Amazing Benefits and Types of Aquaponic Systems For Growing Food

Do you know you can grow your food at your home table? If your answer is no then let’s have a Look!

Food is very important for all living beings. A healthy and good nutrient food is an important part of healthy living and healthy lifestyle. 

Today most people use chemicals and pesticides for food promotion. Pesticides are used for killing insects and weeds from the soil, water, crop, and other vegetation. But on the other hand, these pesticides are very harmful and also called a toxic substance. It can also toxic to organisms like fish, bird and beneficial insects.

But there is a solution through you can save these entire organisms and grow your food i.e. Aquaponics. 

Aquaponics is a system which combines fish farming and crop cultivation. Yes with the help of this latest technology you can easily get the healthy and nutrient food without any use of pesticides. Aquaponics system depends upon aquaculture. This includes fish, snails, earthworm and other organisms. It is a much better system for commercial use and home grading.

In short, this system gives good harvesting result for aquaculture and crops. There are three main types of Aquaponics system used for food production and crop cultivation.

Let’s have a Look!

# 1 NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)

In Nutrient film technique, plants are grown in channels with a nutrient solution. The roots of plants are not completely submerged in the water. In this process, the water of the fish tank is filtered and passes throughout the bottom of the pipe in a small film. The nutrient-filled water pumped into the trough at the upper end of the plant. The water continuously flows down to the other root systems and back into the water tank. 

This method is only suitable for growing leafy plants and vegetable. And other large root systems like apple and tomatoes need more nutrients.

It’s Benefits:

·        It continuously purifies the water.

·        Roots are easily submerged and have access to sufficient oxygen.

 # 2 Media Bed system 

This is one of the easiest aquaponic food production systems. It is also known as a media-based system or gravel bed system. This system uses a variety of growing material such as river rocks, gravel, Rockwool, clay balls, etc. This process allows the cultivation of larger flowering and fruiting plants. This includes tomatoes, cucumber, and many other large root plants. 

It’s Benefits:

·        Simple system and relatively inexpensive for food cultivation.

·        Same like ordinary gardening.

·        It allows all type of Food cultivation fruity plants and leafy plants.

·        Wasting water easily reaches to the bottom tray through the purification process.

·        Suitable for home gardening.

# 3 Raft aquaponic Food production system 

It is an ecological and sustainable process of healthy food production without using soil. This process is the combination of aquacultures like snails, fish, crayfish, and prawns. 

This process is also known as Deepwater culture system It is a system in which the waste produced by fish, snails and other animals supply bio nutrient to plants. Plants are grown with purifying the water for the fishes in which the roots are directly suspended to the nutrient water. Moreover, it also creates a perfect environment for the growth and development of fish.

It’s Benefits:

·        A high productive a system with fewer labour requirements.

·        Most nutrients are exposed to roots and produce healthy food.

A simple and economical method as compare to other aquaponic systems.

How You Can Grow Food With The Help of Hydroponic?

Food is very necessary for living. But, in today's fast life everyone tries to find shortcut ways for fulfilling their needs and requirements. Food production is a business. Nowadays, pesticides and other chemical are used to grow vegetables and fruits. A large quantity of food and vegetables needs to be grown quickly to feed the growing population. 

These pesticides and other chemicals are very harmful to the environment and body. This is known for producing dangerous diseases. To prevent environment and yourself from all of the toxic materials, the idea of homegrown food and vegetables is considered very well. 

You can grow good and healthy food at your home with the help of Hydroponic shop. Yes, hydroponics is the nature and hydroculture process of growing food without soil by instead using natural nutrient and minerals. There are a lot of civilizations that use different hydroponic systems and techniques for growing food. These systems make use of less water and space to grow the plants. 

Here are several types of hydroponic system

Six basic methods are used for soilless gardening. Every method has a different function but in all of the systems, the plants receive their nutrients in the form of water. 

System# 1 Wicking 

This is one of the easiest hydroponic systems. Wicking system is passive, there is no need for pumping. A wick stands for the piece of rope. This brings water and nutrients to the root of the plant. This system only grows a small number of plants. 

