Aquaponics Across the Spectrum
Aquaponic Gardening Resources
Helpful Links:
Do it yourself aquaponics without expensive kits, but with money-back guaranteed plans from tabletop size to HUGE commercial systems with green houses.
United States Department of Agriculture: Aquaponics
A combination of fish and plant production using aquaculture and hydroponics systems,aquaponics is moving from the realm of experimental to commercial.
Aquaponics system, components, supplies, videos, books, and more. Everything the DIY aquaponic gardener could need!
The mission of the Aquaponics Association is to promote the benefits of aquaponics through education and outreach.
General information on establishing and maintaining an aquaponics system, based on domestic scale systems.
System Maintenance:
Source: http://theaquaponicsource.com/faqs/
Why do I need testing tools? You must use a test kit to monitor ammonia, nitrite, and
nitrate levels as well as pH so that you know that all these elements are “in range”.
If they are not, you may need to take action. Once you reach the point that your system
is fully cycled, you will need to do much less monitoring than during the cycling process.
Most aquaponic gardeners use a product called the API Freshwater Master Test Kit.
You will also need a submersible thermometer to measure your water temperature.
Temperature affects both the cycling rate and the health of your fish and plants once
you are up and running.
How will pH change over the life of my aquaponics system? Most water comes out of the tap at pH levels above a neutral 7.0. Once you have added plants to your system, you will usually see the pH of your system decrease over time. Why? Because the nitrogen cycle actually produces nitric acid which will naturally cause your pH to go down. But there will be times, especially when your system is young, when you will need to act to push the pH down. And, conversely, over the long run you will regularly need to raise your pH. The ideal target is a pH of 6.8 – 7.0.
Petsmart Video on Tank Care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZzBRZa8oM
How to use the API Freshwater Master Test Kit (2-7 min.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfFGcudqC8M
How much do I feed my aquaponics fish? Feeding should to be kept to an absolute minimum during the first 1-2 months. Only feed the fish what they will consume in 5 minutes – no more than 1 tablespoon per 20 fish per day. If your aquaponics fish don’t seem to be hungry don’t feed them. Fish can survive for weeks without feeding. Your water will probably go green for some weeks, don’t worry. Once the water in your aquaponics system becomes clear you may gradually increase feeding levels, again paying attention to how much the fish consume in 5 minutes.
What do I feed my aquaponics fish? Depends on what type they are. Carnivorous (examples – trout, perch and bass) require a feed that has high levels of protein (45 – 50%). Omnivorous fish (examples – tilapia, bluegill, koi and catfish) require a lower protein feed (typically 32% protein). Younger fish require more protein than mature fish.
Videos on Feeding Fish:
