permaculture

[Lawrence London <lfljvenaura@gmail.com>]

Aquaponics - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics
Aquaponics
>From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Portable_fish_farm_at_growing_power.jpg>
A small, portable aquaponics system. The term *aquaponics* is a portmanteau
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portmanteau> of the terms *aquaculture* and
*hydroponic* agriculture.

*Aquaponics* (/ˈækwəˈpɒnᵻks/
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English>) refers to any system
that combines conventional aquaculture
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture> (raising aquatic animals
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatic_animal> such as snails, fish
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish>, crayfish
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crayfish> or prawns
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prawn> in tanks) with hydroponics
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics> (cultivating plants in water)
in a symbiotic <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbiosis> environment. In
normal aquaculture, excretions <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excretion>
from the animals being raised can accumulate in the water, increasing
toxicity <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicity>. In an aquaponic system,
water from an aquaculture system is fed to a hydroponic
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics> system where the by-products
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/By-product> are broken down by nitrifying
bacteria <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrifying_bacteria> initially into
nitrites <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrite> and subsequently into
nitrates <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrate>, which are utilized by the
plants as nutrients <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutrient>, and the water
is then recirculated back to the aquaculture system.

As existing hydroponic and aquaculture farming techniques form the basis
for all aquaponics systems, the size, complexity, and types of foods grown
in an aquaponics system can vary as much as any system found in either
distinct farming discipline.[1]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-UVI-1>
Contents

   - 1 History <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#History>
   - 2 Parts of an aquaponic system
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Parts_of_an_aquaponic_system>
   - 3 Live components
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Live_components>
      - 3.1 Plants <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Plants>
      - 3.2 Fish (or other aquatic creatures)
      
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Fish_.28or_other_aquatic_creatures.29>
      - 3.3 Bacteria <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Bacteria>
   - 4 Hydroponic subsystem
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Hydroponic_subsystem>
   - 5 Biofilter <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Biofilter>
   - 6 Operation <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Operation>
      - 6.1 Feed source
      <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Feed_source>
      - 6.2 Water usage
      <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Water_usage>
      - 6.3 Energy usage
      <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Energy_usage>
      - 6.4 Fish stocking
      <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Fish_stocking>
      - 6.5 Disease and pest management
      <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Disease_and_pest_management>
      - 6.6 Economic viability
      <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Economic_viability>
      - 6.7 Current examples
      <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#Current_examples>
   - 7 References <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#References>
   - 8 External links
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#External_links>

History
Further information: Historical hydroculture
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_hydroculture>
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E7%8E%8B%E7%A6%8E%E8%BE%B2%E6%9B%B8%EF%BC%8D%E6%9E%B6%E7%94%B0.png>
Woodcut from the 13th century Chinese agricultural manual *Wang Zhen's Book
on Farming* (王禎農書) showing rice grown in a floating raft planter system in
a pond

Aquaponics has ancient roots, although there is some debate on its first
occurrence:

   - Aztec <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aztec> cultivated agricultural
   islands known as *chinampas <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinampa>* in
   a system considered by some to be the first form of aquaponics for
   agricultural use[2]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-Boutwelluc-2>[3]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-3> where plants were
   raised on stationary (and sometime movable) islands in lake shallows and
   waste materials dredged from the Chinampa canals and surrounding cities
   were used to manually irrigate the plants.[2]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-Boutwelluc-2>[4]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-4>
   - South China <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China>, Thailand
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand>, and Indonesia
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia> who cultivated and farmed rice
   in paddy fields <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddy_field> in
   combination with fish are cited as examples of early aquaponics systems.
   [5] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-5> These
   polycultural <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyculture> farming systems
   existed in many Far Eastern <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far_East>
   countries and raised fish such as the oriental loach
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misgurnus_anguillicaudatus> (泥鳅, ドジョウ),[6]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-6> swamp eel
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopterus_albus> (黄鳝, 田鰻), common carp
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_carp> (鯉魚, コイ) and crucian carp
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucian_carp> (鯽魚) [7]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-7> as well as pond
   snails <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viviparidae> (田螺) in the paddies.
   [8] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-mcmurtry1988-8>
   [9] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-9>

Floating aquaponics systems on polycultural fish ponds were installed in
China in more recent years on a large scale growing rice, wheat and canna
lily and other crops,[10]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-10> with some
installations exceeding 2.5 acres (10,000 m2).[11]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-11>
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UVIAquaponicSystem.jpg>
Diagram of the University of the Virgin Islands commercial aquaponics
system designed to yield 5 metric tons of Tilapia
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilapia> per year.[12]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-UVI1-12>

