In the early days of research involving re-circulating aquaculture systems, experiments had been conducted with aquatic plants in order to determine their efficiency in consuming away the nutrients present in the aquaculture water and thereby purifying the water in the system for the fish. As the research progressed, terrestrial plants too were tested and those too proved to be a very effective means for purifying water for aquaculture. The nutrient-rich aquaculture water is a very ideally suited hydroponic solution that assists plant growth.
The researchers and commercial growers have successfully grown chives, lettuce and few other leafy crops using the basic aquaponics system. More recently such success has been demonstrated with flowers, melons, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and many other crops as well using the basic aquaponics system.
What are the fish that can be raised?
Tilapia is a fresh water fish that grows fast and as well has a firm, white meat when filleted. This is the most commonly raised fish in the basic aquaponics system because it’s hardy and capable of tolerating huge fluctuations in the water quality conditions. Several other fish such as koi, goldfish, carp, bass, brim and crappie can also be raised in a basic aquaponics system. There could be restrictions in the type of fish that can raised in your area and you get seek clarifications from the relevant agency in your area in case you are thinking about basic aquaponics for home food production or commercial purposes.
How many fish can be put in a fish tank?
The number of fish that can be accommodated in a tank depends on the size and the type of filtration employed. In small aquarium-based systems, the fish are typically stocked at 1" (of fish length) for every gallon of water. In larger systems having adequate filtration, the fish are typically stocked at about 1/2 lb of fish for every gallon of water.
What is the relation between number of plants and fish?
The number of plants than can be grown is directly related to:
1. The size of fish 2. The number of fish 3. The daily input of fish food
Typically for 60-100 grams daily input of fish food about 1 sq. meter of plants can be accommodated.
