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Aquaponics

Aquaponics is basically described as a symbiotic environment that uses fish waste to feed plants.  Once the system is started and operational the input is mainly fish food.

  1. The fish create waste in the form of ammonia.

  2. As the ammonia is transferred to the plant bed it turns into nutrients through a natural nitrification process.

  3. The nutrients feed the plants causing them to grow.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is basically described as growing plants with mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil.

Aquaponics vs. Hydroponics

Both Aquaponics and Hydroponics use water to carry nutrients to plants. 

 

Aquaponics uses fish to create the nutrients and Hydroponics uses chemical nutrient solutions.

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Aquaponics Pros:​

  • The organic option.  

  • Low cost Goldfish can be used to create nutrients.

  • The fish need to be fed and fish food is low cost.

  • Chemicals can be used to jump start the nutrient levels in the system during the start up.

Hydroponics Pros:

  • Easier to control nutrient levels when measuring the water quality.

 

Aquaponics Cons:

  • Fish species that can also be used for consumption can be hard to find in some states.

  • During the startup of the system it can take a long time for the fish to fill the tank will the right amount of nutrients. (4 -6 weeks)

  • It can be difficult to adjust the water quality as many chemicals cannot be added.

Hydroponics Cons:

  • Chemical nutrient solutions can be expensive.

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