The development of modern aquaponics is often attributed to the various
works of the New Alchemy Institute
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Alchemy_Institute> and the works of Dr.
Mark McMurtry et al. at the North Carolina State University
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina_State_University>.[13]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-UVI2-13> Inspired by
the successes of the New Alchemy Institute, and the reciprocating
aquaponics techniques developed by Dr. Mark McMurtry et al., other
institutes soon followed suit. Starting in 1979, Dr. James Rakocy and his
colleagues at the University of the Virgin Islands
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_the_Virgin_Islands> researched
and developed the use of deep water culture
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_water_culture> hydroponic grow beds in
a large-scale aquaponics system.[12]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-UVI1-12>

The first aquaponics research in Canada
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada> was a small system added onto
existing aquaculture research at a research station in Lethbridge
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethbridge>, Alberta
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta>. Canada saw a rise in aquaponics
setups throughout the ’90s, predominantly as commercial installations
raising high-value crops such as trout and lettuce. A setup based on the
deep water system developed at the University of Virgin Islands was built
in a greenhouse at Brooks, Alberta
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooks,_Alberta> where Dr. Nick Savidov and
colleagues researched aquaponics from a background of plant science. The
team made findings on rapid root growth in aquaponics systems and on
closing the solid-waste loop, and found that owing to certain advantages in
the system over traditional aquaculture, the system can run well at a low
pH level, which is favoured by plants but not fish.
Parts of an aquaponic system
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aquaponics_at_Growing_Power,_Milwaukee.jpg>
A commercial aquaponics system. An electric pump moves nutrient-rich water
from the fish tank through a solids filter to remove particles the plants
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plants> above cannot absorb. The water
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water> then provides nutrients for the
plants and is cleansed before returning to the fish tank below.

Aquaponics consists of two main parts, with the aquaculture part for
raising aquatic animals and the hydroponics part for growing plants.[14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14>[15]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-ncat-15> Aquatic
effluents, resulting from uneaten feed or raising animals like fish,
accumulate in water due to the closed-system recirculation of most
aquaculture systems. The effluent-rich water becomes toxic to the aquatic
animal in high concentrations but this contains nutrients
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutrients> essential for plant growth.[14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> Although
consisting primarily of these two parts, aquaponics systems are usually
grouped into several components or subsystems responsible for the effective
removal of solid wastes, for adding bases
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Base_%28chemistry%29> to neutralize acids
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid>, or for maintaining water oxygenation
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_aeration>.[14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> Typical
components include:

   - *Rearing tank*: the tanks for raising and feeding the fish
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish>;
   - *Settling basin <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Settling_basin>*: a
   unit for catching uneaten food and detached biofilms
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofilm>, and for settling out fine
   particulates;
   - *Biofilter <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofilter>*: a place where
   the nitrification <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrification> bacteria
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria> can grow and convert ammonia
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonia> into nitrates
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrate>, which are usable by the plants;
   [14] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14>
   - *Hydroponics subsystem*: the portion of the system where plants are
   grown by absorbing excess nutrients from the water;
   - *Sump <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sump>*: the lowest point in the
   system where the water flows to and from which it is pumped back to the
   rearing tanks.

Depending on the sophistication and cost of the aquaponics system, the
units for solids removal, biofiltration, and/or the hydroponics subsystem
may be combined into one unit or subsystem,[14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> which prevents
the water from flowing directly from the aquaculture part of the system to
the hydroponics part. By utilizing gravel or sand as plant supporting
medium, solids are captured and the medium has enough surface area for
fixed-film nitrification. [14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> The ability to
combine biofiltration and hydroponics allows for aquaponic system to in
many cases eliminate the need for an expensive, separate biofilter.
Live components

An aquaponic system depends on different live components to work
successfully. The three main live components are plants, fish (or other
aquatic creatures) and bacteria. Some systems also include additional live
components like worms.
Plants
Further information: Rhizofiltration
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhizofiltration>
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CDC_South_Aquaponics_Raft_Tank_1_2010-07-17.jpg>
A Deep Water Culture hydroponics system where plant grow directly into the
effluent rich water without a soil <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil>
medium. Plants can be spaced closer together because the roots do not need
to expand outwards to support the weight of the plant.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aquaponics_with_Vibrantly_Colored_Plants.jpg>
Plant placed into a nutrient rich water channel in a Nutrient film technique
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutrient_film_technique> (NFT) system

Many plants are suitable for aquaponic systems, though which ones work for
a specific system depends on the maturity and stocking density of the fish.
These factors influence the concentration of nutrients from the fish
effluent, and how much of those nutrients are made available to the plant
roots via bacteria.

Green leaf vegetables <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_vegetable> with
low to medium nutrient requirements are well adapted to aquaponic systems,
including chinese cabbage <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cabbage>,
lettuce <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lettuce>, basil
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil>, spinach
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinach>, chives
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chives>, herbs
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herb>, and watercress
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watercress>.[15]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-ncat-15>[16]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:0-16>

Other plants, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, have higher
nutrient requirements and will only do well in mature aquaponic systems
that have high stocking densities of fish.[16]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:0-16>

Plants that are common in salads have some of the greatest success in
aquaponics, including cucumbers <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cucumber>,
shallots <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shallot>, tomatoes
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato>, lettuce
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lettuce>, chiles
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chili_pepper>, capsicum
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum>, red salad onions
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_onion> and snow peas
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_pea>.[17]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:1-17>

Some profitable plants for aquaponic systems include chinese cabbage
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cabbage>, lettuce
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lettuce>, basil
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil>, roses
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose>, tomatoes
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato>, okra
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okra>, cantaloupe
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantaloupe> and bell peppers
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_pepper>.[15]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-ncat-15>

Other species of vegetables that grow well in an aquaponic system include
watercress <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watercress>, basil
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil>, coriander
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coriander>, parsley
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsley>, lemongrass
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemongrass>, sage
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_officinalis>, beans
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bean>, peas
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pea>, kohlrabi
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohlrabi>, taro
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taro>, radishes
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radish>, strawberries
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragaria>, melons
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melon>, onions
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onion>, turnips
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnip>, parsnips
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsnip>, sweet potato
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_potato>, cauliflower
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cauliflower>, cabbage
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbage>, broccoli
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broccoli>, and eggplant
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eggplant> as well as the choys
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bok_choy> that are used for stir fries.[17]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:1-17>

Fruiting plants like melons or tomatoes, and plants with higher nutrient
needs need higher stocking densities of fish and more mature tanks to
provide enough nutrients.
Fish (or other aquatic creatures)
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aquaponics_with_catfish.jpg>
Filtered water from the hydroponics system drains into a catfish
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catfish> tank for re-circulation.
Main article: Aquaculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture>

Freshwater fish are the most common aquatic animal raised using aquaponics
due to their ability to tolerate crowding, although freshwater crayfish and
prawns are also sometimes used.[18]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-18>[14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> There is a
branch of aquaponics using saltwater fish, called saltwater aquaponics
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saltwater_aquaponics>. There are many
species of warmwater and coldwater fish that adapt well to aquaculture
systems.

In practice, tilapia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilapia> are the most
popular fish for home and commercial projects that are intended to raise
edible fish because it is a warmwater fish species that can tolerate
crowding and changing water conditions.[16]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:0-16> Barramundi
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barramundi>, silver perch
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidyanus_bidyanus>, eel-tailed catfish
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eel-tailed_catfish> or tandanus catfish, jade
perch <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jade_perch> and Murray cod
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murray_cod> are also used.[15]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-ncat-15> For temperate
climates when there isn't ability or desire to maintain water temperature,
bluegill <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluegill> and catfish
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catfish> are suitable fish species for home
systems.

Koi <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koi> and goldfish
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfish> may also be used, if the fish in
the system need not be edible.

Other suitable fish include channel catfish
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_catfish>, rainbow trout
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_trout>, perch
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perch>, common carp
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_carp>, Arctic char
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_char>, largemouth bass
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largemouth_bass> and striped bass
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striped_bass>.[16]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:0-16>
Bacteria
Further information: Nitrogen Cycle
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogen_Cycle>

Nitrification, the aerobic <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerobic_organism>
conversion of ammonia into nitrates, is one of the most important functions
in an aquaponics system as it reduces the toxicity of the water for fish,
and allows the resulting nitrate compounds to be removed by the plants for
nourishment.[14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> Ammonia is
steadily released into the water through the excreta
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excretion> and gills
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gill> of fish as a product of their
metabolism, but must be filtered out of the water since higher
concentrations of ammonia (commonly between 0.5 and 1 ppm
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parts_per_million>)[*citation needed
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed>*] can impair
growth, cause widespread damage to tissues, decrease resistance to disease
and even kill the fish.[19]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:3-19> Although plants
can absorb ammonia from the water to some degree, nitrates are assimilated
more easily,[15]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-ncat-15> thereby
efficiently reducing the toxicity of the water for fish.[14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> Ammonia can be
converted into safer nitrogenous compounds through combined healthy
populations of 2 types of bacteria: *Nitrosomonas
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrosomonas>* which convert ammonia into
nitrites <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrite>, and *Nitrobacter
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrobacter>* which then convert nitrites
into nitrates. While nitrite is still harmful to fish due to its ability to
create metehemoglobine, which cannot bind oxygen, by attaching to
hemoglobin, nitrates are able to be tolerated at high levels by fish. [19]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:3-19>
Hydroponic subsystem
Main article: Hydroponics <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics>

Plants are grown as in hydroponics systems, with their roots immersed in
the nutrient-rich effluent water. This enables them to filter out the
ammonia that is toxic to the aquatic animals, or its metabolites. After the
water has passed through the hydroponic subsystem, it is cleaned and
oxygenated, and can return to the aquaculture vessels. This cycle is
continuous. Common aquaponic applications of hydroponic systems include:

   - *Deep-water raft <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_water_culture>
   aquaponics*: styrofoam <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrofoam> rafts
   floating in a relatively deep aquaculture basin in troughs. Raft tanks can
   be constructed to be quite large, and enable seedlings to be transplanted
   at one end of the tank while fully grown plants are harvested at the other,
   thus ensuring optimal floor space usage. [20]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:2-20>
   - *Recirculating aquaponics*: solid media such as gravel
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravel> or clay
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay> beads, held in a container that is
   flooded with water from the aquaculture. This type of aquaponics is also
   known as *closed-loop aquaponics*.
   - *Reciprocating aquaponics*: solid media in a container that is
   alternately flooded and drained utilizing different types of siphon drains.
   This type of aquaponics is also known as *flood-and-drain
aquaponics* or *ebb-and-flow
   aquaponics*.
   - *Nutrient film technique
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutrient_film_technique> channels:*
   plants are grown in lengthy narrow channels, with a film of nutrient-filled
   water constantly flowing past the plant roots. Due to the small amount of
   water and narrow channels, helpful bacteria cannot live there and therefore
   a bio filter is required for this method. [20]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:2-20>
   - Other systems use towers that are trickle-fed from the top, horizontal
   PVC <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride> pipes with holes
   for the pots, plastic barrels cut in half with gravel or rafts in them.
   Each approach has its own benefits.[21]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-21>

Since plants at different growth stages require different amounts of
minerals and nutrients, plant harvesting is staggered with seedlings
growing at the same time as mature plants. This ensures stable nutrient
content in the water because of continuous symbiotic cleansing of toxins
from the water.[22] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-22>
Biofilter

In an aquaponics system, the bacteria responsible for the conversion of
ammonia to usable nitrates for plants form a biofilm
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofilm> on all solid surfaces throughout
the system that are in constant contact with the water. The submerged roots
of the vegetables combined have a large surface area where many bacteria
can accumulate. Together with the concentrations of ammonia and nitrites in
the water, the surface area determines the speed with which nitrification
takes place. Care for these bacterial colonies is important as to regulate
the full assimilation of ammonia and nitrite. This is why most aquaponics
systems include a biofiltering unit, which helps facilitate growth of these
microorganisms <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microorganism>. Typically,
after a system has stabilized ammonia
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonia> levels range from 0.25 to 2.0 ppm;
nitrite levels range from 0.25 to 1 ppm, and nitrate levels range from 2 to
150 ppm.[*citation needed
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed>*] During system
startup, spikes may occur in the levels of ammonia (up to 6.0 ppm) and
nitrite (up to 15 ppm), with nitrate levels peaking later in the startup
phase.[*citation needed
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed>*] Since the
nitrification process acidifies the water, non-sodium
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium> bases such as potassium hydroxide
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_hydroxide> or calcium hydroxide
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_hydroxide> can be added for
neutralizing the water's pH <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH>[14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> if
insufficient quantities are naturally present in the water to provide a
buffer against acidification. In addition, selected minerals or nutrients
such as iron can be added in addition to the fish waste that serves as the
main source of nutrients to plants.[14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14>

A good way to deal with solids buildup in aquaponics is the use of worms,
which liquefy the solid organic matter so that it can be utilized by the
plants and/or other animals in the system. For a worm-only growing method,
please see Vermiponics <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermiponics>.
Operation

The five main inputs to the system are water, oxygen, light, feed given to
the aquatic animals, and electricity to pump, filter, and oxygenate the
water. Spawn <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spawn_%28biology%29> or fry
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juvenile_fish> may be added to replace grown
fish that are taken out from the system to retain a stable system. In terms
of outputs, an aquaponics system may continually yield plants such as
vegetables grown in hydroponics, and edible aquatic species raised in an
aquaculture. Typical build ratios are .5 to 1 square foot
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_foot> of grow space for every
1 U.S. gal (3.8 L) of aquaculture water in the system. 1 U.S. gal (3.8 L)
of water can support between .5 lb (0.23 kg) and 1 lb (0.45 kg) of fish
stock depending on aeration <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeration> and
filtration.[23]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-purdue-23>

Ten primary guiding principles for creating successful aquaponics systems
were issued by Dr. James Rakocy, the director of the aquaponics research
team at the University of the Virgin Islands
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_the_Virgin_Islands>, based on
extensive research done as part of the *Agricultural Experiment Station*
aquaculture program.[24]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-24>

   - Use a feeding rate ratio for design calculations
   - Keep feed input relatively constant
   - Supplement with calcium
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_in_biology>, potassium
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_in_biology> and iron
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron#Biological_role>
   - Ensure good aeration <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeration>
   - Remove solids <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Settling_basin>
   - Be careful with aggregates
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction_Aggregate>
   - Oversize pipes
   - Use biological pest control
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_pest_control>
   - Ensure adequate biofiltration
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofiltration>
   - Control pH <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH>

