Aquaponics From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A small, portable aquaponics system Aquaponics (pronounced: /'kw?'p?n?

ks/) is a sustainable food production system th at combines a traditional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, cra yfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a sy mbiotic environment. In the aquaculture, effluents accumulate in the water, incr easing toxicity for the fish. This water is led to a hydroponic system where the by-products from the aquaculture are filtered out by the plants as vital nutrie nts, after which the cleansed water is recirculated back to the animals. The ter m aquaponics is a portmanteau of the terms aquaculture and hydroponic. Aquaponic systems vary in size from small indoor or outdoor units to large comme rcial units, using the same technology. The systems usually contain fresh water, but salt water systems are plausible depending on the type of aquatic animal an d which plants.[citation needed] Aquaponic science may still be considered to be at an early stage. Contents [hide] 1 Function 1.1 Nitrification 1.2 Hydroponics subsystem 1.3 Aquaculture subsystem 1.4 Normal operations 2 History 2.1 Ancient 3 Regions 3.1 North America 3.1.1 United States 3.1.2 Canada 3.2 South America 3.2.1 Barbados 3.3 Asia 3.3.1 Taiwan 3.4 Australia 4 Pros and cons 5 Gallery 6 See also 7 References 8 External links [edit] Function Silver Perch fingerlings in an aquaponic system Aquaponics consists of two main parts, with the aquaculture part for raising aqu atic animals and the hydroponics part for growing plants.[1][2] Aquatic effluent s resulting from uneaten feed or raising animals like fish, accumulates in water due to the closed system recirculation of most aquaculture systems. The effluen t-rich water becomes toxic to the aquatic animal in high concentrations but thes e effluents are nutrients essential for plant growth.[1] Although consisting pri marily of these two parts, aquaponics system are usually grouped into several co mponents or subsystems responsible for the effective removal of solid wastes, fo r adding bases to neutralize acids, or for maintaining water oxygenation.[1] Typ ical components include: Rearing tank: the tanks for raising and feeding the fish; Solids removal: a unit for catching uneaten food and detached biofilms, and for settling out fine particulates;

Biofilter: a place where the nitrification bacteria can grow and convert amm onia into nitrates, which are usable by the plants;[1] Hydroponics subsystem: the portion of the system where plants are grown by a bsorbing excess nutrients from the water; Sump: the lowest point in the system where the water flows to and from which it is pumped back to the rearing tanks. The plant bed in an aquaponic systems Depending on the sophistication solids removal, biofiltration, into one unit or subsystem,[1] rom the aquaculture part of the [edit] Nitrification and cost of the aquaponics system, the units for and/or the hydroponics subsystem may be combined which prevents the water from flowing directly f system to the hydroponics part.

Nitrification, the aerobic conversion of ammonia into nitrates, is one of the mo st important functions in an aquaponics system as it reduces the toxicity of the water for fish, and allows the resulting nitrate compounds to be removed by the plants for nourishment.[1] Ammonia is steadily released into the water through the excreta and gills of fish as a product of their metabolism, but must be filt ered out of the water since higher concentrations of ammonia (commonly between 0 .5 and 1 ppm)[citation needed] can kill fish. Although plants can absorb ammonia from the water to some degree, nitrates are assimilated more easily,[2] thereby efficiently reducing the toxicity of the water for fish.[1] Ammonia can be conv erted into other nitrogenous compounds through healthy populations of: Nitrosomonas: bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrites, and Nitrobacter: bacteria that convert nitrites into nitrates. In an aquaponics system, the bacteria responsible for this process form a biofil m on all solid surfaces throughout the system that are in constant contact with the water. The submerged roots of the vegetables combined have a large surface a rea, so that many bacteria can accumulate there. Together with the saliency of a mmonia and nitrites in the water, the surface area determines the speed with whi ch nitrification takes place. Care for these bacterial colonies is important as to regulate the full assimilation of ammonia and nitrite. This is why most aquap onics systems include a biofiltering unit, which helps facilitate growth of thes e microorganisms. Typically, after a system has stabilized ammonia levels range from 0.25 to 2.0 ppm; nitrite levels range from 0.25 to 1 ppm, and nitrate level s range from 2 to 150 ppm.[citation needed] During system startup, spikes may oc cur in the levels of ammonia (up to 6.0 ppm) and nitrite (up to 15 ppm), with ni trate levels peaking later in the startup phase.[citation needed] Since the nitr ification process acidifies the water, non-sodium bases such as potassium hydrox ide or calcium hydroxide can be added for neutralizing the water's pH[1] if insu fficient quantities are naturally present in the water to provide a buffer again st acidification. In addition, selected minerals or nutrients such as iron can b e added in addition to the fish waste that serves as the main source of nutrient s to plants.[1] A good way to deal with solids buildup in aquaponics is the use of worms, which liquefy the solid organic matter so that it can be utilized by the plants and/or animals. [edit] Hydroponics subsystem Plants are grown as in hydroponics systems, with their roots immersed in the nut rient-rich effluent water. This enables them to filter out the ammonia that is t oxic to the aquatic animals, or its metabolites. After the water has passed thro ugh the hydroponic subsystem, it is cleaned and oxygenated, and can return to th e aquaculture vessels. This cycle is continuous. Common aquaponic applications o f hydroponic systems include:

Deep-water raft aquaponics: styrofoam rafts floating in a relatively deep aq uaculture basin in troughs. Recirculating aquaponics: solid media such as gravel or clay beads, held in a container that is flooded with water from the aquaculture. This type of aquapo nics is also known as closed-loop aquaponics. Reciprocating aquaponics: solid media in a container that is alternately flo oded and drained utilizing different types of siphon drains. This type of aquapo nics is also known as flood-and-drain aquaponics or ebb-and-flow aquaponics. Other systems use towers that are trickle-fed from the top, nutrient film te chnique channels, horizontal PVC pipes with holes for the pots, plastic barrels cut in half with gravel or rafts in them. Each approach has its own benefits.[3] Most green leaf vegetables grow well in the hydroponic subsystem, although most profitable are varieties of chinese cabbage, lettuce, basil, roses, tomatoes, ok ra, cantaloupe and bell peppers.[2] Other species of vegetables that grow well i n an aquaponic system include beans, peas, kohlrabi, watercress, taro, radishes, strawberries, melons, onions, turnips, parsnips, sweet potato and herbs.[citati on needed] Since plants at different growth stages require different amounts of minerals and nutrients, plant harvesting is staggered with seedings growing at t he same time as mature plants. This ensures stable nutrient content in the water because of continuous symbiotic cleansing of toxins from the water.[4] [edit] Aquaculture subsystem Freshwater fish are the most common aquatic animal raised using aquaponics, alth ough freshwater crayfish and prawns may also be used.[5] In practice, tilapia ar e the most popular fish for home and commercial projects that are intended to ra ise edible fish, although barramundi, Silver Perch, Eel-tailed catfish or tandan us catfish, Jade perch and Murray cod are also used.[2] For temperate climates w hen there isn't ability or desire to maintain water temperature, bluegill[6] and catfish[7] are suitable fish species for home systems. Koi[8] and goldfish[9] m ay also be used, if the fish in the system need not be edible. [10] [edit] Normal operations Aquaponic systems do not typically discharge or exchange water under normal oper ation, but instead recirculate and reuse water very effectively. The system reli es on the relationship between the animals and the plants to maintain a stable a quatic environment that experience a minimum of fluctuation in ambient nutrient and oxygen levels. Water is only added to replace water loss from absorption and transpiration by plants, evaporation into the air from surface water, overflow from the system from rainfall, and removal of biomass such as settled solid wast es from the system. As a result, aquaponics uses approximately 2% of the water t hat a conventionally irrigated farm requires for the same vegetable production.[ citation needed] This allows for aquaponic production of both crops and fish in areas where water or fertile land is scarce. Aquaponic systems can also be used to replicate controlled wetland conditions that are useful for water treatment b y reclaiming potable water from typical household sewage.[citation needed] The n utrient-filled overflow water can be accumulated in catchment tanks, and reused to accelerate growth of crops planted in soil, or it may be pumped back into the aquaponic system to top up the water level.. The three main inputs to the system are water, feed given to the aquatic animals , and electricity to pump water between the aquaculture subsystem and the hydrop onics subsystem. Spawn or fry may be added to replace grown fish that are taken out from the system to retain a stable system. In terms of outputs, an aquaponic s system may continually yield plants such as vegetables grown in hydroponics, a nd edible aquatic species raised in an aquaculture. [edit] History

