We've all heard of hydroponics, the growing of plants in highly fertilized and treated water without soil. This requires periodic water changes to replace the toxic waste buildups and guess where this usually ends up...
Aquaculture is the culture of fish, trout, perch, etc, in tanks or ponds for restaurant trade or retail. Again this requires massive amounts of energy and water changes to remove the build up of ammonia and guess where this usually ends up...
Both systems need constant attention to water quality to ensure best growth. Aquaponics is the combination of the two, whereby bacteria in the grow beds of clay beads or gravel or even small scoria, develop and change the fish waste (ammonia) into nitrite and and secondary bacteria change this into nitrate which the plants take up for growth. This basically purifies the water that returns to the fish tanks as clean clear water. No need for water changes and once the cycle has established, very little maintenance.
In this system the only feed required is for the livestock, whether fish or crustacean, as adding fertilizers will kill the fish and the bacteria. Pellets for the fish and vegetable scraps for the yabbies is all you need do, every second day in winter and daily during warmer months, and only small amounts so very low costs after initial set up.
Having the grow bed at hip-height also means no bending, there is no weeding or digging and it only requires about 10% of the water used to maintain the average soil veggie patch.
The aim is to produce not only the freshest organic veggies but also fresh fish for the BBQ.
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