Feed source

As in most aquaculture based systems, stock feed often consists of fish
meal derived from lower-value species. Ongoing depletion of wild fish
stocks makes this practice unsustainable. Organic fish feeds may prove to
be a viable alternative that relieves this concern. Other alternatives
include growing duckweed <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemnaoideae> with
an aquaponics system that feeds the same fish grown on the system,[25]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-25> excess worms grown
from vermiculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermiculture> composting,
using prepared kitchen scraps,[26]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-26> as well as
growing black
soldier fly <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermetia_illucens> larvae to
feed to the fish using composting grub growers.[27]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-New_York_Times-27>
Water usage

Aquaponic systems do not typically discharge or exchange water under normal
operation, but instead recirculate and reuse water very effectively. The
system relies on the relationship between the animals and the plants to
maintain a stable aquatic environment that experience a minimum of
fluctuation in ambient nutrient and oxygen levels. Plants are able to
recover dissolved nutrients from the circulating water, meaning that less
water is discharged and the water exchange rate can be minimized.[28]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-28> Water is added only
to replace water loss from absorption and transpiration
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transpiration> by plants, evaporation into
the air from surface water <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_water>,
overflow from the system from rainfall <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain>,
and removal of biomass such as settled solid wastes from the system. As a
result, aquaponics uses approximately 2% of the water that a conventionally
irrigated farm requires for the same vegetable production.[*citation needed
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed>*] This allows for
aquaponic production of both crops and fish in areas where water or fertile
land is scarce. Aquaponic systems can also be used to replicate controlled
wetland
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructed_wetlands#Treatment_wetland>
conditions. Constructed wetlands can be useful for biofiltration
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofiltration#Wastewater> and treatment
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewage_treatment#Constructed_wetlands> of
typical household sewage <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewage>.[29]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-29> The nutrient-filled
overflow water can be accumulated in catchment tanks, and reused to
accelerate growth of crops planted in soil, or it may be pumped back into
the aquaponic system to top up the water level.
Energy usage

Aquaponic installations rely in varying degrees on man-made energy,
technological solutions, and environmental control to achieve recirculation
and water/ambient temperatures. However, if a system is designed with
energy conservation in mind, using alternative energy
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_energy> and a reduced number of
pumps by letting the water flow downwards as much as possible, it can be
highly energy efficient. While careful design can minimize the risk,
aquaponics systems can have multiple 'single points of failure' where
problems such as an electrical failure or a pipe blockage can lead to a
complete loss of fish stock.
Fish stocking

In order for aquaponic systems to be financially successful and make a
profit whilst also covering its operating expenses, the hydroponic plant
components and fish rearing components need to almost constantly be at
maximum production capacity. [14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> To keep the
bio-mass of fish in the system at its maximum (without limiting fish
growth), there are 3 main stocking method that can help maintain this
maximum.

   - *Sequential rearing:* Multiple age groups of fish share a rearing
   tank, and when an age group reaches market size they are selectively
   harvested and replaced with the same amount of fingerlings. [14]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> Downsides
   to this method include stressing out the entire pool of fish during each
   harvest, missing fish resulting in a waste of food/space, and the
   difficulty of keeping accurate records with frequent harvests.[14]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14>
   - *Stock splitting:* Large quantities of fingerlings are stocked at once
   and then split into two groups once the tank hits maximum capacity, which
   is easier to record and eliminates fish being "forgotten". A stress-free
   way of doing this operation is via "swimways" that connect various rearing
   tanks and a series of hatches/moving screens/pumps that move the fish
   around. [14] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14>
   - *Multiple rearing units:* Entire groups of fish are moved to larger
   rearing tanks once their current tank hits maximum capacity. Such systems
   usually have 2-4 tanks that share a filtration system, and when the largest
   tank is harvested, the other fish groups are each moved up into a bigger
   tank whilst the smallest tank is restocked with fingerlings. [14]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> It is also
   common for there to be several rearing tanks yet no ways to move fish
   between them, which eliminates the labor of moving fish and allows each
   tank to be undisturbed during harvesting, even if the space usage is
   inefficient when the fish are fingerlings. [14]
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14>

Ideally the bio-mass of fish in the rearing tanks doesn't exceed 0.5
lbs/gallon, in order to reducing stress from crowding, efficiently feed the
fish and promote healthy growth. [14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14>
Disease and pest management

Although pesticides can normally be used to take care of insect on crops,
in an aquaponic system the use of pesticides would threaten the fish
ecosystem. On the other hand, if the fish acquire parasites or diseases,
therapeutants cannot be used as the plants would absorb them. [14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14> In order to
maintain the symbiotic relationship between the plants and the fish,
non-chemical methods such as traps, physical barriers and biological
control (such as parasitic wasps/ladybugs to control white flies/aphids)
should be used to control pests. [14]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-srac-14>
Economic viability

