As the global population continues to grow at a rapid pace, the demand for food is also on the rise. However, due to a significant decrease in the availability of fertile land, aquaponics emerges as a potential solution – a method that involves cultivating both fish and vegetables in a cohesive soilless system.
Fishes are provided with food in such systems; bacteria break down their waste, which is then utilized to nourish the plants. Consequently, these plants purify the water that is circulated within the system.
How Does Aquaponics Work?
In regular fish tanks, waste accumulates and the water becomes harmful to the fish, thus necessitating the use of a filter or water disposal method. However, in aquaponics, fish waste serves as nourishment for plants.
Fishes depend on an energy source and necessitate protein-rich food. Fishes ingest food and generate waste. In this system, ammonia found in fish feces and urine is converted into nitrite by a Nitrosomonas bacterium. Nitrobacter then converts these nitrites into nitrates. The plants utilize this nitrogen. Hence, these beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in the aquaponics system.
It is recommended to choose fish that reach maturity quickly, such as crappie, white bass, tilapia, yellow perch, and barramundi. These species are popular because they can tolerate variations in temperature and oxygen levels, and they are relatively low-maintenance.
Plant Types
In aquaponics systems, a variety of plants, including fruit trees and potatoes, have been successfully cultivated. The choice of which plant to grow within the system is up to you, and you have the option to either plant seeds or plantlets.
Bacteria
The pump, water delivery system, organic matter, and walls are inhabited by nitrifying and heterotrophic bacteria. In order to encourage the growth of these bacteria, the fishes must be introduced first.
It is important to keep the pH, nitrite, ammonia, and nitrate levels in proper balance. If any of these levels are imbalanced, corrective measures must be taken. It is necessary to closely monitor the system initially in order to achieve complete recycling.
Hydroponics And Aquaponics
Both hydroponics and aquaponics are capable of promoting improved plant growth by utilizing nutrient-rich water with a sufficient oxygen supply. While both systems involve soilless methods of crop cultivation, they do differ in their approach. Aquaponics integrates a hydroponic setting alongside fish, whereas hydroponics operates without the requirement of animals.
The Four Factors For Choosing Aquaponics Fish
In order to select the appropriate fish for an aquaponics system, certain criteria must be considered. There is a wide range of options available, each with its own pros and cons. However, determining the suitable fish becomes simpler when considering the specific requirements of your system. Fortunately, choosing the fish is comparable to selecting the plants. Here are four essential inquiries to consider:
- What kind of environment will the fish live in?
- What are the operating costs?
- Are the fish for eating or not?
- Are the fish legal to raise in an aquaponics environment?
Using this useful list of criteria for selecting fish will assist you in narrowing down your options to a manageable category. Ultimately, there is a wide array of fish species and breeds available for you to choose from. Nonetheless, not all of them are suitable for fulfilling the requirements of your system.
Is it permissible for me to raise this fish within the bounds of the law?
Certain fish cannot be bred in some states due to their invasive nature if they are set free in the natural environment. If any fish in your system can be traced back to you, you may face a significant fine. It is crucial to consider this when choosing a fish for your system. Make sure to consult your state’s regulations and guidelines to ascertain the legality of the fish you are considering.
What type of habitat will the fish inhabit?
Similar to plants, fish also need specific conditions for their growth, and perhaps even more so. The initial step in choosing the appropriate fish is to identify the environment of your system and its ability to support fish. Often, your geographical location will play a crucial role in determining whether a certain species is suitable or not.
By understanding your system’s capabilities, you can further limit the types of fish that can be used in your system. Here are some questions to help you grasp your system’s limitations.
What is the range of water temperatures that the fish will inhabit? What is the actual capacity of the system? For optimal and timely growth, how many fish can the tanks support? Additionally, what about filtration? Can your system effectively turnover and thoroughly cleanse the water amount?
What is the purpose behind eating the fish?
Will the fish be used as decoration or will they be consumed? Or will they have a completely different purpose? Certain fish, such as goldfish and koi, are not appropriate for consumption. This makes the fish selection process simpler by removing one more aspect to consider.
Difficulty of maintenance and costs associated with operation.
When not taken into consideration in advance, operating costs can rapidly accumulate. Just like the environment, your wallet has its limits. Some fish demand more care and attention compared to others. These inquiries are beneficial in determining the suitability of scaling for specific fish.
What will be the initial cost of stocking your system? How much will be spent on feeding? On managing the ideal environment?
Before introducing more expensive fish into your system, it may be advisable to opt for cheaper and more affordable fish, depending on the system you have.
The Best Fish For Aquaponic Systems
Tilapia is the first point of discussion.
The Nile variety and a small Mozambique tilapia are the two most commonly raised species in aquaponics.
Tilapia, particularly the Nile and Mozambique types, are widely regarded as the most sought-after fish to be cultivated in aquaponics.