System# 2 Drip growing

Drip growing hydroponics system is the most common form of hydroponics. This is often used for commercial gardening. It recirculating or recycling the excess amount of nutrient from the reservoir and use timer pump. This pump drips the nutrient solution with the help of a small drip line to the base of plants. 

System# 3 Deepwater culture and Aquaponic system 

It is an ecological and sustainable process of healthy food production without using soil. This process is the combination of aquacultures like snails, fish, crayfish, and prawns. 

It is a system in which the waste produced by fish, snails and other animals supplies bio nutrient to plants. Plants are grown with purifying the water for the fishes in which the roots are directly suspended to the nutrient water. Moreover, it also creates a perfect environment for the growth and development of fish.

System# 4 Ebb and Flow/ Flow and Drain system 

In this process, the plant roots are systematically grown in a few days with the help of the nutrient solution. Flow and drain hydroponic system have drain gravity. Moreover, it is used to drain the solution and pump supply the oxygen. This system uses a variety of growing material such as rocks, gravel, Rockwool, etc.   

System# 5 Nutrient Film Technique

In Nutrient film technique, plants are grown in channels with a nutrient solution. The roots of plants are not completely submerged in the water. In this process, the nutrient-filled water pumped into the trough at the upper end of the plant. The water continuously flows down to the other root systems and back into the water tank. 

System# 6 Aeroponics system

The Aeroponics system is also used to grow the fresh veggies and fruits on your table. In this system, the roots are not suspended in water instead of hanging in the air. These plants get nutrient water through the enclosed space and spared as a mist. 

How Canna Coco Will Be Beneficial For Plant Growth in Hydroponic

While growing plants and vegetables in a hydroponic system, you try to find different methods to better yield. It is however important that you use the right nutrition for the better growth and development of the plants. By using the right nutrition products you can get a better intake of your plants. Canna Coco is one of the best nutritional elements that you can provide your plants in a hydroponic system. It will provide you a better yield and faster growth of the plants in the hydroponic system. This nutrition is not only environmentally friendly but also promotes healthy growth of the vegetables which is ready to eat.  There are so many benefits of using this nutrition such as it gives you better yield and better quantity of vegetables and flowers.

Here is how this nutrient will be beneficial for plant growth in hydroponics.

It improves better yield

This is a perfect nutrition that helps in stimulating the growth of the flowers and this also provides you better yield for your plants. This is one of the best nutrients that will help you to get maximum results. This will make your hydroponic system yield even more successful. It will also help you to get the better quality of vegetables and flowers that will make your yield even healthy.

It promotes growth in all kind

This is not only suitable for the growth of the flowers but also suitable for the growth of vegetables. You just need to make sure that you don’t add a large quantity of this as it can give you a negative impact to the hydroponic plants. You can also use a spray to ensure that you are adding the right amount of nutrition on the plants.

Gives a better yield

As you know this nutrition improves the growth of the plants in the hydroponic system. If you are looking for the different ways to get better yield, then you should definitely try this nutrient. This will give you better results and help you to maximum benefits. Using this nutrient will give you the desirable growth that you are always looking for.

Better quality and quantity

One of the best parts using this nutrition is that it gives you the best quality of flowers and vegetables. The vegetables are fresh and they are ready to eat after harvesting. After using this nutrition, you will notice a large number of vegetables. This will help you to get the highest quality of products. The output after using this nutrition is unbelievable. 

What Are the Different Things to Grow In the Hydroponic System?

If you want to grow your plants in the hydroponics system, then you must know that it is a confusing process in the start but once you know it what you need to do then it will be easy for you to grow any plants in the hydroponic system.. The main agenda behind the hydroponic system is to remove the barrier of oxygen, nutrients, and water. There are so many benefits of growing plants in a hydroponic system such as it reduces the cost and it also creates an artificial environment that provides all the important plant's nutrients. If you want a successful plant growth, then you must use the right product hydroponic. Many people don’t know anything about the hydroponic system and even they don’t know what exactly it is and how it works. There are many people who still don’t know what kinds of plants can grow in the hydroponic system. For your own benefit, we have the list of things that can grow in a hydroponic system.

Flowers

Well! Yes, we can grow flowers in your hydroponic system. There are so many flowers like carnations, gerbera daisies or lisianthus can grow well in the hydroponic system. You can easily able to grow these flowers with seeds. If you want to, you can cut these flowers or you can also easily transplant this.

