The
growing of soilless plants is called hydroponics, while aquaculture
refers to the growing of fish, but when the two are combined, it is
called aquaponics. Both these systems work together for mutual
benefit.
In aquaponics, no chemicals are used, and the requirement of water itself for growing plants is a tenth of what would be needed if the same plants were in the soil. Similarly, even the need for the water to grow fish is reduced in aquaponics. The fish that grow in these tanks produce waste as a part of their natural growth process, and this waste is converted by naturally occurring bacteria into ammonia, then as nitrite that further makes nitrate. This is the fertilizer needed by plants, and thus fish waste is absorbed by the plants growing in an aquaponics tank. You will require to provide the fish with food. Aquaculture and hydroponics complement each other, but only if they are combined in the same tank.
When you start this process of growing both fish and plants in a single aquaponics tank, it may require some time for the system to achieve a state of equilibrium, and for the water in the tank to have a balanced pH value, and for the water to become clear. Water needs to be periodically added to the tank to make up for any evaporation losses, but this quantity will depend on the environment in which the tank is.
Aquaponics can produce both fish and vegetables for consumption or commercial sale. It does not require you to dig up the soil for a garden, and then constant watering of plants. The soilless growth process completely eliminates the formation of weeds, the removal of which requires constant vigilance and back-breaking work. You do not have to provide your plants with any fertilizers or nutrients, as the fish waste provides all that is necessary.
You may not be able to grow root vegetables in aquaponics, but this method of plant growth is suitable for other salads and vegetables, like tomatoes, peas, and chilies. Tilapia is the fish normally used in aquaponics, as they also eat plants and reduce the need for fish feed. Mass production of this fish in farms has led to it becoming relatively inexpensive.
