Aquaponics Bonus

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Transcript of Aquaponics Bonus

Page 1: Aquaponics Bonus

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Grow your own food

Imagine how nice it would be to know exactly what does and doesn’t

go into your food and exactly where it comes from. This is why it is

becoming so popular to grow your own organic food. Eating more

plants and vegetables is important part of maintaining your health.

Contrary to what you might think growing your own food is NOT

difficult. By growing food organically you are ensuring the quality and

freshness of your food as well as helping the environment by not using,

chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides.

If you want healthy organic food for LESS, there is actually NO easier

way to grow your own food. Some may consider it overwhelming but

actually it is not as difficult as it sounds.

The benefits of growing your own food are endless and include saving

time and money to name just a few. Eating more fresh vegetables and

fruits is one of the most important things you and your family can do to

remain healthy. When fresh plants are organically grown their vitamin

content is at their highest level which also can benefit your health in

many ways.

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There is an amazing sense of accomplishment and pride growing your

own organic food. In the global food market place, people are

becoming more concerned about food safety. You can trust that your

food is SAFE and HEALTHY since it is grown by you. So whether you are

living in an urban or rural area, you should consider growing your own

food to save money, time, eat healthier and be kind to the

environment.

I hope this information will help you better understand Aquaponics and

how it can benefit you. Feel free to share this information with others.

Feel free to contact me any time with ANY questions you might have.

Cheers!

P.S. - LEARN How to Create Your Very Own Aquaponics System for Food, Fun or

Profit Step by Step With "DIY Aquaponics".

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Introduction

First, I strongly suggest that you first get familiar with what aquaponics

is and how it works before you embark on ANY system. It will be MUCH

cheaper to start small and work out the kinks before trying to do the

same on a larger scale with more money at stake, etc.

Second, I am NOT going to try to sell you something that would do you

absolutely no good at this point, like others out there, without you

having any prior knowledge or understanding of aquaponics.

Once you understand how everything works and get the hang of things

you can gradually increase the size of your system and at some point

expand it as your needs change. Obviously there are a LOT of questions

that need answering and some things you will have to figure along the

way like everyone else but this is a necessary step in learning and

mastering aquaponics.

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What is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a combination of two agriculture methods to create an

altogether superior and environmentally friendly way of growing your

own organic food. Aquaponics is a method which uses the combination

of aquaculture – the growing fishes, and hydroponics – the method of

growing plants without using soil. The combination of the two yields an

organic gardening system that provides fresh plants, vegetables and

fish for food, fun or profit. With organic food prices at an all-time high

many are turning to growing their own organic food in an attempt to

safeguard their health and their bottom line.

Aquaponics is an extremely efficient form of organic gardening that

utilizes 90% LESS water than traditional gardening does. In many cases

it can produce 5 - 10 TIMES the yield compared with conventional

gardening methods. Aquaponics involves NO fertilizers, pesticides,

chemical additives, ground treatments, nitrogen boosters, etc. In

addition no plowing or weeding is required and maintenance requires

less time and effort since there is NO soil involved.

Aquaponics is often considered complicated or impossible to master

though this is simply NOT the case!

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How it Works

Aquaponics nitrogen cycle is the process whereby the fish waste is

consumed by the plants to maintain proper water pH and healthy living

conditions for the fish and plants. Without this process the fish would

die and the plants would also suffer since there would be no nutrients

to feed them. This process maybe slightly difficult to grasp for some but

if you are familiar with raising fish in a fish bowl or aquarium it is easy

to grasp as it is a fairly simple process. Since we all need nitrogen to

survive, the whole world acts as a cycle and there is nitrogen in the air,

in plants and in animals. In the aquaponics system, the plants receive

their nitrates from the fish. The plants in an aquaponics system need a

type of nitrate called ammonia. They need this form of nitrate because

it can be more easily absorbed by the roots and help the plant grow

healthy.

The fish in an aquaponics system consume their food and their

nutrients and in turn they excrete ammonia. Because ammonia can be

extremely toxic to fish, the ammonia will, as a byproduct, need to be

converted into nitrites. The good bacteria in the water complete this

process before converting the nitrites to nitrates. The nitrates are then

absorbed by the plants roots. The water in the tank will eventually

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evaporate but will be replaced by more water using the aquaponics

system. This is a naturally efficient cycle which benefits both the plants

and the fish. There is very little need to maintain an aquaponics system

as it is all done automatically through this natural cycle.