Catnip

As a matter of fact, catnip can grow very well in a hydroponic system as it needs full sun or partial shade. You will be shocked to know this but catnip can grow up to 3-5 feet tall. Catnip comes in the mint family and you can easily grow this with the help of seeds, stem cutting, and rootball division. If you want to grow this with seed, then you must wait till late or early in the spring.

Herbs

Many people don’t know this but growing herbs in the hydroponic system give you much more advantage than soil. As a matter of fact, without soil, the roots of the herbs receive nutrients immediately. If you are growing herbs in the hydroponics system then it will eliminate the stress of overwatering or under watering. Growing herbs in the hydroponic system will be fresh and you can also enjoy all year benefits. The best part is you don’t have to take any stress on soil-borne diseases.

Lavender

Most of the people just love lavender as it looks beautiful and it has a sweet fragrance when dried. If you are the one that just loves lavender then you grow this in a hydroponic system. There are certain factors that you must consider while growing hydroponic system such as it requires 6 hours of full sunlight and you need to mix some gravel to increase the drainage. If you are growing lavender in the hydroponic system, then make sure you don’t use too much fertilizer.

Rosemary

You can also grow rosemary in the hydroponic system. The fragrance of the rosemary is quite enchanting and some you can put it in your dish to make it even more delicious. You really need to have good patience when it comes to growing rosemary as the seed takes 4-8 weeks to germinate. If you want to transplant rosemary then you need to wait for 3-4 weeks. 

How to Eliminate Algae from Your Aquaponics System

Now many homeowners prefer the Aquaponics system as it is the easiest way to grow plants. It is also very easy to maintain once you know what exactly you need to do. Unlike hydroponics, you don’t need chemical nutrients for the plants. There are so many environmental benefits of using this system as it requires 90% of less water than farming and it doesn’t require any harmful fertilizers to grow. However, there are so many things that you need to consider while growing plants in this system. If you are staying in Australia, then you might know Aquaponics Australia is the easiest way to grow plants and animal. Algae are one of the most common problems that every aquaponic owner faces. As you know, this would be quite frustrating and annoying. Algae can hamper the whole system and it can also cause various physical problems. If only occur when oxygen consumption is almost dead in the system. This will hamper the growth of the plants so make sure that you don’t have algae in your system. If you notice that algae are growing in your system then the very first thing you need to do is remove all the plants from the system.

Here are some tips that you need to do to eliminate the algae from your system.

Shading

If you want to remove algae from your system, then the very first thing that you need to do is shading. It is also one of the easiest methods to remove algae from the system. As you know, green algae need light to grow and reproduce, so all you need to do is cover the whole system in dark colored clothes. You can also paint the whole system in transparent white so that you can stop the growth of algae from inside. This is one of the best ways where you can stop the growth of the algae in your system.

Mechanical filtration

Mechanical filtration is another way to remove algae from your system. This is quite an expensive method but once you do it, you can get long-run benefits. Many people might don’t know what mechanical filtration is, it includes filters, screen, vortex, and centrifugal settlement equipment. This is the best solution to remove algae in no time. You don’t need to worry about anything as mechanical filtration will clean algae very easily.

Nutrient Removal

You can easily prevent the growth of algae by adjusting the system’s pump. By doing this you can adjust the flow of the water and this will also prevent the growth of algae. You need to the water level so high that the plants roots reach the water and low enough to support the plants root. This is the perfect way to eliminate the growth of algae in the system.

Other techniques

There are so many techniques you can use to eliminate the growth of algae such as Ultraviolet, barley straw and lots more. You can also add humic acid to darken your system. If you are adding humic acid in your system, then it can also help for the growth of your plants. This is one of the most important nutrients for your fish and plants and this will also decrease the growth of algae. So adding humic acid in your system is a must. 

5 Surprising Facts about Aquaponics that You Need to Know

Sustainable techniques for agriculture are getting increasingly popular these days thanks to the benefits of the numerous benefits it has to offer. These days’ hydroponics and Aquaponics have become quite popular among the farmers as they have tremendous benefits. Talking about Aquaponics it is one of the most preferred sustainable methods of growing plants.