Aquaponics offers a diverse and stable polyculture system that allows
farmers to grow vegetables and raise fish at the same time. By having two
sources of profit, farmers can continue to earn money even if the market
for either fish or plants goes through a low cycle. [19]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:3-19> The flexibility
of an aquaponic system allows it to grow a large variety of crops including
ordinary vegetables, herbs, flowers and aquatic plants to cater to a broad
spectrum of consumers. [19]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:3-19> Herbs, lettuce
and speciality greens such as basil or spinach are especially well suited
for aquaponic systems due to their low nutritional needs. [19]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:3-19> For the growing
number of environmentally conscious consumers, products from aquaponic
systems are organic and pesticide free, whilst also leaving a small
environmental footprint. [19]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:3-19> Aquaponic
systems additionally are economically efficient due to low water usage,
effective nutrient cycling and needing little land to operate. [19]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:3-19> Because soil
isn't needed and only a little bit of water is required, aquaponic systems
can be set up in areas that have traditionally poor soil quality or
contaminated water. [19]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:3-19> More
importantly, aquaponic systems are usually free of weeds, pests and
diseases that would affect soil, which allows them to consistently and
quickly produce high quality crops to sell. [19]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-:3-19>
Current examples
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BackyardAqauponics@BAU.jpg>
Vegetable production part of the low-cost Backyard Aquaponics System
developed at Bangladesh Agricultural University
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_Agricultural_University>

The Caribbean island of Barbados <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbados>
created an initiative to start aquaponics systems at home, with revenue
generated by selling produce to tourists in an effort to reduce growing
dependence on imported food.

Dakota College at Bottineau
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakota_College_at_Bottineau> in Bottineau,
North Dakota <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottineau,_North_Dakota> has an
aquaponics program that gives students the ability to obtain a certificate
or an AAS degree in aquaponics.

In Bangladesh <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh>, the world's most
densely populated country
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states_and_dependent_territories_by_population_density>,
most farmers use agrochemicals <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrochemicals>
to enhance food production and storage life, though the country lacks
oversight on safe levels of chemicals in foods for human consumption.[30]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-30> To combat this
issue, a team led by M.A. Salam at the Department of Aquaculture of Bangladesh
Agricultural University
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_Agricultural_University> has
created plans for a low-cost aquaponics system to provide organic produce
and fish for people living in adverse climatic conditions such as the
salinity-prone southern area and the flood-prone haor
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haor> area in the eastern region.[31]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-31>[32]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-32> Salam's work
innovates a form of subsistence farming
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsistence_agriculture> for
micro-production goals at the community and personal levels whereas design
work by Chowdhury and Graff was aimed exclusively at the commercial level,
the latter of the two approaches take advantage of economies of scale
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economies_of_scale>.

With more than a third of Palestinian agricultural lands in the Gaza Strip
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_Strip> turned into a buffer zone by
Israel, an aquaponic gardening system is developed appropriate for use on
rooftops in Gaza City <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_City>.[33]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-33>

The Smith Road facility in Denver started pilot program of aquaponics to
feed 800 to 1000 inmates at Denver Jail and neighboring downtown facility
which consist of 1,500 inmates and 700 officers.

In Malaysia Alor Gajah, Melaka, Organization ‘Persatuan Akuakutur Malaysia’
takes innovative approach in aquaponics by growing Lobster in aquaponics.
[34] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-34>

VertiFarms in New Orleans targets corporate rooftops for vertical farming,
accruing up to 90 corporate clients for rooftop vertical farming in 2013.
[35] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-35>

Windy Drumlins Farm in Wisconsin redesigns aquaponic-solar greenhouse for
extreme weather conditions which can endure extremely cold climate.[36]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-36>

Volunteer operation in Nicaragua “Amigos for Christ” manages its plantation
for feeding 900+ poverty-stricken school children by using nutrients from
aquaponics method.[37]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-37>

Aquaponics in India aims to provide aspiring farmers with aquaponics
solutions for commercial and backyard operation. [38]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-38>

Verticulture in Bedstuy utilizes old Pfizer manufacturing plant for
producing basil in commercial scale through aquaponics, yielding 30-40
pounds of basil a week.[39]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-39>

Aquaponics startup Edenworks in New York expands to full-scale commercial
facility, which will generate 130,000 pounds of greens and 50,000 pounds of
fish a year. [40] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-40>

There has been a shift towards community integration of aquaponics, such as
the nonprofit foundation Growing Power
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growing_Power> that offers Milwaukee
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee> youth job opportunities and
training while growing food for their community. The model has spawned
several satellite projects in other cities, such as New Orleans where the
Vietnamese fisherman community has suffered from the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepwater_Horizon_oil_spill>, and in
the South Bronx <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Bronx> in New York City
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City>.[41]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-41>

Whispering Roots is a non-profit organization in Omaha, Nebraska
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omaha,_Nebraska> that provides fresh,
locally grown, healthy food for socially and economically disadvantaged
communities by using aquaponics, hydroponics and urban farming
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_farming>.[42]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-42>[43]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-43>

In addition, aquaponic gardeners from all around the world are gathering in
online community sites and forums to share their experiences and promote
the development of this form of gardening[44]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-44> as well as creating
extensive resources on how to build home systems.

