Aquaponics Made Simple: Understanding the Core Elements

The biggest thing to understand about aquaponics is that it is different from hydroponics.

While hydroponics relies on synthetic nutrients to grow plants, aquaponics uses liquid fish waste as fertiliser for the veggies.

This natural approach creates a harmonious ecosystem where both fish and plants can thrive.

To make aquaponics work effectively, there are some key parts you'll need.

Let's explore each of these components.

This video shows 5 Easy and Basic Aquaponics Layouts

Fish Tank

The fish tank is where your fish live. It’s essential to provide enough room for the fish to move around comfortably.

Overcrowding can lead to stress and health issues for the fish, so always keep it ethical by ensuring adequate space.

Filtration

There is 2 types of filtration that is needed within aquaponics, the mechanical filter and the biological filter.

Mechanical Filter

The mechanical filter is the first filter the water passes through, removing solid waste such as fish poop and uneaten food.

This filter can be simple or complex, but it’s crucial for preventing the build-up of solid waste, which can degrade water quality, harm your fish, and cause unpleasant odours.

Biological Filter

The biological filter is where nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia from fish waste into usable fertiliser for your plants. This can be via the veggie growbed with expanded clay (hydron) or gravel, or it can be a separate filter using bio-balls or K1 media.

Veggie Growing Area

The veggie growing area is where your plants will thrive. The most common setups include:

• Growbed: A versatile option for various plants.

• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): Uses PVC pipes to grow plants in a thin film of nutrient-rich water.

• Deep Water Culture (DWC): Plants grow on floating rafts with roots submerged in water.

Choose the setup based on the types of veggies you want to grow and the space you have available.

Sump

For larger systems, a sump is essential to help keep the water balanced. It’s the lowest point in the system where water is collected before being pumped back into the fish tank.

The sump ensures consistent water levels and helps manage excess water.

Piping

Depending on the size of your system, either PVC or irrigation piping is used to move water throughout the system. Proper piping ensures efficient water flow between the fish tank, filters, and veggie growing area.

Water Pump

A water pump is necessary to move water through the fish tank, filters, and veggie growing area. While gravity can assist with water movement, a pump ensures consistent circulation. Choosing the right size water pump is vital for maintaining a healthy system.

Water Test Kits

Testing your water regularly is essential for preventing problems and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Water test kits allow you to monitor key parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

Some tests can be done weekly, while others may only be needed monthly.

Starting an aquaponics system might seem overwhelming at first, but understanding these key components will set you on the path to success.

Remember, aquaponics is all about creating a sustainable, thriving ecosystem that benefits both fish and plants. Happy harvesting!

Step 5. 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)

Learn More About Aquaponics

Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.

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

Want to help out and Feed my Fish?? (They don't drink coffee)

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.