Aquaponics is referred to as aquaculture that is done through a combination of hydroponics and growing aquatic animals like fish together. Here the two work in symbiosis with each other. While the plants feed on the waste that is released by the aquatic animals the plants help in cleaning the water for the survival of the aquatic creatures. Other than that the microorganisms also play a crucial role in providing an adequate amount of nutrition to the plant. The roots accumulate into the roots of the plant and help in converting the organic waste from the fish into something that can be utilized by the plants. Therefore the ultimate result from it is very healthy It has a great future for the organic culture of plants.

The fish are raised in tanks and plants are cultured without using soil. With its growing popularity, there are a number of facts associated with it. Let’s discuss some of the facts about Aquaponics here.

•   Aquaponics has been practised since centuries

It might seem like Aquaponics has gained popularity recently but you must know that it has been practised for centuries. The system was introduced in Mexico and Southern China 1000 of years ago that was used to grow crops that were fertilized with animals like ducks, fish, etc.

      •   The plants can be grown all year

In case of indoor Aquaponics, you can grow plants all year round which is a great option to grow plants in very drastic and extremely harsh conditions. In countries where the climate does not allow growing certain plants, Aquaponic system can be used to grow these plants conveniently.

•   It is an energy efficient option

Aquaponics is definitely one of the most sustainable and organic methods of growing plants out there.     There are several benefits of using Aquaponics as it is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to grow plants. It only needs electrical energy to run the system and you do not require supplying fertilizers for growth which makes the entire system very energy efficient.

•   It is a water-efficient technique

As the name says it might seem like that the system needs a lot of water, however, it is not the case contrary to the belief it needs very less water as compared to the plants grown on land.  Moreover, in the case of the Aquaponic system, there is no runoff water which means that the water is not wasted and recirculated in the system. However, water is still added in order to replace the water lost from natural processes like evaporation and transpiration.

•   Grow different types of crops

Different type of crops can be grown in the Aquaponic system which is a great option if you are looking forward to growing diverse crops. Plants like beans, broccoli, peas, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, and many more can be grown using the system very efficiently.

Buying Tips of Plant Nutrients For The Hydroponic System

Just like you need foods to survive, your plants need nutrients in order to grow and survive. While you have a hydroponic system without plants nutrients you cannot grow or nourish your plants. It is important for your plants to get the best nutrients in your hydroponic system. 

Looking for hydroponic nutrients is not that easy as there are lots of nutrient packages are available in the market like Canna Coco, Maxigro, and Maxibloom. You need to take care of certain tips before buying them.

Types

If you are looking to buy which is super easy to use then you should go for liquid fertilizer. The only problem is they are higher in price. If pricing is the only issue then you should go for power or dry form which is very affordable. These dry and powder nutrients have a longer life as they do not contain water in them. They are normally used in the large system as they are reasonable in rate so that you can use it in larger quantity. It requires enough skills as you can create and custom the powder.

Convenient

As you know this already that it is easy to buy and at an affordable cost so that’s the only reason nutrients are the perfect choice for your hydroponic system. You don’t need to add any premix or worry about different plants grow. However, it is recommended that don’t give plants the full potential for growth. While buying a good solution, you need to purchase 3 parts of nutrients so that you can customize it in your own way.

All-Purpose Organic Products

Multi-purpose nutrients are the one which works for soil and hydroponic system. In order to get the best results, you need to buy the nutrients which are specially made for the hydroponic system. You need to opt for the one which is high in quality, easy-to-use and affordable. Choose the products from the trusted brand and works well for all plants growth and phases.

Organic

Now, people are more concern about using organic nutrients in their hydroponic system. Organic products are one of the best nutrients for plants and their health. Only a skilled person can able to deal with organic nutrients. Make sure that you are using organic nutrients because products like Gen Organics which are not 100% organic. The organic nutrients for your Hydroponic system will work great.

4 Major Disadvantages of Using Hydroponic

Hydroponic is a process where you can grow plants through water based which has nutrient-rich solutions. One of the best parts about this, you don’t need soil. The root system is supported through the medium of perlite, Rockwool, clay pellets and vermiculture. This allows that the plant's roots to come in contact with direct nutrients which is essential for plant growth.