Moreover, tilapia have a reputation for being among the earliest fish species to be cultivated. Tilapia thrive in temperatures spanning from 72° to 86° F, with their preference being towards warmer waters. Additionally, they are capable of tolerating a wide range of pH levels, ranging from 6.5 to 9. Once approximately 9 months have passed, they become suitable for harvest.
Trout: 2.
The brown trout flourishes in cold water environments and thrives in the presence of abundant oxygen.
Trout, recognized as the cool water fish in aquaponics, have the ability to thrive in diverse climates, although they have a preference for temperatures ranging from 56° to 68° F. Brown, rainbow, and brook are the most frequently encountered trout species.
Systems typically make the most use of rainbow species.
Growers frequently switch between raising tilapia during the warm months and trout during the colder months.
Trout, which grow at a slower pace, may require up to 16 months in order to reach a weight of 1 pound.
Having a pH range between 6.5 – 8 is what attracts trout to clean water, and monitoring the pH levels is crucial in successfully raising this fish that thrives in pristine conditions.
Barramundi, the subject of 3, should be rephrased while keeping the original meaning.
The demand for Barramundi in aquaponics is continually rising due to its premium quality.
Despite being more challenging to handle, Barramundi thrives in terms of growth rates, demand, and flavor, making it an excellent fish for cultivation in aquaponics systems.
Unlike trout, barramundi are undoubtedly fish that thrive in warm water. Nevertheless, they also require exceptional water conditions and abundant levels of dissolved oxygen, mirroring trout in this aspect. Furthermore, barramundi have the capability to survive in both fresh and saltwater environments.
Ensure that barramundi as they continue to grow are separated and safeguarded, as the bigger fish are inclined to consume the smaller fingerlings. Maintain temperatures within the range of 78° – 83° F.
They tend to prefer pH ranges of 7.2 – 8. It usually takes them about 1 year to grow to a weight of 1 – 4 pounds.
Number 4 is Perch.
There are several types of perch that can be easily accommodated in an aquaponic system.
There are different types of perch available, such as Silver, Yellow, and Jade. Each type of perch has its own specific requirements, and it is necessary to thoroughly evaluate and assess them in order to meet the needs of your system.
Perch, like tilapia, are suitable for novice fishkeepers due to their ability to adapt. They thrive in temperatures between 70° and 82° F, preferring warmer waters.
While silver and yellow perch have a preference for consuming smaller fish, bugs, and shrimp, the jade variety has the ability to consume vegetables.
Depending on the variety, it can take up to 16 months for perch to be ready for harvesting. Moreover, they thrive in pH levels ranging from 6.5 to 8.5.
Catfish is the fifth item.
Catfish is not only a delectable treat but also a highly manageable fish to cultivate.
In the aquaponic realm, catfish serve as a fundamental component, particularly channel catfish being the most suitable option.
This particular species is capable of tolerating temperature fluctuations and coexisting with other aquaponic fish such as tilapia, crappie, and koi. Moreover, they are non-territorial and can thrive in higher stocking densities.
These fish, which are widely recognized as a delicious delicacy, have the ability to thrive in highly polluted waters.
Due to their toughness and adaptability, catfish are an excellent option for individuals who are new to fishkeeping. It is recommended to maintain temperatures within the range of 75° – 85° F and maintain pH levels between 7 – 8 to ensure the well-being of the catfish. Notably, catfish exhibit rapid growth and can be ready for harvest in as little as 4 – 5 months.
There are 6 bass.
Your systems’ needs can be catered for due to the wide range of species that bass have to choose from.
Bass is renowned for its versatility as an aquaponics fish, as different varieties can thrive in different temperature and pH ranges, have impressive longevity, substantial weight, and unique feeding requirements.
Included in the varieties are largemouth (known as bucketmouth), smallmouth, hybrid striped, Australian, and white bass.
Furthermore, bass are known to primarily feed near the surface. The amount of food present on the top serves as a direct indication of their feeding needs. When the food begins to sink, it indicates an excessive amount has been provided.
Bass thrive in temperatures ranging from 65° to 80° F and are more inclined towards pH levels between 6.5 and 8.5. It generally takes approximately a year for the bass to reach a weight suitable for consumption, around 1 pound.
The 7th item on the list is Carp.
The carp is well-suited for beginners, just like tilapia, due to its hardiness.
Carp is an excellent option for aquaponics due to its adaptability in both low and high temperatures. Like tilapia, carp are highly resilient, capable of enduring significant temperature changes.
Carp have a varied diet and can eat a wide variety of foods. They thrive in temperatures that range from 68° to 77°. It is important to keep the pH of the water between 7.5 and 8 for carp. The harvesting time for carp is typically around 12 to 16 months.
Ninth: Crappie.
Crappie, which perfectly suit the climate, are a beloved fish species in Australia.
