What Are The Benefits of Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is the most sustainable form of gardening we have, whether it is commercial gardening, backyard gardening, off-grid, urban or indoors.

It doesn't strip our Earths resources, it supports them and allows us to grow the food we need.

This post is about backyard aquaponics, though the benefits are similar for community and commercial aquaponics too.

Remember that aquaponics is the growing of fish and veggies in a harmonious ecosystem where the fish provide fertiliser for the veggies, and the veggies filter the water for the fish.

Imagine being able to grow healthy food, in any space, on cement, when renting.

Real food like broccoli, zucchini, corn, capsicum, even your root crops.

Knowing that what you are growing, is chemical free and healthy for you and the family, without breaking the bank.

Welcome to the world of aquaponics. As that is the reality.

Health Benefits of Aquaponics:

• Fresh, Organic Produce: With urban aquaponics, you can grow your own fresh food right in your backyard or courtyard (even indoors). This food is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides that can be commonly found in store-bought produce.

• Nutrient-Rich Harvest: Plants grown in aquaponic systems are nourished by natural fish waste, resulting in nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and herbs packed with essential vitamins and minerals (our soils are very depleted and lacking in nutrition now).

• Stress Relief and Mental Well-being: Gardening has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved mental health. Looking after your aquaponic garden can provide a therapeutic escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

Cost Benefits of Aquaponics:

• Savings on Grocery Bills: Growing your own food with aquaponics can lead to significant savings on grocery bills, especially for expensive items like fresh herbs and leafy greens (more money to spend on family connection).

• Long-Term Investment: While setting up an aquaponic system may require an initial investment (though you can do this super cheap if you start small and use second-hand materials), the long-term savings on produce can make it a financially rewarding hobby with the family.

• Low Maintenance Costs: Aquaponic systems are relatively low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal inputs such as fish feed and occasional system checks.

Ease of Growing Your Food Faster:

• Veggies Grow Faster: Plants in aquaponic systems tend to grow faster than those in traditional soil-based gardens due to the constant supply of water, fertiliser and optimal growing conditions.

• Year-Round Harvests: In learning to grow seasonal veggies, urban aquaponics allows for year-round production, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce regardless of the season.

Environmental Benefits:

• Water Conservation: Aquaponics uses up to 90% less water compared to traditional soil gardening techniques. The closed-loop system recirculates water between fish tanks and plant beds, minimising water waste.

• Reduced Chemical Usage: By eliminating the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides, aquaponics reduces chemical runoff into the environment, promoting healthier ecosystems.

• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Urban aquaponics allows for local food production, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution.

Check Out This Video for the Vocal Version of This, and My Smiling Face

Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'

Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.

Here are the next 2 videos I recommend you watching to create your ecosystem ~ before you add any fish

How Aquaponics Works as an Ecosystem

How to Cycle Your Aquaponics System (How to colonise it with bacteria)

Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?

This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.

You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.

Sign up HERE

Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.

She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.

Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.