Before You Build an Aquaponics System Know These 5 Things
By: AM Wilson
It is very easy to build an aquaponics system and the results from a well planned system can be amazing. You can build a very productive system with simple and inexpensive materials. Although these systems are easy to build and operate, there are some key things you should know that can make all the difference between a system that is productive and one that is not.
1. Selecting a location
Choosing the right location for your aquaponics system is very important. One of the most important ingredients in growing plants is light. Choose a place where it will get plenty. If it will be indoors, you will need a sunny window or you will have to add artificial lighting. Make sure the temperature will be right in the location for the fish and your plants. Also avoid locations with extreme wind and weather conditions.
2. Provide plenty of oxygen
It is very important that you provide plenty of oxygenation for the water. Oxygen is just as important to your fish as it is to you. Without oxygen your fish will die and if levels are too low they will not thrive an can become sick. The healthier the fish are, the better the whole system will work. You can not oxygenate the water too much. It is far better to give the fish more oxygen than they need than not enough.
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3. Choose the right fish
Just about any type of fresh water fish can be grown in an aquaponics system, but some are easier to keep than others. Some are also more appropriate for different locations. Most fish require water of a certain temperature range. Before choosing a fish make sure that you will be able to maintain the proper temperature. Also make sure they are allowed in your location. Some types of fish have been banned in some locations.
4. Placing the planting bed or pots
One of the great advantages of aquaponics over traditional gardening is you don’t have to work on your hands and knees or bend over to work with your plants. That is if you locate your planting beds at waist level. So choose a comfortable level to place your growing beds.
5. Providing supplemental nutrients
When you first set up your aquaponics system, you are not yet going to have the healthy balanced system that you will have after your system matures. You will not be able to grow healthy plants if any at first. It may take a few months for the nutrient levels and the bacteria that convert the nutrients to get established. Until then you may have to add supplemental nutrients to the system. These may include nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and iron. There are organic sources of these that you can add.
All of these things are very easy to accomplish. With just a little work at first, you can soon have an aquaponics system that will pay off in a short amount of time with delicious organic vegetables and fish. This is one of the easiest ways that you and your family can become food independent.
Get an aquaponics how to guide and get your system up and running with the simple step by step instructions.