Recently, aquaponics has been moving towards indoor production systems. In
cities like Chicago, entrepreneurs are utilizing vertical designs to grow
food year round. These systems can be used to grow food year round with
minimal to no waste.[45]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-45>

There are various modular systems made for the public that utilize
aquaponic systems to produce organic vegetables and herbs, and provide
indoor decor at the same time.[46]
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-46> These systems can
serve as a source of herbs and vegetables indoors. Universities are
promoting research on these modular systems as they get more popular among
city dwellers.[47] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#cite_note-47>
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-
- Some important talks on pest management (বালাই দমন সংক্রান্ত জরুরি কিছু
কথা
<http://www.sangbad.com.bd/?view=details&type=gold&data=Study&pub_no=964&menu_id=23&news_type_id=1&val=90963>).
In Bengali <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_language>. The Sangbad
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sangbad>, 29 January 2011
-
- Fish & vegetable culture through aqaponics technology (এ্যাকোয়াপনিক্স
প্রযুক্তিতে মাছ-সবজি চাষ
<http://www.dailyjanakantha.com/news_view.php?nc=51&dd=2012-01-28&ni=84878/>).
In Bengali <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_language>. The Daily
Janakantha <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakantha>, January 28, 2011
-
- Innovation of a BAU researcher: "Aquaponics technology" three times
production without any cost (বাকৃবি গবেষকের উদ্ভাবন 'একোয়াপনিক্স
প্রযুক্তি' খরচ ছাড়াই উৎপাদন তিন গুণ
<http://www.kalerkantho.com/?view=details&type=gold&data=Economics&pub_no=772&cat_id=1&menu_id=56&news_type_id=1&index=13&archiev=yes&arch_date=25-01-2012/>).
In Bengali <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_language>. The Daily
Kalerkantho <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaler_kantho>, January 25, 2011
-
- Rooftop gardens provide 'answer for Gaza'
<http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/07/rooftop-gardens-provide-answer-gaza-201474123655983775.html>.
Al Jazeera, 24 January 2015
-
- "Denver jail sustainably growing food through aquaponics – The Denver
Post"
<http://www.denverpost.com/2014/10/19/denver-jail-sustainably-growing-food-through-aquaponics/>.
Retrieved 2017-04-17.
-
- "Idealists in Action  » VertiFarms"
<http://blog.en.idealist.org/tag/vertifarms/>. *blog.en.idealist.org
<http://blog.en.idealist.org>*. Retrieved 2017-04-17.
-
- "Our Commercial Aquaponics Students - Friendly Aquaponics"
<https://www.friendlyaquaponics.com/our-successful-friends/>. *Friendly
Aquaponics*. Retrieved 2017-04-17.
-
- "Our Commercial Aquaponics Students - Friendly Aquaponics"
<https://www.friendlyaquaponics.com/our-successful-friends/>. *Friendly
Aquaponics*. Retrieved 2017-04-17.
-
- "Services | Aquaponics In India" <http://aquaponicsinindia.com/services/>.
*Aquaponics In India*. Retrieved 2017-04-17.
-
- "In a Brooklyn aquaponic farm, basil grown with tilapia is the future"
<http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/15/11937882/verticulture-aquaponic-farm-brooklyn-fish-poop-fertilizer>.
*The Verge*. 2016-06-15. Retrieved 2017-04-17.
-
- Magee, Christine. "Edenworks Is Building The Future Of Food On Urban
Rooftops"
<http://social.techcrunch.com/2015/09/01/edenworks-is-building-the-future-of-food-on-urban-rooftops/>.
*TechCrunch*. Retrieved 2017-04-17.
-
- Harris, L. Kasimu. "Aquaponics being taught in Vietnamese community"
<http://www.louisianaweekly.com/aquaponics-being-taught-in-vietnamese-community/>.
Louisiana Weekly. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
-
- "Mission | Whispering Roots"
<http://whisperingroots.org/?page_id=7>. *whisperingroots.org
<http://whisperingroots.org>*. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
-
- Lee, Cheril. "Kids and Collaboration"
<http://www.thereader.com/index.php/comments/kris_denton/>. Retrieved 25
August 2013.
-
- "Fish farming in a high-rise world"
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17861710>. *BBC News US & Canada*.
April 29, 2012. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
-
- "Aquaponic farming operations taking root"
<http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-05-25/news/ct-x-c-fish-farming-0525-20110525_1_meatpacking-plant-farming-aquaponic>.
*Chicago Tribune*. May 25, 2011. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
-
- "Aquaponics systems that makes you self sustained for food"
<http://smallgarden-ideas.com/aquaponics-systems>. *Small Garden Ideas*.
Retrieved 2016-01-02.
-

   1. "The Indoor Aquaponics Farm"
   <http://spectrum.ieee.org/green-tech/buildings/the-indoor-aquaponics-farm>.
   Retrieved June 3, 2013.

