and grows plants quickly and healthy too. Since this method uses holes as growing channels, plants branch in a structured manner. A simple NFT does not require an additional bio filter but research shows that if a more complex NFT is to be set up in the future, then bio filters would be required. In the present system water is constantly cleaned of solid waste components ensuring better water quality. Circulation of water is also constant in such a way that the symbionts are benefitted. FLOOD & DRAIN An aquaponic flood and drain system is also known as the ebb and flow system. It is mostly commonly used in backyard aquaponics and is the main mechanism that is used to supply the plants with nutrient rich water from the fishes and also return the filtered water back to the fish. As with any aquaponics system, you will need the usual fish tank, grow bed, pumps, filters and fittings and the device that controls your flood and drain system design. Three main aquaponic flood and drain mechanisms include a Timing System, a Float Switch System and an Auto Siphon System. Before getting into the different designs, knowing the basics of a flood and drain system is essential. The process is pretty simple where a large quantity of the water from the fish tank is pumped or sucked into the grow bed which causes the flooding, then it is drained off back into Aquaponics Authority Version

12 the fish tank or a preliminary sump absent majority of the waste which is now serving as nutrients for the plants. A flood and drain system makes it easier for aquaponics owners to regulate the transfer of nutrients to their plants and keeps the fish tank water clean. Less time is spent monitoring the system and the environment is great for algae and worms. TIMING SYSTEM With the timing system, the design includes a built in timer that controls the distribution of water to the grow bed. The timer is considered the second best among the three aforementioned methods because the timer can be set to switch the pump on at specific intervals to flood the grow bed and wait for it to drain off. After the drainage, it will once again activate the pump and the cycle starts over. Some timers are made differently, but a good timer can be set down to the seconds for the on and off intervals. Some timers can also be set to operate during the days or the nights or all the time depending on the needs of the system and climate conditions. Aquaponics Authority Version

13 FLOAT SWITCH SYSTEM Float switches works similar to a timer, but not exactly. Instead of going on and off based on a preset time, the float switch is placed in the fish tank and when the pump starts, the float switch will turn the pump off when the water from in the fish tank is down to a certain level. This helps to prevent the water in the fish tank from getting too dangerously low or the grow bed from over flowing. When the grow bed is flooded and the pump is turned off, the water will slowly start to drain back into the sump which is in turn pumped back into the fish tank. Sometimes that pump is also regulated with a float switch if the water is not delivered back to the fish tank by gravity based on the system design. Aquaponics Authority Version

14 AUTO SIPHONS SYSTEM The auto siphons are probably the most used mechanism in an aquaponic flood drain system because they do not require the need for a float switch or even a timer. There is no need for the pumps to be turned on and off, they can be operated continuously to distribute water to the grow bed. Continuous operation does not necessarily means high energy bills because a smaller pump can be used or a solar powered one. The auto siphon will regulate the water thus allowing the grow bed to fill up slowly and drain quickly. It is even said that the rapid drainage helps the plants by providing more oxygen to the roots of the plants due to the air that is vacuumed when the rapid drain occurs. Aquaponics systems that are designed with a constant height, one pump philosophy utilizes the auto siphon system as the water in the fish tank is kept at a consistent height and only one pump is used to deliver the water to the grow bed and back. For Information on Complete Auto Bell Siphon Kits Visit the Aquaponics Authority Online Portal... Aquaponics Authority Version

15 BATHTUB As a variation of aquaponics, bathtub aquaponics also involves the use of bathtubs in conjunction to facilitate the different subsystems of an aquaponics system. As for the schematic of the process, the bathtubs are arranged in a manner where one of them elevated and is set slightly above the other. The upper bathtub acts as the plant grow-bed and the lower bathtub acts as a fish tank. A word of caution while erecting a bathtub aquaponics system is to use at least a 50-gallon of water in the lower bathtub for safely culturing edible fish. In addition to that, the use of pea gravel or sand in the grow-bed be should avoided as it is could lead to clogging of the siphon drain of the system thereby causing ineffective functioning or perhaps process failure. Aquaponics Authority Version

16 RAFT A raft aquaponics system usually consists of raft tank(s), a sump tank, a fish tank, a swirl filter, a particulate filter and a pump. The system is comparable to the CHOP (Constant Height/One Pump) system however, instead of the media-based flood and drain grow beds, raft tanks are used to grow plants. One of the key features of a raft aquaponics system is to remove solid waste in water and to heavily oxygenate the plant roots, thereby providing the rationale for the use of a filtration system. In doing so, the water is filtered to remove any solid impurities that can coat the suspended roots of the plant, consequently obstructing the supply of oxygen to them. The cyclic process involves the aquaculture subsystem, consisting the fish tank, pumping the effluents accumulated in it to the swirl filter. The swirl filter, as its name suggests, swirls the content drawn from the fish tank so that the larger solid particles gradually settle down at the bottom of the tank. Before entering the raft tank, the water from the swirl filter is passed through particulate filter where it is further filtered and essential nutrients are mineralized by the presence of active bacteria in this region. The Aquaponics Authority Version

