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Aquaponics is a method of gardening that uses fish and plants together in a symbiotic relationship which mutually benefits one another. The system works by using plants that are suspended in water that has fish swimming in it. When the fish produce waste, it acts as fertilizer for the plants which then absorb the water and these added nutrients through the roots, purifying the water for the fish in the process. Meanwhile, the fish feed harmlessly on the plants, and the cycle carries on.

Aquaponics is essentially the method of using hydroponics; either deep water culture (also known as bubbleponics), or an ebb and flow hydroponics system, yet also adding fish to the process. The added bonus of using aquaponics and/or hydroponics is that no chemical fertilizers, insecticides, or pesticides are used in the process – thus any plants and produce harvested as a result are entirely organic, healthy, and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Once the aquaponics system is set up, it essentially runs itself. Fish food may be used to feed the fish and water may occasionally need to be added to compensate for evaporation, but other than that, it automates the cycle on it’s own.

Many types of plants can be used for aquaponics, yet the most successful are leafy plants and herbs. Same goes for fish, most any type of fish can be used and many are chosen purely to aid the production of plants, however if both the plants and fish are to be harvested, choose a species of fish healthy for consumption, durable for breeding, and non-invasive to the plants being grown.

Benefits of Aquaponic Systems and Why You Should Do It…

• Plants Grow Quickly

With an aquaponics system, plants have access to nutrients 24 hours a day because the fish provide a rich source of nutrients via their excrement. The nutrients don’t need added manually (as would need done with a regular hydroponics system without fish). Also, plants typically mature anywhere from a few weeks up to a month faster than their counterparts in the soil.

• Less Energy and Labor

No weeding, watering, pest control, soil rotation, or other mundane chores are needed with an aquaponics system, compared to regular outdoor gardening. Plants are also typically grown at waist level with an aquaponics system, so there is no excessive bending over and back straining. Approximately 70% less energy is expended compared to traditional gardening.

• Little To No Pests

Pest control is always a big issue with gardening as insects or animals can destroy plants and the only way to ward them off is to use pesticides and insectides. These harmful products contain chemicals that can harm plant growth, or even our own personal health by consuming chemically treated produce. With aquaponics, pests from the soil and many other small critters are withheld contact from the plants. Plus, with the use of an aquaponics system inside a greenhouse, the reduction of insects and other pests is even more significantly reduced.

• Saves Considerable Space

With an aquaponics system, plants can be grown closer to each other beings as they don’t need to spread their roots out underground (in soil) in search of nutrients. The nutrients are instead provided directly to the root system on a steady basis since they’re constantly submerged in water. For this reason, an aquaponics system can be installed inside or outside of the home, take up very little space, and grow an abundance of plants that otherwise would have needed twice the room.

• Provides a Source of Income

Food production is significantly increased, given the little amount of space needed and length of time required for plants to mature. If produce is grown in surplus, any extra product can be sold for extra income given the proper license, or offered for free to friends, family, and others members of the community.

• Sustainable Health

Perhaps one of the most important reasons of them all to begin with aquaponics is the fact that healthy, organic produce is always the result. So many store-bought fruits and vegetables are grown using inorganic or genetically modified methods. With an aquaponics system, the ecological balance stays in good shape, health is of top priority, and loads of cash is saved in the long-run.

In summary, using an aquaponics system not only provides a rich and abundant source of health, but also looks great and is fun to do. Gardening becomes more productive and economical, it’s cost-effectiveness provides a wealth of savings, and it’s a hobby/past-time the entire family can enjoy!

~Recommended: Home Aquaponics System, Aquaponic Gardening Guide

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Image: http://www.designaffects.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/aquaponics_system.png

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