Aquaponics: The Ultimate Way to Feed the World

The world population has recently reached the six billion mark with the United Nation’s projections indicating nine billion by the year 2050. These figures represent a global crisis for food and water supplies. Former Senator Paul Simons of Illinois said, "Within a few years, a water crisis of catastrophic proportions will explode upon us unless aroused citizens demand of their leadership actions reflecting vision, understanding and courage."

With the demand for water doubling every 21 years and food supplies expanding more quickly than they are able to be replenished, governments are searching for alternative solutions. One such solution is that of aquaponics.

What is aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a sustainable food production method that combines the raising of fish, crayfish, or prawns with hydroponics (the cultivation of plants in water).

Aquaponics utilizes the waste material from fish in symbiotic exchange with plants in order to detoxify that water and then restore it to the fish. To do this the water is led through a hydroponic system where the by-products from the fish are filtered out by beneficial bacteria that breaks down the toxic ammonia in the fish waste to nitrite which the plants absorb as vital nutrients. This allows plant growth with minimal space requirements and no chemicals. When the water is cleansed it is then circulated back to the fish.

Aquaponic systems can vary in size from small indoor units to large commercial units. You can use fresh water or salt water depending on the types of fish or plants you choose.

The components of the aquaponic system are:

*Rearing tank: This is the tank for raising the fish. Tilapia is one or the most popular fish for home and commercial but others are Silver Perch, Jade Perch, Cod, Barramundi, Pawns, and crayfish.

*Solids removal: This is a unit that is used for catching uneaten food and detached boifilms and the settling of other fine particles.

*Biofilter: This is a place where the nitrification bacteria are allowed to grow and convert the ammonia into nitrates to be used by the plants.

*Hydroponics subsystem: This portion of the system is where the plants are grown. Their root systems hang into the water and absorb nutrients from the water. Typical plants that flourish within the hydroponic system are leafy vegetables such as lettuce, Chinese cabbage, tomatoes, okra, basil, beans, bell peppers, peas, watercress, radishes, turnips, parsnips, sweet potatoes, melons, strawberries, onions and herbs.

*Sump: This is the lowest point of the system where the water flows to and from. The water then is pumped back to the rearing tanks, and the process begins again.

Harvesting fish and produce

Plants grow at different rates, each requiring different amount of minerals and nutrients along the way. This allows for staggered plant harvesting with seeding and mature plants occurring at the same time. Which means you can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables at all times. The same thing occurs with the fish. Imagine fishing for tonight’s dinner with the scoop of a net and picking your own fresh organic vegetables to accompany the entrée.

Advantages of the aquaponic system

There are many advantages of farming with the aquaponic system. The aquaponic system conserves water because it constantly recycles it. In fact, aquaponics uses less than 2% of the water than traditional farming does. It also reduces the need for cropland diminishing the environmental footprint of crop production. Farming with aquaponics can produce eight to ten times more vegetables in the same amount of space. It reduces pathogens and enables users to easily maintain an organic plant and fish farm. With this system there is absolutely no need for chemicals or pesticides. This is a balanced, self-contained eco-system that can help the world cheaply produce a multitude of foods. Aquaponics is easy to learn and operate. Aquaponics is clean, pure and natural, producing fish and vegetation that is 100% organic. Organic fish feeds can also be used. With a small bit of effort you can grow food for your fish through vermiculture. By harvesting your own worms or grubs you can be assured that the fish you produce are the most healthful around. Thus the vegetables and fruits you grow will be as well.

Tilapia and perch

Tilapia are a perfect fish for farming and have been used in fish farms for 2,500 years. They rapidly grow to a large size and taste great. This fish is a hardy specie and very adaptable to most any condition. Tilapias prefer warm water and require a temperature of at least 75 degrees. Tilapias eat ground up salad green, worms and algae from the side of the tank.

Yellow perch eat almost anything and are bottom feeders. They prefer insect larvae, minnows, plankton and worms. You may choose to feed them a commercial types of grow feed or combinations of grow feed and worms. The yellow perch is a species that prefers cooler water, which makes them ideal for farming in the aquaponic system.

Aquaponics around the world

I have always had a fondness for things that go together. Can you imagine if everyone had his or her own small aquaponic system? Can you imagine how much money that would save your on groceries? By combining vermiculture with the aquaponic system you cover all the bases. The worms you grow can not only feed the fish but the compost they create can be sold or used in gardens or used for topsoil. Through the use of aquaponics and vermiculture world hunger can become a thing of the past. In order for this to happen, it’s important to learn how to be self-sufficient. Growing you own food is the best investment you can make for yourself and your family. With the world population exploding, we all must do what we can sustain our food and water supply. You can be sure that aquaponics will be the wave of the future.