As you know that, this system has so many advantages but it also has some major drawback. One of the major drawbacks is that quality hydroponics systems of any size will cost more than the soil, so a maximum number of people can’t afford this process. This also takes time to set up if you are not an experienced grower and managing this will also take time.

We have listed below some of the major disadvantages of using hydroponic

It Required Time and Commitment

If you choose this system, then you need to give a lifetime commitment to get maximum benefits. On the other hand, if you choose soil borne counterparts then you don’t care about your plants for more than 3 weeks without any tension. As you know soil has a natural element that helps in balancing if something is absent. But in case of hydroponics plants tends to die quickly, if you are not taking care of it properly. Your plants are totally depended upon you for its nutrients and survival. You need to take care of the whole process during installation and after a few months; you can keep it in automated mode. However, you have to check your system to prevent unnecessary issues.

It Required Experience and Technical Knowledge

Before installing, you need to know that you are running a system with requires many types of equipment. You need to have proper knowledge about this so that you can have a successful plant growth. You also need to see which plants can grow in the soilless environment. If you commit any kind of mistakes while running this system, then it may result in ruining the whole process.

Electricity Risk

In this system, all you need to use is water and electricity. You need to beware of the electricity which is in the combination of water in close proximity and be safe while handling them, especially in the commercial greenhouse.

Initial Expenses

You need to make up your mind that you will be selling more than a hundred dollars which depends upon your garden scale. You also need to purchase various equipment in your first installment and you also need containers, lights, pump, and timers. Once the system is installed in right place, then it will gradually reduce the cost. Only the cost of electricity and water is added.

How To Avoid Fungus In Your Hydroponic System

Hydroponic is a method where you grow plants without the help of soil. If you are wondering how plant roots will receive nutrients then the plants get nutrition solutions which are generally pumped into the roots.  The process of providing plants nutrition to hydroponics and aquaponics are same but they have a distinct difference. If you love gardening and you don’t have time for gardening then you should definitely go through these methods. But, the problem is growing of fungus on your hydroponic system. You have to take control of the fungus even before its spreading.

We have compiled a list of tips to avoid fungus on your hydroponic system.

Clean Slope

While handling the slope you need to take care of the fungus.  The tray can be kept in a gentle slope if you have been using hydroponic fodder. So that the water keeps on moving, protecting your system from fungus. Along with fungus you will also have to avoid mosquitoes because they multiply in water. To keep them at bay you shouldn’t use dormant water. Make sure the drainage system is good.

Temperature

You need to control temperature so that fungus won’t grow. Fungus prefers to grow in a warm temperature so you have to make your hydroponic system cool. You can use a fan, thermostats, and thermometers. Ensure that you keep the temperature at an average of 21-degree centigrade. There is another effective way where you can control temperature is through shade net. They will not provide you with the exact temperature control but it can be an effective measure where you can control fungus.

Hygiene

Hygiene is another factor where you can control fungus to grow. If you are using hydroponic then you need to change the water every 3 days. You need to use fresh water so that your plants and fish won’t die. You also need to clean the tray before planting the seed. If you want to you can use a bleach solution or clean it in soap. As far as possible keep the door closed because lots of flies and insects also spread the fungus.

What is Canna Coco? How to use it for maximum output?

Canna Coco is basically a line of substrate and nutrients which are developed for plants that grow in coco. It yields healthy and high yielding plants. It is completely organic and provides the plants a perfect airy and light rooting environment which is ideal for healthy and strong. These plants are free from dangerous viruses, soil problems, and weeds

Canna Coco was the first cultivation product line for coco.  These days it is the most widely practiced nutrient line used by professionals as well as hobbyists.

Make the perfect use of Canna Coco

Plant nutrients are highly costly and the complexity that involves in the hydroponic system is why most of the plant growers are turning to Canna Coco to meet their personal requirements. The potting system involved in the hydroponic system is too messy as you need to regulate the water, canna can be a perfect replacement.

High yields

The roots of a plant need air as much as the water. According to a research, more air leads to better and more intensive rooting. Ultimately the use of fertilizers is relatively reduced to around 6-10%. If the rooting system is quick and intensive, it means the roots are absorbing water and the nutrients.

