Aquaponics

 Aquaponics is a combination of two systems: aquaculture or the raising of fish and hydroponics, which is growing plants in water based media. Each of those systems by themselves can be wasteful of water and nutients. In a hydroponics system, plants are usually fed a man made diet of chemicals and trace elements in a salt based solution.  Due to salt build up and other factors the water needs to be changed out frequently and new chemicals added.

Pre-made Aquaponics Kit System

In most aquaculture systems fish are stocked at great densities that require frequent daily water changes to remove the fish waste “ammonia” from killing the fish. This again produces more waste products, which could turn into environmental pollutants.

When we combine these two systems together beautiful things begin to happen.  The fish waste water that is high in ammonia is converted through beneficial bacteria in the hydroponic grow beds into ready available plant food!  The plants feed on this waste product in doing so clean up the water for the fish. What a beautiful synergy between fish, bacteria, and plants! No longer are we having to feed the plants chemical solutions or change out the water nearly as often, but our byproducts are now tasty fish, healthy veggies, and an abundant garden ecology.

Aquaponic systems can be made out of almost any material from premade kits, recycled and repurposed products, or natural backyards ponds that are a beautiful landscape feature in their own right. Already have a pond? We might be able to turn that into a functioning ecosystem full of edible plants and fish.  The possibilities are endless.

Imagine a pond or water feature that is actually productive!

Turn a Pond into an Aquaponics System

Facts about Aquaponics:

• Aquaponics uses up to 98% less water than conventional farming methods!
• Aquaponics produces up to ten times more vegetables and crops in the same amount of space and time!
• Aquaponics uses up to 75% less energy than almost any other farming method!
• Aquaponics is guaranteed to be free from chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other chemicals!
• Aquaponics require only about 1/2 the labor required by almost all other food production methods!
• Aquaponics virtually eliminates weeds, pests, diseases, viruses and pathogens for both aquatic and plant life alike!
• Aquaponics saves time, money and labor in all stages of production!
• No soil is required in Aquaponics enabling otherwise "undesirable" sites or land to be used to produces fresh, organic fish, vegetables, fruit and more!

 Recycled IBC Tote System Just Starting

What fish can I raise?

This is a great question that often comes up when deciding to go the aquaponics route. Many fish work as long as the system is designed right. Many people in San Diego find that their fish of choice is Tilapia. But many other fish found in our local waterways can be used as well including: catfish, carp, striped bass, blue gill, and more. Beyond fish, freshwater crawdads (mini- lobster!) can be raised.  If you are not interested in eating fish some people use goldfish or even koi. Let us help you design a beautiful and functional aquaponics system.