Frequent water changes should not be required if the proper pH level is

maintained. If you are familiar with having a fish aquarium this is the

same process albeit though the majority of the waste is picked up from

the fish by the plants eliminating the need to do water changes. It is

recommended that the water pH for an aquaponics system be between

6.8 and 7.2. This pH range will ensure that the water in the system stays

clean, crystal clear and tolerant to the fish.

It may take a couple of tries to get it right and it is recommended that

you start small and gradually increase the fish population as you learn

how to maintain the proper pH range and master the aquaponics

nitrogen cycle. The ratio of plants and fish in an aquaponics system

should be kept at one fish for every four plants grown. It is suggested

that the fish to plant ratio be 1:4 to maintain proper pH. In the end it all

comes down to maintaining the proper balance of fish, plants and

water to achieve the desired results.

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Types of Aquaponics systems

Recent researchers and studies have proven there are several different

types of aquaponics systems that can be used effectively to grow plants

and fish in a closed system. Hydroponics methods can be effectively

adapted to Aquaponics. There are many different types of aquaponics

systems. They can range from small to larger commercial designs and

can easily be changed based on your needs.

This system is self-sustainable because the nutrients cycled in the water

from the presence of the fish are used to grow the plants. The set-up is

that of a tiny ecosystem where nitrogen and other essential plant

nutrients are delivered to the water in the aquarium due to the

presence of the fish and algae. The cycling maintains the perfect

balance but care has to be taken to ensure that too much waste is not

harbored into the tank before it is converted and transported to the

plants otherwise it may become toxic for the fish.

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Desktop Aquaponics

Setting up a desktop aquaponics garden can be very simple. If you

already have the tank then you're halfway there. If not consider

familiarizing yourself with the process of raising fish. Besides being fed,

fish also need certain nutrient conditions or their water can become

toxic. Never locate the system tank where there is a potential for large

temperature fluctuations such as a windowsill. This can cause the water

temperature to fluctuate and can cause unnecessary stress on the fish

causing water problems and lack of nutrients, etc. If in doubt choose a

spot suitable for the fish because you can always use appropriate

indoor lighting to help the plants grow. Before buying the tank it is a

good idea to make these decisions in case you choose a tank that is too

big for the selected location. There are also various shapes and sizes of

tanks so it is important to work within the dimensions of the space.

Setting up the tank involves filling, adding chemicals and making sure

everything is running smoothly. You may not have decided on extras

such as decorations, or bubblers but these can make your fish's life a

little more interesting and enjoyable. Allow the water to filter through

for at least 24 hours before adding fish, this ensures that the chlorine in

the tank has been neutralized by the active carbon in the system.

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Introducing a fish too quickly into the system tank can cause the fish to

go into shock and possibly die. It is recommended that you first float

the fish in the bag that they arrived in on the surface of the water for

15 - 30 minutes to allow the fish to settle down and the water to adjust

to the same temperature. NEVER put the water from the bag or

container that the fish arrived in into the system tank. This will help

eliminate possible disease and prevent contamination of the water.

After 30 minutes you can safely release your fish into their new habitat.

This is the first step in beginning your own desktop aquaponic system

as you have just set the groundwork for a constant stream of nutrients

to feed your plants.

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Indoor Aquaponics

For those that love the concept of an aquaponic system but can't spare

the space or do not have a garden an indoor aquaponics system can

work just as successfully. Indoor aquaponics can eliminate the need for

weeding and pest control making things much easier. An indoor garden

can be a conversation starter as well as an interesting addition to your

home. The nature of an aquaponics system means that there will

always be some maintenance required and though it may be easy to

slosh a hose around outside allowing for power and cleaning systems

needs to be taken into account for indoor aquaponics as well.

Indoor aquaponics systems can be either salt or freshwater depending

on which plants and fish you would like to cultivate. Indoor systems

MUST also have adequate lighting for the plant life. Some plants

require up to 10 hours per day of good quality light. If you are

comfortable using artificial light this can also be a great way to grow

fresh vegetables year round in a spare room or basement.

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Backyard Aquaponics

Backyard Aquaponics offers you a convenient way to grow organic

food in your own backyard. The main advantage of this method is that

you will be able to construct a larger system versus an indoor system.

The term backyard aquaponics is pretty self-explanatory if the term

aquaponics is already understood on its own.