[edit] Ancient Aquaponics has ancient roots, although there is some debate on its first occurre nce: Aztec cultivated agricultural islands known as chinampas and are considered by some as the first form of aquaponics for agricultural use [11][12] where plan ts were raised on stationary (and sometime movable) islands in lake shallows and waste materials dredged from the Chinampa canals and surrounding cities are use d to manually irrigate the plants.[13][14] South China and Thailand who cultivated and farmed rice in paddy fields in c ombination with fish are cited as examples of early aquaponics. These polycultur al farming systems existed in many Far Eastern countries and raised fish such as the oriental loach (??, ????),[15] swamp eel (??, ??), Common (??, ??) and cruc ian carp (??)[16] as well as pond snails (??) in the paddies.[17][18] [edit] Regions [edit] North America [edit] United States Inspired by the successes of the New Alchemy Institute and the North Carolina St ate University with aquaponics, other institutes followed suit. Besides the reci procating aquaponics based on the techniques developed by Dr. Mark McMurtry et a l. at the New Alchemy Institute and North Carolina State University, Dr. James R akocy and his colleagues at the University of the Virgin Islands researched and developed the "Deep Water" or "Raft Culture" aquaponics[19] The system combines tilapia with various vegetables. In 1997 Rebecca L. Nelson and John S. Pade began publishing the Aquaponics Journ al, a quarterly scientific journal that brings together research and various app lications of aquaponics from around the globe. In 2008, they wrote and published the first book on aquaponics, Aquaponic Food Production. Since then a second bo ok on aquaponics was published in September, 2011 called "Aquaponic Gardening: A Step by Step Guide to Growing Fish and Vegetables Together". It was written by Sylvia Bernstein of The Aquaponic Source, and published by New Society Publisher . Recent years have seen a shift towards community integration of aquaponics, such as the nonprofit foundation Growing Power that offers Milwaukee youth job oppor tunities and training while growing food for their community. The model has spaw ned several satellite projects in other cities. In addition, aquaponic gardeners from all around the world have gathered in online community sites and forums to openly share their experiences and move the development of this fantastic form of gardening forward. An example of this is the Aquaponic Gardening Community si te, which is a "Ning" based forum that has a North American focus. [edit] Canada The first aquaponics research in Canada was a small system added onto existing a quaculture research at a research station in Lethbridge.[citation needed] Canada saw a rise in aquaponics setups throughout the 90s, predominantly as commercial installations, that for example combine trout with floating lettuce production, [20] or to water fruiting vegetable crops that warm up the water too much to be recirculated back into the fish ponds. Eels are also known to be raised.[citatio n needed] A set-up based on the deep water system developed at the University of Virgin Islands was built in a greenhouse at Brooks, Alberta where Dr. Nick Savi dov and colleagues researched aquaponics from a background of plant science. The team made findings on rapid root growth in aquaponics systems, on closing the s olid waste loop, and that because of certain advantages in the system over tradi tional aquaculture, the system can run well at a low pH level, which is favoured by plants but not fish. The Edmonton Aquaponics Society in Northern Alberta is

adapting Dr. Savidov's commercially sized system to a smaller scale prototype th at can be operated by families, small groups, or restaurants. They intend to fur ther develop the closed solid waste loop. [edit] South America [edit] Barbados Barbados is a densely populated island that deals with water scarcity.[21] In 40 years' time, focus has shifted from domestic fruit and vegetable production on small farms to importing 80% of all fruits and vegetables[21] for cost reasons.[ 22] Aquaponics would make Barbados and other Caribbean islands less dependent on the world food market and reduce stress on the dwindling fish supplies. An inte r-organizational project that started in late 2009 sets out to encourage and ena ble Barbadians to start aquaponics at home, with revenue generated by selling pr oduce to tourists.[21] [edit] Asia [edit] Taiwan Taiwan is a densely populated island that is faced with freshwater scarcity. Dis pensation of water is government-controlled. The closed-loop system of aquaponic s is used by agricultural farmers to save water by also rearing fish, while fish farmers grow plants that filter the water from the fish tanks. [edit] Australia Due to a ban on tilapia in all states except for Western Australia, native fresh water fish including silver perch, jade perch, sleepy cod, murray cod and barram undi are popular in aquaponics and aquaculture systems,[2] along with non-native rainbow trout, brown trout and crayfish such as common yabby and redclaw. [edit] Pros and cons Question book-new.svg This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improv e this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may b e challenged and removed. (November 2010) The unique advantages of aquaponic systems are: Conservation through constant water reuse and recycling. Organic fertilization of plants with natural fish emulsion. The elimination of solid waste disposal from intensive aquaculture. The reduction of needed cropland to produce crops. The overall reduction of the environmental footprint of crop production. Building small efficient commercial installations near markets reduces food miles. Reduction of pathogens that often plague aquaculture production systems. Some conceivable disadvantages with aquaponics are: Initial expenses for housing, tank, plumbing, pumps, and grow beds. The infinite number of ways in which a system can be configured lends itself to equally varying results, conflicting research, and successes or failures. Some aquaponic installations rely heavily on man-made energy, technological solutions, and environmental control to achieve recirculation and water/ambient temperatures. However, if a system is designed with energy conservation in mind, using alternative energy and a reduced number of pumps by letting the water flo w downwards as much as possible, it can be highly energy efficient. While careful design can minimize the risk, aquaponics systems can have mult iple 'single points of failure' where problems such as an electrical failure or a pipe blockage can lead to a complete loss of fish stock. Like all aquaculture based systems, stock feed usually consists of fish meal derived from lower value species. Ongoing depletion of wild fish stocks makes t his practice unsustainable. Organic fish feeds may prove to be a viable alternat

ive that negates this concern. Other alternatives include growing duckweed with an aquaponics system that feeds the same fish grown on the system,[23] excess wo rms grown from vermiculture composting, as well as growing black soldier fly lar vae to feed to the fish using composting grub growers.[24]