External links
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikiversity-logo.svg> Wikiversity has
learning resources about *Basic aquaponics system (DIY)
<https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Basic_aquaponics_system_%28DIY%29>*
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg> Wikimedia Commons has
media related to *Aquaponics
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Aquaponics>*.

   - DIY aquaponics videos (Treehugger)
   <http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/diy-aquaponics-a-video-roundup.html>
   - Worlds Largest Aquaponics System by Tom Duncan
   <http://aquabiofilter.com>
   - Aquaponics Innovation Center
   
<http://www.uwsp.edu/cols-ap/aquaponics/Pages/Aquaponic-Innovation-Center-.aspx>
   - Build a vertical aquaponic veggie & fish farm for small yards & houses.
   
<http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-vertical-aquaponic-veggie-fish-farm-for-/>
   - Open Source Aquaponics <http://aquaponicslab.org/projects/>
   - Aquaponics Ideas <https://aquaponicsideas.com>
   - Introduction to Aquaponics Video (28.12 minutes)
   
<https://www.endlessfoodsystems.com/introduction-aquaponics-free-online-class/>

[show <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#>]

   - v <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Hydroculture>
   - t <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Hydroculture>
   - e
   
<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Hydroculture&action=edit>

Hydroculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroculture>
[show <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#>]
Wild fisheries <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_fisheries>

[hide <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#>]
Aquaculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture> and farmed fisheries
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmed_fisheries>

Aquaculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture>

   - Aquaculture engineering
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_engineering>
   - Aquaponics
   - Best practices
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_Aquaculture_Practices_%28BAP%29>
   - Copper alloys
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_alloys_in_aquaculture>
   - Fisheries and aquaculture research institutes
   
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Fisheries_and_aquaculture_research_institutes>
   - Geothermal energy and aquaculture
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_energy_and_aquaculture>
   - Inland saline <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inland_saline_aquaculture>
   - Integrated multi-trophic
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_multi-trophic_aquaculture>
   - Mariculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariculture>
   - Antimicrobials
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobials_in_aquaculture>
   - Offshore <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offshore_aquaculture>
   - Organic <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_aquaculture>
   - Raceway <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raceway_%28aquaculture%29>
   - Recirculating
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recirculating_aquaculture_system>


Fish farming <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_farming>

   - Broodstock <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broodstock>
   - Catfish <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_of_catfish>
   - Cobia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_of_cobia>
   - Fish diseases and parasites
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_diseases_and_parasites>
   - Fish farming <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_farming>
   - Fish feed <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_fish_feed>
   - Fish hatchery <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_hatchery>
   - Fish stocking <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_stocking>
   - Spawning bed <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spawning_bed>
   - Salmon <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_of_salmon>
   - Tilapia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_of_tilapia>
   - Tailwater <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tailwater>
   - US hatcheries
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Fish_Hatchery_System>


Algaculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algaculture>

   - Giant kelp <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_of_giant_kelp>
   - Microalgae
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_microalgae_in_hatcheries>
   - Microalgal bacterial flocs
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microalgal_bacterial_flocs>
   - Photobioreactor <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photobioreactor>
   - Raceway pond <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raceway_pond>
   - Seaweed <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaweed_farming>


Other species

   - Brine shrimp
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_of_brine_shrimp>
   - Coral <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_aquaculture>
   - Freshwater prawns
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshwater_prawn_farming>
   - Geoduck <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoduck_aquaculture>
   - Hirudiculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirudiculture>
   - Marine shrimp <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_shrimp_farming>
   - Octopus <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopus_aquaculture>
   - Oysters <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyster_farming>
   - Scallops <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scallop_aquaculture>
   - Sea cucumber
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_of_sea_cucumbers>
   - Sea sponges <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_sponge_aquaculture>
   - Turtles <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turtle_farming>


By country

   - Alaska <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_in_Alaska>
   - Australia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_in_Australia>
   - Canada <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_in_Canada>
   - Chile <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_in_Chile>
   - China <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_in_China>
   - New Zealand <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_in_New_Zealand>
   - South Africa
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_in_South_Africa>
   - South Korea <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture_in_South_Korea>

[show <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#>]

   - v <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Fisheries_and_fishing>
   - t <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Fisheries_and_fishing>
   - e
   
<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Fisheries_and_fishing&action=edit>

Fisheries <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishery> and fishing
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing> topic areas
[show <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics#>]

   - v <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Horticulture_and_gardening>
   - t
   <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Horticulture_and_gardening>
   - e
   
<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Horticulture_and_gardening&action=edit>

Horticulture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horticulture> and gardening
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardening>
Categories <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Category>:

   - Aquaculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Aquaculture>
   - Hydroculture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hydroculture>
   - Hydroponics <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hydroponics>
   - Aquaponics <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Aquaponics>