Water saturation leads to lower growth

Canna Coco is made up of capillary micro-sponges that retain 100% of their own weight in the water. Coco is being used to retain the buffer of the nutrients and water. For better output is always recommended to keep the medium on the dry side rather making it very wet. This is because wet conditions are ideal for the growth of fungi which results in crop diseases and damage.

A drier substrate will allow the roots to actively absorb more nutrients and water. As a result, the growth and yields are increased.

Other than that you shall also take care of the timing. Once the coco is too wet, then you should stop watering and let the coco dry and then normally start again. You can check the water content in the coco by using your hands or by lifting it up.

If you want to make the best use of the available nutrients and water, you should decrease the dripping frequency. At the same time it will also improve the drainage.

Water supply and evaporation is what will determine the frequency of watering.   Daily watering once a day is more than enough for a week, after that you shall increase it to two times a day, 2 hour after switching on the lamps and two hours before switching off the lamps.

If the plants have smaller roots then make sure to not let the coco dry as the smaller roots of plants tend to dry out the coco. Keep watering it from time to time.
Measuring the Coco

1:1.5 extraction method is the most reliable method to check the level of nutrients in the coco. You can also determine the EC and pH of the roots by this method.

What Is Canna Rhizotonic 1l and How Is It Beneficial For Your Hydroponic System

It is a long known and proven fact that hydroponics is more productive, safe and eco-friendly when compared to the traditional agriculture practices. In hydroponics, the growth of plants depends on quality and accuracy in the proportion of nutrients. Plants are likely to die in the absence of the ideal root environment.

Canna Rhizotonic 1l is 100% natural high vitamin rich stimulator used to enhance the root environment. You must purchase and use this supplement when you are shipping or re-potting plants. Canna Rhizotonic boosts the growth of unhealthy or poorly developed plants.

    

What Are the Benefits of Canna Rhizotonic 1l?

Following are the benefits of using canna Rhizotonic:

Stimulates Growth of New Roots on Transplants and Cuttings

This supplement not only stimulates the growth of already rooted plants but also stimulates the growth of new roots on transplants and cuttings. Essential vitamins such as B1 & B2 and other elements boost the production of hormones responsible for the growth of the root. The result is a white beautiful root.  

       

Boosts the Process of Germination

Use this supplement when you are soaking seeds prior to planting. Canna Rhizotonic softens up the skin of seed and makes it easier to germinate

.      

Enhances Overall Plan Growth

Production depends on the healthy growth of the plant. There are some chemical reactions going on in the nutrient solution. These reactions make the plant healthier, stronger and powerful. This supplement stimulates these reactions. Plants in the first few weeks are weak and vulnerable. Apart from stimulating root growth and improving the strength of plants, this supplement also increases resistance to diseases.

Boosts Recovery Process Cutting or Plant Subjected To Any Kind of Stress           

Spraying rhizotonic on leaves aids in quick recovery from stress situations such as re-potting and during transport. Plants in such situations are usually unhealthy and weak.

Raising pH level

Spraying rhizotonic on leaves raises the pH level in fertilizer tanks.

This supplement can be used during the entire growth cycle. From seed to harvest, canna rhizotonic is great for the healthy growth of the plant.

         

Storage and Health & Safety Guidelines 

1. Over-fertilization is harmful to the plant.
2. Keep it closed while storing and always store in a frost-proof and dark place.

3. Store in place children can’t reach.    

4. It is 100% natural and vegetable-based and therefore ideal to be used in all growing medias such as coco, potting mix and hydroponics.  

Aquaponics: An Innovative and Sustainable Method for Organic Crop Cultivation

Global warming is an alarming threat to natural resources and it is very important to look for eco-friendly methods that help in sustaining the environment. Large-scale farming, use of chemicals and pesticides has not only degraded the quality of agricultural products but has also degraded the quality of the soil. That is why it becomes imperative to look for options that are environment-friendly and sustainable.

Aquaponics is one such method that is widely used by farmers and agriculturists to get better quality products without degrading quality and productivity of the land. Aquaponic in Australia is widely used by organic farmers to increase the productivity without harming the environment and increase the sustainable organic crop production.

