Home garden, Home aquaponics

credit to http://quantitativemetathesis.blogspot.com/

Aquaponics Is the Next Generation Name for House Garden

We have all observed of veggie plants, kitchen landscapes and bought clean vegetables from the grocer's shops and observed about The Lawn of Arden. At some point of life most of us might have used veggie agriculture, be it in the property garden or portable pots but I think most of us have not tried Aquaponics yet. Aquaponics is a recent innovation in the field of agriculture and shall become another name for home landscapes in the days to come.

                      

What is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is the combination of hydroponics and aquaculture. Hydroponics is the method of growing vegetation in h2o or sand without the use of ground. Aquaculture is the agriculture of seafood. Aquaponics is the farming of both vegetation and seafood part by part. Fish is kept in an fish tank. The h2o made up of the toxic release by the seafood is sent to the hydroponic program through a pipe, where the vegetation utilize it to obtain their meals. The h2o becomes free from toxics and is sent returning to the aquaculture program.

                         

Vegetables can be expanded in multiplexes

All types of clean vegetables flourish in the Aquaponics program. Cucumber green beans, clothes or chili peppers any veggie can be expanded inside your house. Aquaponics can be used both, outdoors or in the house. No area is needed and this decreases the cost significantly especially, in cities and places where area for agriculture is hardly available. People living in multiplexes can also grow their clean vegetables.

Aquaponics gives you clean and natural vegetables

Since the vegetation obtain their nutritional value from the seafood fertilizer, no substances or bug sprays are needed. This means you get clean and natural veggie for your your meal. You do not need to pay high costs or even visit the Grocery stores store. These self produced clean vegetables involve no appearance, rating, marketing and marketing, which are the reasons for the rise in the costs of products in shops.

                                     

Saves h2o efforts and energy

All you need is a continuous supply of meals for the seafood. Difficult and time consuming washing of the fish tank is also reduced. The vegetation obtain the nutritional value from the h2o containing the natural waste of the seafood. Most of the washing is done by the vegetation. The h2o becomes clean and is supplied returning to the fish tank. It helps you to save a lot of h2o too.

                              

Easy accessibility to packages of different sizes

Aquaponics kit can be easily bought from plant centers, agriculture shops or via internet. Kits are available in different dimensions from huge tanks, to be used in verandas or mini ones for indoor preparations. The blooming bed too can be a huge tank or just a huge pail. Other necessary equipment is provided in the kit along with related information and training.

Relaxation of mind

Aquaponics gives an ultimate experience of staying close to nature in the grouped and disorderly places. The joy of eating self-cultivated meals is tremendous and no exotic supper at any cafe could ever meet it. It makes a relaxing green environment and gives pleasure to the brain. It can prove to be a treatment for many illnesses which owe their birth to stress and extremely stress.

Preventing an Aquaponic Problem From Happening

credit to AQUAPONIC GARDEN

http://www.aquaponicgardeningguide.com/prevent-an-aquaponic-disaster/

Prevent an Aquaponic Disaster

When someone new is getting into aquaponics, they need to take the time to carefully review and learn about aquaponic system maintenance. They need to learn about the most common issues that cause problems in aquaponic systems and it will help them to be more successful from the start.

One of the most disastrous aquaponic problems that can happen is when you use cold, chlorinated, un-adjusted pH water to top off and fill the system’s reservoir. Using this type of water will stress and kill everything from your fish and plants to even the healthy bacteria living in the system.

When you are “topping-off” the reservoir in the aquaponic system, you can get away with using less than 10% of this type of water. However, using too much will cause aquaponic problems in a very short time and you will need to start salvaging your system all over again.

Many times, people who are topping of their system using a water hose will forget that the water is on and flood their system. By setting a timer it will remind you to shut off the water to avoid this aquaponic problem.

The Options

Always evaluate the situation first.

Figure out what is wrong, ways to fix it and then pick the best option. Using chlorinated water essentially sanitizes your entire aquaponic system and will possibly eliminate all of the gathered plant nutrients.

When using cold, chlorinated, un-adjusted pH water for your system, the most likely state of each of the living elements in your system are as follows:

The Fish

Chlorine is not good for fish and the best case scenario is that they are just really stressed. The temperature level of their water most likely decreased considerably and the pH of the water is most likely changed.

While it is best to not utilize aquarium dechlorinators since they add sodium and other chemicals that can be hazardous to plants and cause aquaponic problems.

You should reduce the amount of chlorine in the system as quickly as possible to recover the fish’s slime coat that keeps them healthy, using a good aquarium water conditioner will do both of these things.

In extreme aquaponic problem cases, many of the fish may be very sickly, or floating in the water.

The Plants

Your plants also are stressed as a result of the temperature and pH changes, in addition to the chlorine that is presenting the water.

If your aquaponic problems are extremely bad then you might have to clean the system, which removes all of the beneficial nutrients from the system. It is strongly recommend that you add some Maxicrop into your system that will feed your plants while the aquaponic system comes back into balance.

If you catch the aquaponic problem before the water has made its way from the fish reservoir into the plants in the system, then quickly shut off the water pump. You will need to treat the fish tank water before you turn the water pump back on and by doing this it will help to minimize aquaponic problems caused to your plants and the bacteria in your system.

The Bacteria

Likely, the healthy bacteria in the aquaponics system have been destroyed and you will need to start all over again by re-cycling your system.

This is the hardest part since you most likely still have fish in your system and if they all didn’t die, you will need to cycle your system using the fish as your ammonia source.

Unless you have another fish tank or aquaponic system that you can transfer them to and do a fish-less cycling.

All will work out, however be sure to watch the ammonia and nitrite levels very carefully. If either starts reaching the high end of the color graph in the API test kit (4 ppm ammonia and 1 ppm nitrites).

After that be sure to do a 1/3 water change out of your system to dilute the levels back down to where your fish will be able to tolerate to avoid further aquaponic problems.

The Worms

You can assume that they have actually been eliminated by the chlorine and that you should add more worms to your grow beds once you have adjusted the water.

The bottom line is that one disruptive aquaponic problem can reset your system back to when you first started. You may lose a few fish, your plants could stress out and yellow for a few days or weeks, but you will certainly recuperate from the aquaponic problems.

Learn From Another’s Experiences…

The best way to prevent these aquaponic problems is to use a separate water tank to off-gas the chlorine, adjust the pH and water temperature before transferring the water into your aquaponic system.

By doing this additional step, you will save time and heartache from an aquaponic problems turning into a disaster then having to start all over again.

And just think, you will most likely never make these mistakes again or by reviewing this article, you will prevent this aquaponic problem from ever happening!

  

Aquaponics' Origin

Aquaponics, with its fancy name, may sound like a trendy new concept developed by environmentalists. But it's actually as old as the hills.

The origins of aquaponics can be traced to ancient Egyptian and Aztec cultures.

The ancient Aztecs developed chinampas, man-made floating islands, which consisted of rectangular areas of fertile land on lake beds.

Aztecs cultivated maize, squas­h and other plants on the chinampas and fish in the canals surrounding them.

The fish waste settled on the bottom of the canals, and the Aztecs collected the waste to use as fertilizer.

Additionally, countries in the Far East like Thailand and China have long used aquaponic techniques in rice paddies.

Aquaponics is Organic

Organic Grown Food

http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/torg.html

"Organically grown" food is food grown and processed using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides derived from natural sources (such as biological pesticides) may be used in producing organically grown food.

Organic Farming

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_farming

Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost and biological pest control. Organic farming uses fertilizers and pesticides but excludes or strictly limits the use of manufactured (synthetic) fertilizers, pesticides (which include herbicides, insecticides and fungicides), plant growth regulators such as hormones, livestock antibiotics, food additives, genetically modified organisms, human sewage sludge, and nanomaterials.

Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations, based in large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), an international umbrella organization for organic farming organizations established in 1972. IFOAM defines the overarching goal of organic farming as:

"Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved..."

—International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements

Organic Products 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3004446&acct=nopgeninfo

Organic products have strict production and labeling requirements. Unless noted below, organic products must meet the following requirements:

- Produced without excluded methods; genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge.

- Produced per the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List).

- Overseen by a USDA National Organic Program authorized certifying agent,

- Following all USDA organic regulations.

An overview of labeling the various categories of organic products is provided below.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL: portion of the package most likely to be seen by customers at the time of purchase.

INFORMATION PANEL: includes ingredient statement (list of ingredients contained in a product, from highest to lowest percentage of final product) and other product information.

