Thinking of Having An Aquaponics System?

Do you want to have an aquaponics system? What is it and how does it work?

let’s begin:

Different Types of Aquaponics Systems for Your Agribusiness

In our previous articles, we have discussed aquaponics as one of the new farming techniques safe for the environment, while promoting sustainable food production. The system involves the raising of fish alongside crop production without reliance on soil as nutrient sources for the plants.

You can install the systems both in the rural and urban areas for vegetable and fruit production, as well as a rich source of nutritious, healthy fish proteins. So, what are the various types of aquaponics systems that you can install in your farm? Noteworthy, there are several types, and depending on your needs and resource availability, you can opt for any of the systems.

Importantly, is the fact that regardless of the scale of production or resource availability for you, you can have at least one system suitable and pocket-friendly.

A Media-Based Aquaponics System (Flood and Drain).

This is common in small-scale farming for home gardening, as it is easy to operate. This system is simple and space-efficient and has a low initial cost to establish, making it suitable for small-scale farmers.

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How media-based Aquaponics System (flood and drain) work.

The system uses grow beds or containers filled with growing media, for example, perlite, to plant the crops.

Grow beds will periodically flood with water from the fish tank through a bell siphon so that plants can absorb the nutrients. Plant roots more efficiently absorb nutrients in these porous zones that retain water for optimal nutrient uptake, while filtering out materials that can harm fish.

Culture beds serve as filters and also enhance the living surface of bacteria. The water is clean and free of solid material when it leaves the culture bed. From here, it enters the sump beforing it into the aquarium. It works for plants that need low nutrients, like lettuce and kale.

Advantages of Flood and Drain System.

1. Simple & economical.

2. A small amount of maintenance is required.

3. Ideal for home gardening.

4. You can apply to all types of plants.

Nutrient Film Technique N.F.T System.

This method uses PVC pipes with a shallow stream of nutrient-rich water circulating in it. This is common in commercial aquaponics and also done in urban areas where space for food production is an issue.

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How the N.F.T. system works.

Plants will grow along narrow canals. A thin film of water flows continuously through each channel to supply the plants’ roots with water, nutrients, and oxygen. Water flows continuously from the fish tank, through the filtration components, through the channels of the NFT where the plants grow, and then back to the fish tank.

In the NFT, a separate biological filter is necessary, however, because there is not much water or surface for beneficial bacteria to live on. Additionally, you need mechanical and biological filters to serve as physical traps for solid wastes and natural filters for nitrification.

Advantages of N.F.T.

1.  It is space sufficient.

2. This is very easy to install. All you need is an aquarium, hoses to your pump, and to the growth canals, and then plants or seeds.

3. It is an ecosystem-friendly farming method that poses health problems for plants, animals, or human beings.

4. Easy to inspect roots for a sign of disease, feed adequacy, etc. due to the absence of a medium.

5. Plant roots can maintain a uniform PH and conductivity thanks to regular feeding (and associated flushing) that prevents localized salt build-up.

6. Highly cost-effective in terms of water consumption and nutrients. Small consumption of water and nutrients.

Disadvantages of N.F.T.

1. Prone to Clogged pipes. The channels can become blocked by the roots of vigorous-growing plants.

2. Power failure can cause the death of crops in a few hours, especially in hot weather due to lack of water and nutrient supply.

3. Not suitable for the cultivation of plants with large tap-root systems such as carrots.

4. High risk of disease outbreaks: The continued flow of water through NFt systems can create an environment conducive to disease outbreaks, requiring careful surveillance and management.

(https://fisharticle.com/types-of-aquaponics-systems/)

Raft System (Deep Water Culture System)

This system suits large-scale or commercial aquaponics because of its mass production capability. 

In a raft system, the nutrient-rich water circulates through the long canals, usually at about 20 cm, while rafts (polystyrene or foam board) float on top. The plants grow on the raft boards supported within holes by net pots. Plant roots hang down in nutrient-rich, oxygenated water, where they absorb oxygen and nutrients to grow rapidly. The nutrient-filled water flows continuously from the fish tank through the filtration process, then to the raft tank where the plants are grown, and finally to the fish tank. Most often, the raft tank is separate from the fish tank.

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 Advantages of raft system.

1. It is suited for home gardens, hobby applications, and commercial production.

2. High productivity of crops with low labor requirements.

3. Easy maintenance as raft beds are easy to clean. Since rafts can be placed in the tank itself, it allows for the efficient use of space.

4. Plants are easier to harvest since roots are submerged in water and not in any media.

5. It is a water-efficient system.

Disadvantages

1. It is limited to growing small leafy greens like lettuce and basil.

2. Unsuitable for roots, some fruits, and a few other plants.

3. It can be a mosquito breeding ground if not designed correctly (These may be controlled by using guppies or mosquito fish).

4. It needs filtration since the roots are entirely immersed.

5. The filtration process increases costs, besides requiring regular filter cleanups (If using a filter and not media beds).

6. Roots are susceptible to microbial attacks or may be consumed by herbivorous fish.

7. There is little surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow.

Summary

In a nutshell, there are many aquaponics systems. The systems discussed in this article are intended to trigger your curiosity and interest for you to ponder more on these noble modern farming techniques. In future, we will explore more on aquaponics and discuss other approaches that you can use in installing a system. You’ll also learn how to do it yourself in your garden so that you can leap fully from this sustainable approach to sustainable subsistence and for profit farming.

References

https://gogreenaquaponics.com/blogs/news/what-is-a-raft-based-aquaponics-system

https://mygreenvalue.com/aquaponics/

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