What is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics combines the use of aquaculture (cultivating fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without using soil) this involves growing of plants and fish together in an integrated system. Aquaponics utilizes the symbiotic combination of fish and plants in which the plants utilize the waste excreted by the fish to grow and on the other hand the plants clean up the water that is used by the fish.

 At the same time, microbial organisms (nitrifying bacteria) play a very important role in Aquaponics. They help in converting the ammonia from the waste discharged by the fish to nitrites and further into nitrates.  Further, the converted nitrates are taken up by the plants for growth. Solid wastes can also be converted into vermicompost that can be used by the plants as food.

Aquaponic holds a strong presence in the future for sustainable organic crop production, water preservation and fish culture. Furthermore, this type of indoor farming can be widely used by individuals, farmers, entrepreneurs, and government to save the environment.

Why is Aquaponic a game changer for sustainable organic crop production?

•    Aquaponics is based on an idea that involves recycling of water rich in nutrients without interruptions.

•    Aquaponics uses less water for cultivation which is 1/10th of what is used in soil based gardening and also lesser than what is used in hydroponics.

•    It effectively eliminates the growth of weed and unwanted insects.

•    It is a natural method for cultivation of crops. It eliminates the use of harmful chemicals like petrochemicals, insecticides, pesticides etc.

•    Crops cultivated through Aquaponics are organic, healthy, fresh and tastier.

•    Since there is no soil used in cultivation it eliminates the chances of any kind of soil-borne diseases.

•    You can put the Aquaponic system anywhere indoors, outdoors, in a greenhouse or in the basement depending on your choice.

•    You can control the temperature to cultivate the fish as well as grow the plants.

What can be grown in an Aquaponic System?

It is very important to select the fish and the plants for your Aquaponic system that have the same requirement of ph and temperature. Generally, warm and freshwater fish alongside leafy green veggies like cabbage, lettuce, greens, and herbs are best for Aquaponic culture. That being said you can grow other vegetables like beans, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and the list goes on and on.

Introduction of Preview Cuttings

We are showing you how easy it is to grow your own seeds in Cultilene rock wool and take cuttings from a master plant such as tomatoes. In this video we explain you step by step preview cuttings. You can watch our other related video on YouTube.

Starting Hydroponics with Wick System

Wick system is one of the six most popular hydroponics systems. The other five hydroponics systems are – EBB & Flow/Flood & Drain System, Nutrient Film Technique, water culture, drip system and aeroponics. This is the simplest hydroponic system as there is no moving part in it and hence requires no electricity or pump. Therefore, it is very useful in places where electricity is not available or if available, it is not adequate.

 

If you are new to hydroponics then it is better to start with wick system. Things you need for wick system are - a container for the plant, a container for the reservoir, a wicking growing media like coco coir, perlite or vermiculite and wicking rope. It is clear from the name; nutrient solution from the reservoir is wicked up to the plant using a process called the capillary action. A good wick system normally has more than one wick for supplying nutrient to the plant container. 

Despite being the simplest and easiest to learn, the wick system is not as efficient as other hydroponic systems. It is suitable for small and non-fruiting plants like lettuce and herbs only. Fruiting and larger plants require more nutrients and cannot be grown in this system. Another disadvantage is inefficient nutrient delivery. You cannot grow fruiting plants like tomato, peppers, as these plants are heavier feeders and nutrient supply by wicks is not sufficient for these plants. 

HydroponicsXpress is a useful resource for knowledge required for hydroponics. You can also purchase complete hydroponics kits for different systems.    

Wall Garden - Hydroponic Propagation

Here's the original Wall Garden bought to you by Aquaponics WA, Grow your own herbs, fruit and vegetables all year round in hydroponics. We also have a smaller stand alone system that you can take with you when you move.

Hydroponic Perth WA - Hydroponic Display Centre Canning Vale

Take a tour of Perth Hydroponics Xpress and Aquaponics WA massive showroom and display centre in Canning Vale, Western Australia.

Aquaponics Kit - Installation at Tuart Hill Primary School

Maurice van Aurich from Aquaponics WA explains the importance of using expanded clay in an aquaponics system and why round fish tanks are a better choice than square or rectangle. Expanded clay helps convert ammonia to nitrite then to nitrate which becomes available for healthy plant growth and in turn cleans the water to recycle back to the fish tank.