Backyard aquaponics refers to operating an aquaponics system in your

backyard but does not necessarily have to be situated in the backyard.

It is just that the backyard generally reserves the most outdoor space

and as such, it is often used to accommodate the aquaponics system.

As a matter of fact, an aquaponics system can be installed on a porch or

balcony as long as enough space is available for the equipment, and

aquaponics systems can be found in different sizes.

The best thing about having a backyard aquaponic system is the

flexibility to increase the size of the system based on your needs.

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Fish Choices

While there is a wide variety of fish species to choose from, there also

a lot factors that must be considered. The climate, habitat, location,

weather and food chosen will affect the amount of work needed to get

the desired output. The fish provide the nutrients that are used to grow

the plants and the plants provide the right environment for the fish to

flourish. One of the first things you will need to think about is what

water temperature you are able to maintain. Fish will require different

water temperatures and it is important to make sure you know what

kind of climate the fish specifically need to survive. Different plants will

do better with certain fish and you need to know which the best fish for

aquaponics are before choosing them.

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Tilapia

Tilapias are a hardy fish species and can thrive in just about any water

condition that the environment offers. They prefer

warm water of at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. From

fingerling stage to harvest requires less than 9

months. They can be fed a variety of food including

commercial fish pellets, duckweed, worms and algae. Tilapia is one of

the most fish species. It is easy to breed, widely available and can

withstand dirty or poor water conditions.

Catfish

Catfish is used almost as much as Tilapia because of its ability to

withstand the different temperatures and

climate changes. Therefore, it is a good fish to

use in aquaponics for almost any region. It is

however a little better than Tilapia in that it

will continue to grow in cold temperatures that Tilapia may eventually

have a problem with. Catfish are great for use in colder climates or

regions where temperatures vary widely. They can be fed a variety of

food including commercial fish pellets, worms, etc.

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Trout

Trout are an ideal choice for cooler climates where temperatures are

too cold to raise tropical fish species. Trout

thrive in cold temperatures and reproduce

rapidly. They are fast breeding and require

very little maintenance. They can be fed a

variety of food including commercial fish pellets, or worms.

Koi

Koi is actually a type of Carp but is well-loved by people because of

their attractiveness and colors. The seemingly random

beauty of a Koi’s skin makes them a perfect aquaponic

fish species. Koi’s are considered the perfect fish in

large ornamental ponds or in aquariums meant for

display. The only disadvantage is that they are now edible and can cost

more than other types of fish.

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Carp

Carp are a very sturdy and adaptable fish and are readily available. They

are fast breeders and can survive in poor water

conditions. They can be fed a variety of food

including commercial fish pellets, duckweed,

worms and algae.

Silver Perch

Silver perch are a medium sized fresh water fish species that is a native

to the Murray Darling River System which is a

large geographical region in the interior of

South Eastern Australia. The silver perch is

capable of growing up to 40 cm and 8 kg

making it the largest of the Australian grunters but have an average

growth of 1.5 kg and up to 30 cm.

You may be required to obtain a permit depending on

where you live. Contact your local or state wildlife authorities for

regulations and allowed fish species.

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Plant Choices

After you have selected the fish for your aquaponics system, the next

step is to select the plants. There are well over 200 different plants

which are compatible for cultivation in an aquaponics system. The list is

too long to be mentioned here completely and is largely depend on

your geographical location and system configuration. Below are some

of the more commonly used plants:

Vegetables: Fruits: Leafy Greens: Herbs:

Tomatoes Strawberries Lettuce Basil

Cucumbers Melon Okra Oregano

Zucchini Grapes Spinach Parsley

Peppers Kiwi Kale Garlic

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About the Author

Bracken Brockston

Aquaponics Authority – Owner

I know first-hand how overwhelming and frustrating it can be trying to master

Aquaponics or simply know where to begin if you are just getting started! My

mission is to help people learn and understand what aquaponics is and how it can

change lives and our planet by providing a proven sustainable organic food

production method that millions can benefit from. I am available to answer any

questions you have once you get up to speed and get started with your own

system so feel free to reach out to me and my staff at any time. Should you have

ANY questions whatsoever feel free to contact me via phone or email.

Cheers!

P.S. - LEARN How to Create Your Very Own Aquaponics System for Food, Fun or

Profit Step by Step With "DIY Aquaponics".