DIY
Aquaponics system ensures regular supply of fresh, healthy, organic
fruits, vegetables and fish to the family and also enables to save
considerable amount of money. Instead of buying the readymade systems
those who opt for the DIY system are able to save up to 75% of the
cost. Moreover those who opt for the DIY system can learn more about
aquaponics and can have the satisfaction of managing the aquaponics
system independently.
The
fundamental aspects of the aquaponics system are that water flows
from the fish tank to the grow bed and again sent back to the fish
tank and re-circulated. The fish species are nurtured in the fish
tank and the plants are nurtured in the grow bed. The basic fact
about aquaponics is that in this method the plants are grown without
using soil. The plants receive constant supply of nutrients and water
from the fish tank. Farm produce from the plants and fish from the
fish tank are the benefits one can get from aquaponics systems. This
is an organic way of farming. Hence no chemicals, pesticides,
herbicides and fertilizers are used in this method. Mainly,
vegetables, fruits, leafy vegetables and herbs are cultivated using
this method.
Primary components
Those
who want to try the DIY aquaponics system will find it very simple
and easy. Moreover, in due course, one can easily change the design,
expand the system or make necessary adjustments so as to meet
specific requirements. While making the aquaponics system, one can
decide the size of the system and accordingly arrange for the
materials.
There
are a few components that are common for all designs, types and
sizes. The common components are fish tank, garden, sump tank and
pump. The fish tank is used for growing fish. The fish waste from the
fish tank is pumped into the garden in order to nourish the plants.
The plants are grown in the garden. The garden has its own
watering system and water and nutrients are supplied to the garden
from the fish tank. The sump tank is at the lo-west level in an
aquaponics system. Prior to re-circulation the water is collected in
the sump tank from the garden. The pump directs the flow of water in
an aquaponics system from one part to the other.
Secondary components
The
secondary components that are required to make the DIY aquaponics
system include air pumps, tubes, plant trays, media and timers.
Filters, fish and plants are the final requirements of the system.
Location
In
case the DIY aquaponics system is to be kept indoors, 5-6 hours
sunlight is essential every day. Hence any place inside the house is
suitable provided, there is sufficient sunlight. In case of
inadequate sunlight, a hydroponic grow light may be provided. Garage,
basement, front room, spare room and kitchen are the usual locations
for indoor aquaponics systems. When the DIY aquaponics system is for
the outdoors, the backyard is the ideal location. Veranda, porch and
balcony are also suitable locations for aquaponics system.
Fish,
crayfish and prawns are the usual aquatic animals that can be grown
in the DIY aquaponics system.