17 resulting nutrients are in soluble form and can be easily carried by the water to the plant roots. The raft tank, also known as grow tank, contains floating rafts usually made up of Styrofoam, with small openings through which the plants are supported. In addition to that, the raft tank is fitted with air sprays to heavily oxygenate the plant roots. The water then flows into the sump tank where it is transferred back to the fish tank using a pump. This cyclic process continues to recirculate the water through the various subsystems to form a symbiotic relationship between the plant and aquatic animal life. Aquaponics Authority Version

18 IBC Intermediate bulk containers are another great way of putting together an aquaponic system. They are used for the storage and transport of liquids and come in a variety of materials, though usually they are plastic when used in an aquaponic environment. This is partially because the plastic ones are also the cheapest but they are also semi see-through which means you will be able to keep an eye on the liquid in there. Generally IBC's come in a cube shape and range in size from between 27 to 78 inches in height. Generally they also have pallet bases so that they can be easily moved with a hand or fork lift, because of their shape they can also be easily staked to save on space. Intermediate bulk containers can be bought from a variety of industrial sources that deal in pallets and containers. To use them for fish tanks you can cut them in half and then make them safe by putting tubing around the sharp edge. They make perfect fish tanks and can easily fit into confined spaces since they can be stacked side by side. Intermediate bulk containers are available from a variety of sources but it is best to check locally to see if they are available if you wish to avoid large shipping fees. Aquaponics Authority Version

19 AQUAPONIC LOCATIONS One of the most important steps in aquaponics is choosing the right location for your system. Many people consider this a daunting task but in reality it is very SIMPLE if you understand what your system needs to function properly. Obviously plants need sunlight or artificial sunlight in order to grow so your location MUST have access to the sun if you choose to locate your system outdoors or near an adequate power source with proper ventilation for grow lights if located indoors. DESKTOP AQUAPONICS Setting up a desktop aquaponics system can be very simple. If you already have the tank then you're halfway there. If not consider familiarizing yourself with the process of raising fish. Besides being fed, fish also need certain nutrient conditions or their water can become toxic. Never locate the system tank where there is a potential for large temperature fluctuations such as a windowsill. This can cause the water temperature to fluctuate and can cause unnecessary stress on the fish causing water problems and lack of nutrients, etc. If in doubt choose a spot suitable for the fish because you can always use appropriate indoor lighting to help Aquaponics Authority Version

20 the plants grow. Before buying the tank it is a good idea to make these decisions in case you choose a tank that is too big for the selected location. There are also various shapes and sizes of tanks so it is important to work within the dimensions of the space. Setting up the tank involves filling, adding chemicals and making sure everything is running smoothly. You may not have decided on extras such as decorations, or bubblers but these can make your fish's life a little more interesting and enjoyable. Allow the water to filter through for at least 24 hours before adding fish, this ensures that the chlorine in the tank has been neutralized by the active carbon in the system. Introducing a fish too quickly into the system tank can cause the fish to go into shock and possibly die. It is recommended that you first float the fish in the bag that they arrived in on the surface of the water for minutes to allow the fish to settle down and the water to adjust to the same temperature. NEVER put the water from the bag or container that the fish arrived in into the system tank. This will help eliminate possible disease and prevent contamination of the water. After 30 minutes you can safely release your fish into their new habitat. This is the first step in beginning your own desktop aquaponic system as you have just set the groundwork for a constant stream of nutrients to feed your plants. Aquaponics Authority Version

21 INDOOR AQUAPONICS For those that love the concept of an aquaponic system but can't spare the space or do not have a yard or patio an indoor aquaponics system can work just as successfully. Indoor aquaponics can eliminate the need for weeding and pest control making things much easier. An indoor aquaponics system can be a conversation starter as well as an interesting addition to your home. Indoor aquaponics systems can be either salt or freshwater depending on which plants and fish you would like to cultivate. Indoor systems MUST also have adequate lighting for the plant life. Some plants require up to 10 hours per day of good quality light. If you are comfortable using artificial light this can also be a great way to grow your favorite plants year round in a spare room or basement. Aquaponics Authority Version