100% Organic

Raw or processed agricultural products in the “100 percent organic” category must meet these criteria:

- All ingredients must be certified organic.

- Any processing aids must be organic.

- Product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.

An overview of labeling the various categories of 100% organic products is provided below.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL: May include USDA organic seal and/or 100 percent organic claim.

INFORMATION PANEL: Must identify organic ingredients (e.g., organic dill) or via asterisk or other mark.

Normal Organic

Raw or processed agricultural products in the “organic” category must meet these criteria:

- All agricultural ingredients must be certified organic, except where specified on National List.

- Non-organic ingredients allowed per National List may be used, up to a combined total of five percent of non-organic content (excluding salt and water).

- Product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.

An overview of labeling the various categories of normal organic products is provided below.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL: May include USDA organic seal and/or organic claim.

INFORMATION PANEL: Must identify organic ingredients (e.g., organic dill) or via asterisk or other mark.

Organic Certification

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_certification

Organic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, [food] processors, retailers and restaurants.

Requirements vary from country to country, and generally involve a set of production standards for growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping that include:

• no human sewage sludge fertilizer used in cultivation of plants or feed of animals
• avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs not on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (e.g. fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc.), genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and the use of sewage sludge;
• use of farmland that has been free from prohibited synthetic chemicals for a number of years (often, three or more);
• keeping detailed written production and sales records (audit trail);
• maintaining strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products;
• undergoing periodic on-site inspections.

Aquaponics Trial #2

Hey guys, its been a while.

Here's the second trial I've been doing at my house. Had the first prototype moved out of the shade plus additional 2 pods. Also added a fish tank i acquired from a fish store that's about to move out of town.

Actually these photos here are outdated by 2-3 months, since I've already started to harvest them from August. Anyway, here's a close-up of the pods.

I've been trying a lot of different kinds of vegetable; kailan, lettuce, salad, cabbage, sawi, etc. But the most success I've had so far is the kangkung (water spinach).

The two tanks shown are connected underneath; the right tank receives freshly filtered water from the pods. It has 9-10 lampam fish. The water then travel to the left tank (along with fish faeces), before being pumped to the highest pods to begin the cycle again.

Aquaponics Discounts

 

http://www.friendlyaquaponics.com/free-diy-stuff/free-diy-systems/

Free Commercial DIY Packages and Commercial Trainings For Non-Profits and NGOs

 

We have been giving our Do-It-Myself Commercial Aquaponics Training package to accredited NGOs, churches, and bonafide non-profit groups for two years now, first for $50, then for a long time for $100. We have had SO many requests from non-profits for this “free” package that we’ve been spending up to a day and a half per week just answering emails, corresponding with people, printing and mailing the manuals. We’re not getting to spend that time on the farm, and we’re ALREADY not spending enough time with our family. So, we’ve had to increase our price to $250 to cover our time answering emails and posting the packages. This is STILL a $750 discount over the package’s normal price.
If you feel you qualify as a discounted receiver of our DIY Commercial package for your work, then please read the following “How-To” instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. Please don’t use our generosity against us; this is $1,000 worth of aquaponics information we are giving a $750 discount on.
“How To”: Mail us proof of accreditation of Non-Governmental Organization status, non-profit status, or church status, along with a letter from your Board of Directors with your name in it and some phone numbers we can call to verify, as well as a check paying for the $250 discounted price, with the organization’s name on it; to Friendly Aquaponics, Inc., at PO Box 1196, Honokaa, Hawaii, 96727. We will immediately mail off your DIY Commercial Package.
Also, if you wish to participate in one of our live group trainings, we will give you a free Live Group Commercial Aquaponics Training for this same $250 to cover course materials, room space, and refreshments. You need to supply airfare, accommodations, and all other needs for your participant. This is normally a $1,500 course; same conditions to prove you are non-profit apply as in the previous paragraph.

Aquaponics in Space

Two years ago, a NASA Engineering Design Challenge asked students to think about the possibility of growing plants on the moon and then to design, build and test lunar plant growth chambers. On future long-duration missions on the moon, fresh-grown plants could be used to supplement meals.

A group of high school students from New Jersey not only came up with a unique way to grow plants, but their plant growth chamber also includes an idea for providing a source of protein for lunar astronauts. The project by students at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing, N.J., uses aquaponics -- plants and fish in the same environment.

Aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil). The system designed by the New Jersey students combines bluegill fish and plants in the same tank. The fish live in the water in the bottom of the tank. The plants grow in the top half of the tank.

The seedlings are grown in rock wool, which is a type of mineral wool used in hydroponics. The seedlings are then suspended in a plastic pipe in the top half of the tank. The water is pumped from the bottom of the tank through the pipe, then back into the tank. The roots of the plants are exposed to the water stream as it flows through the pipe. As the plants absorb the nutrients in the water, they also filter it.

"The system is a symbiotic relationship between the plant and bluegill fish," explained the students' science teacher, Melissa Hannan. "The fish provide nitrogen and phosphate for the plants, while the plants provide beneficial bacteria to convert ammonia."

 
The system designed by a group of New Jersey students is an aquaponic system, which combines fish and plants in the same environment. Image Credit: Atlantic County Institute of Technology
Plants receive light from light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, under the wooden canopy on top of the tank. The lights are powered by solar panels. Reflective material on the sides and back of the tank enhances the solar-powered lighting, Hannan said.

Students researched bluegill fish, different mediums to grow seeds, and the chemical conversions taking place in the tank. They used three-dimensional design software to create a computer model of their tank design before building it.

They also experimented with the angle of the pipe and the water pressure to achieve the best results. "Our final product is quite different from our original product," Hannan said. "It was a lot of trial and error, which is exactly what science is."

Bluegill fish were chosen because of their small size and the constraints of the 45-gallon tank. However, Hannan said students are testing the same concept with freshwater bass in a 12,000-gallon tank in the school's greenhouse. In the small tank, students grew cinnamon basil seeds that had been flown on the STS-118 space shuttle mission in 2007 and distributed as part of the design challenge. In the larger greenhouse model, they are experimenting with growing herbs and lettuces.

Atlantic County Institute of Technology students Alex, Jack and Marco received a second-place medal for their project in the 2009 New Jersey SkillsUSA technology competition. Image Credit: Atlantic County Institute of Technology
"They thought it (aquaponics) would be a good idea for the astronauts on the moon because it's a self-contained system to provide protein and vegetation," Hannan said.

Students received a second-place medal for the project in the New Jersey SkillsUSA technology competition earlier this year. Hannan said judges were impressed with the construction of the system.

"What they (students) are really taking with them is hands-on experience," Hannan said. "They're learning what it's like to start a project, hit some problems and actually solve the problem, solve the issues, and refine your system and make it (work)."

The Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber project supports NASA's goal of attracting and retaining students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines.

link: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/9-12/features/aquaponics.html

Aquaponics DVD

Aquaponics Made Easy (2009) DVD
by Murray Hallam

Grow fish and vegetables together in your own backyard the easy way. Whether you want to build your own system from bath tubs or assemble a ready-made kit, Murray Hallam will guide you through every step, so you can enjoy fresh fish and organic vegetables at your place.

If you’re worried about using commercially made fish pellets, Murray will show you how to grow your own fish food – the natural way.

Everything you need to know to get started in your Aquaponics adventure is packed into this educational DVD.

Over 90 minutes of quality information:

* Assembling a kit system

* Grow Beds, Tanks, Gravel Media explained

* Flood and Drain, Auto Siphons

* Fish Aeration, pumps, filtration, backup systems

* Growing plants successfully

* The Nitrogen Cycle, Fishless Cycling

* Testing your Water

* Maintaining a balanced system

* Choosing suitable fish for Aquaponics

* Batching your fish for endless food

* Dealing with pests

* Feeding your fish – Growing your own fish food

* Building your own Bathtub Aquaponics system

* Solar powered systems

* Essential checklist summary

Aquaponics Extras

Hi,

I've created a new page called Aquaponics Extras to hold a few Special Topics regarding Aquaponics and i'll start off with the Duckweed topic. Duckweed is an easy, cheap and abundant food source for fish. Its very high in protein (~40%) and could clean off waste water as well.

The reason i open this Special Topic is to learn about Duckweed myself since i intend to farm this plant for my fishes (tilapia likes duckweed a lot) . Duckweed has high growth rate (doubles in 3 days) and this creates FREE fish food and saves me a lot of money from buying fish feed.