The black and white varieties are the two main types of crappie that are well-suited for aquaponics. These fish, renowned for their sturdiness, offer a taste comparable to bass and are considered among the most delicious panfish.
Apart from the black species being slightly larger, there is hardly any distinction between the two.
Crappie thrives best within a temperature range of 60° – 75° F and functions optimally in pH levels of 6.5 – 8.2. Typically, it takes approximately 2 years before Crappie reaches the stage where it can be harvested.
Bluegill is the tenth in the series.
Aquaponic farmers are increasingly recognizing bluegill as an excellent choice for their fish needs.
Bluegill is gaining popularity as an option for aquaponics due to its similarity with tilapia as a resilient fish. Although bluegill are omnivorous, they do not require a high protein diet.
Bluegill shows a preference for a specific temperature range of 70° – 75° F and a slightly higher pH range of 7 – 9. The harvesting process for bluegill usually takes approximately 12 months.
Pacu: It’s 11 o’clock.
In the aquaponic tanks, Pacu have a distinctive requirement for coverage and protection.
Pacu should not be misunderstood as piranhas. They are commonly known as vegetarian piranhas. Despite their striking similarity and shared origins, they have notable differences.
Pacu typically thrives in temperature ranges of 75° – 80° F and pH ranges of 6.5 – 7.5.
Salmon: 12
Salmon proves to be a challenging fish to cultivate, although it is known for its exceptional nutritional value.
Like trout, salmon is a challenging fish to cultivate in aquaponics, but it rewards with excellent flavor and health benefits.
In addition to requiring ample space, they have a need for fresh cold water that is consistently maintained. The optimal water temperature for them falls within the range of 55° – 65° F.
Salmon need to have pH levels between 7 and 8 in a limited range. It may take up to two years, depending on the variety and duration, for salmon to grow to a size suitable for consumption.
Number 13 refers to the species known as goldfish.
Goldfish are incredibly common and can be found all over the globe.
When it comes to aquaponics, goldfish closely resemble koi in terms of their characteristics. These resilient fish share the same purpose as all the other fish, despite not being consumed.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that two types of goldfish particularly catch the eye due to their stunning appearance.
Single-tailed goldfish should not be mixed with twin-tailed goldfish, as they may experience higher mortality and suffer more when compared to their single-tailed counterparts.
Both species, on the other hand, have a preference for temperature ranging from 68° to 75° F and tend to thrive within a pH range of 6 to 8.
14: Koi means that there are 14 koi fish present.
Raising Koi in aquaponic systems can offer the opportunity to admire one of the most exquisitely beautiful fish.
Koi share many similarities with tilapia and are often found in the same locations. What’s remarkable about koi is that their sale value can be quite high, especially if they have a unique design.
Furthermore, they are readily available at various pet shops, making them easily accessible and obtainable. Additionally, they boast extended lifespans, uncomplicated plant-based diets, and strong resistance against parasites.
Koi enjoy temperatures ranging from 65° to 75° F. Interestingly, they are edible but I would advise against consuming them. Lastly, koi thrive in pH levels ranging from 7 to 8.
Other Helpful Species In Aquaponics System
Crustaceans are a group of organisms.
It is highly beneficial to take into serious consideration the potential assistance of crustaceans in the system, as they play a crucial role as helpful bottom dwellers.
It is astounding how crustaceans like prawns, crayfish, mussels, oysters, and lobsters can be combined with fish in the system, as they all reside at the bottom.
Typically, they make their home under rafts and remain at the bottom, providing a significant advantage by consuming decaying organic material present in tanks and assisting in the cleaning process.
Mussels have a natural ability to maintain the cleanliness of tank water. They thrive in temperatures within the range of 57° to 84° F. Their cultivation period is relatively short, lasting approximately 3 to 6 months. Crustaceans, on the other hand, tend to prefer pH levels between 6.5 and 8.
Aesthetic Fish For Aquaponics
One word: Guppy.
When it comes to small and hobby-sized systems, guppies are considered one of the top choices.
Guppies come in many different types, but what makes them truly remarkable is their stunning appearance. They are commonly favored for smaller hobby setups due to the fact that they are not suitable for consumption.
Guppies are readily available in almost all pet stores and are easy to care for. They are an excellent choice for small-scale systems. They thrive within specific temperature limits of 74° – 82° F.
Tetra Fish are mentioned in the second point.
When it comes to aesthetics and hobbyists, the tetra fish is highly regarded for its versatile appearance and is often sought after.
Like any other type of fish, tetra fish come in various species, each with their own unique size and color characteristics. Just like guppies, they are usually kept for aesthetic purposes rather than being consumed as food.
Tetra fish come from the Amazon rainforest and require warmer temperatures ranging from 70° to 81° F for their proper care. They have a preference for pH levels within the range of 6 to 7.
