Aquaponics is a production system that combines aquaculture with hydroponic vegetable production. The system works in a way that ammonia, which is eliminated from the body of the fish and is toxic to them, is converted by nitrifying bacteria in the biofilter into nitrite and further into nitrate. Nitrate-rich water reaches the root system of the plants, where it serves the plants as a nutrient. In this way, the plants purify the water and the purified water enters the fish tank. The growth of plants and the life of fish requires oxygen, which is pumped into the water by an air pump. The key components of the aquaponics unit are fish tank, mechanical and biological filter, plant growing unit and water/air pump. The central medium in aquaponics is water, which must have an adequate temperature, pH, amount of dissolved oxygen, hardness and acceptable amount of total nitrogen compounds in order for fish, plants and nitrifying bacteria to thrive. Tilapia, carp and catfish are the most suitable fish for aquaponic systems in hot climates, as they grow fairly quickly and thrive in poor quality waters with low concentrations of dissolved oxygen. Trout grow well in cold water but require better water quality. An effective aquaponic system is in balance. The presence of diseases, nutrient deficiencies and deaths indicate that it is out of balance.
|