22 BACKYARD AQUAPONICS Backyard Aquaponics offers you a convenient way to grow organic food in your own backyard. The main advantage of this method is that you will be able to construct a larger system versus an indoor system. The term backyard aquaponics is pretty self-explanatory if the term aquaponics is already understood on its own. Backyard aquaponics refers to operating an aquaponics system in your backyard but does not necessarily have to be situated in the backyard. It is just that the backyard generally reserves the most outdoor space and as such, it is often used to accommodate the aquaponics system. As a matter of fact, an aquaponics system can be installed on a porch or balcony as long as enough space is available for the equipment, and aquaponics systems can be found in different sizes. The best thing about having a backyard aquaponic system is the flexibility to increase the size of the system based on your needs. Aquaponics Authority Version

23 GREENHOUSE AQUAPONICS The greenhouse Aquaponics system called media filled beds, works by using small containers filled with a claylike substance as the soil. The water that comes from the fish is usually set up in siphons and will either run over the clay/rock soil continuously or manually. Another type of greenhouse Aquaponics system is called the NFT, and this process is more typically seen in hydroponics but can also be used in this process. This method works by the plants sitting in plastic cups in a thin plastic film, and the water runs down enclosed gutters that reach the roots of the plants. However, not all plants will fit for this method, and larger (leafy) plants will work best with this system. The last type of system used for greenhouse Aquaponics is called the DWC, and this system operates by the plants floating above the water with their roots soaked in the fish water. The typical way this is done is by placing the plants in a floating foam rafts over the fish tank with the roots hanging out, so both the fish and the plants are growing. The Deep Water Culture technique may be the best one used for smaller greenhouses, and even in smaller gardens. Aquaponics Authority Version

24 FISH CHOICES While there is a wide variety of fish species to choose from, there also a lot factors that must be considered. The climate, habitat, location, weather and food chosen will affect the amount of work needed to get the desired output. The fish provide the nutrients that are used to grow the plants and the plants provide the right environment for the fish to flourish. One of the first things you will need to think about is what water temperature you are able to maintain. Fish will require different water temperatures and it is important to make sure you know what kind of climate the fish specifically need to survive. Different plants will do better with certain fish and you need to know which the best fish for aquaponics are before choosing them. Aquaponics Authority Version

25 TILAPIA Tilapia are a hardy fish species and can thrive in just about any water condition that the environment offers. They prefer warm water of at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. From fingerling stage to harvest requires less than 9 months. They can be fed a variety of food including commercial fish pellets, duckweed, worms and algae. It is easy to breed, widely available and can withstand dirty or poor water conditions. CATFISH Catfish is used almost as much as Tilapia because of its ability to withstand the different temperatures and climate changes. Therefore, it is a good fish to use in aquaponics for almost any region. It is however a little better than Tilapia in that it will continue to grow in cold temperatures that Tilapia may eventually have a problem with. Catfish are great for use in colder climates or regions where temperatures vary widely. They can be fed a variety of food including commercial fish pellets, worms, etc. Aquaponics Authority Version

26 KOI Koi is actually a type of Carp but is wellloved by people because of their attractiveness and colors. The seemingly random beauty of a Koi s skin makes them a perfect aquaponic fish species. Koi s are considered the perfect fish in large ornamental ponds or in aquariums meant for display. The only disadvantage is that they are now edible and can cost more than other types of fish. You may be required to obtain a permit depending on where you live. Contact your local or state wildlife authorities for regulations and allowed fish species. Aquaponics Authority Version

27 PLANT CHOICES After you have selected the fish for your aquaponics system, the next step is to select the plants. There are well over 200 different plants which are compatible for cultivation in an aquaponics system. The list is too long to be mentioned here completely and is largely depend on your geographical location and system configuration. Below are some of the more commonly used plants: Vegetables: Fruits: Leafy Greens: Herbs: Tomatoes Strawberries Lettuce Basil Cucumbers Melon Okra Oregano Zucchini Grapes Spinach Parsley Peppers Kiwi Kale Garlic Aquaponics Authority Version

28 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bracken Brockston Aquaponics Authority Owner I know first-hand how overwhelming and frustrating it can be trying to master Aquaponics or simply know where to begin if you are just getting started! My mission is to help people learn and understand what aquaponics is and how it can change lives and our planet by providing a proven sustainable organic food production method that millions can benefit from. I am available to answer any questions you have once you get up to speed and get started with your own system so feel free to reach out to me and my staff at any time. Should you have ANY questions whatsoever feel free to contact me via phone or . Cheers! P.S. - STOP Wasting Your Valuable Time & Money Searching for ANSWERS TRY My SIMPLE Step-by-Step Aquaponics System Guide RISK FREE and DISCOVER the EASIEST & FASTEST Way to CREATE Your Very Own Aquaponics System from START to FINISH... GUARANTEED. Aquaponics Authority Version