When constructing an aquaponics system, it is important to understand the fundamental connection between plants and fish, as they rely on each other for their survival. While light is crucial for plant growth, newcomers to aquaponics may have uncertainties about where their fish should be positioned.
Is it necessary for fish to have light in aquaponics? Although plants require sunlight, fish prefer some shade. While fish do not require sunlight for growth and survival, they do need alternating periods of light and darkness similar to those in an aquarium. Without variations in day and night cycles, fish may become lethargic, ill, or lose their appetite. Depending on the location of your aquaponic system, you will need to ensure that your fish receive daily light, whether it is artificial or indirect sunlight.
Why Fish Need Light in an Aquaponics System?
There is a recent body of research that suggests that light provides additional benefits for fish, although their primary need for light is to see their food.
Based on studies, it has been found that aquatic animals, being naturally sensitive to light, can have their productivity, activity, and overall health influenced by factors such as light intensity, wavelength, and duration.
Certain types of light have the ability to regulate temperature and can serve as appropriate alternatives to heaters. Therefore, individuals residing in colder regions are afforded the opportunity to cultivate fish that typically flourish in warmer climates, like tilapia.
The addition of artificial light to your aquaponic fish tank can aid in the development and health of eggs, while also preventing stress and poor health.
Choosing Light for Your Fish
One thing you will discover is whether your aquaponics system is located indoors or outdoors. If your garden is situated outdoors, you may not require extra lighting as you can utilize natural sunlight during the day and night.
If your garden is covered or located indoors, where there might be limited light, you might need to consider using supplementary lighting. While light is necessary, it is important to ensure that the light provided is suitable for your fish.
LED light, also known as light-emitting diode light, refers to a type of lighting technology that uses light-emitting diodes to produce visible light.
While they may be relatively new, it is advisable to opt for LED lights if available. Despite their higher initial cost, they offer flexibility in adjustment and produce minimal heat. The main benefit of LED lighting systems is their significantly lower operating expenses compared to other options.
Lighting that uses incandescent bulbs and lighting that uses fluorescent bulbs.
Other types of lights such as incandescent and fluorescent lamps can also be used, but these options offer limited functionality, and it is not feasible to adjust the brightness or color temperature of the light.
If you decide to use these lights, exercise caution because they can cause abnormal light-induced reactions, such as increased aggression among your fish. Additionally, the heat generated by these lights can potentially affect the wellbeing of your fish.
Distribution of Light
Consideration should also be given to the distribution of light, ensuring that it covers all of your tanks rather than only a portion. This becomes more important if there is any heat emitted by the lights, as this can create areas of both warmth and coldness.
Rephrased: The lighting schedules for fish tanks in aquaponic systems.
If you leave your light on continuously, it will create the illusion of permanent light and negatively impact the health of your fish.
In addition to impacting fish health, the presence of algae may also rise in your system. When an abundance of algae develops, it can start to deplete the nutrients intended for both your plants and fish. This can in turn affect the oxygen levels available in the water for your fish.
You can effectively control this by incorporating a timer into your lighting system, just like you already do for your water pump. Thus, adding an extra timer for your lights would not cause any problems.
Aquaponic System Requirements
In order to provide your fish with a period of rest during nighttime, it is beneficial to have knowledge about the different components of your system simultaneously.
Here is a brief analysis of other essential zones for your fish and each part of your aquaponic garden.
The source of water can be thought about in a logical sequence.
Water is an essential aspect of your entire system, as it is crucial for the survival of both your plants and fish.
When you initially construct your system, you need to cycle it to ensure the water is appropriate for your fish and plants. Nevertheless, as time passes, you will have to replenish this water to compensate for evaporation and the system’s usage.
Although you have numerous options, many gardeners opt for regular tap water. It is acceptable to use tap water instead of rainwater that has been collected, but it is crucial to have a good understanding of your municipality’s water supply.
In order to use it, you will require a different tank. This tank should be filled with tap water and mixed with ascorbic acid. Allow this mixture to sit for a few days so that the ascorbic acid can neutralize itself. The need for a separate tank arises because it is not possible to introduce chlorinated water or ascorbic acid directly into a live aquaponics system.
Temperature of the water.
Your lighting can affect the water temperature, but it will cool down again without lights. Tilapia, Bass, Goldfish, and Catfish prefer warmer water ranging from 65° to 85°F. On the other hand, fish like Trout thrive in colder water temperatures between 55° and 65°F.
If water temperatures are either too warm or too cold, both types of fish can be impacted.
The levels of pH in water.
Changes in your water’s pH levels can be caused by the lights and temperature. In your system, you will observe changes when the ammonia levels increase due to the presence of fish or when you add water to replenish the levels.
You must monitor the pH levels as often as you can, so you have a good understanding of what they are and how they stand against the ideal levels of a pH of 6.8 to 7.4.
Fish require oxygen to survive.
Fish generally require dissolved oxygen levels between 5-12 mg/L to be content. Insufficient oxygen can cause various negative effects on the fish, such as stress, stunted growth, and likely death.
Oxygen depletion can happen due to summer heat or your lighting. Many aquaponics systems are designed to introduce dissolved oxygen by the crashing of return water. Nonetheless, using an air pump and air stone as a precaution is not a bad idea.
Plants require oxygen.
Using gravel in your flood and drain system ensures that the roots of your crops receive nearly perfect levels of oxygen. Even though the water they absorb already contains oxygen, it would affect them negatively if it were not present in the optimum amount.
What Do Plants Require in Aquaponics Systems?
Plants grown in an aquaponics system require the same light levels, nutrient amounts, and water supply as when grown in soil. However, in contrast to traditional agriculture, aquaponics allows you more options for delivering each of the three essentials for growth. It’s also easier to control nutrient and water levels and adjust for oversupply without losing all of your crops right before harvest time.
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Every edible or ornamental plant has specific light requirements, which are typically classified as full sun (requiring at least 6 hours of bright and direct light daily), partial shade (requiring at least 4 hours of bright light or 6 hours of partial light daily), and full shade (requiring less than 4 hours of bright or partial sun daily).
Open-air aquaponics systems can easily be positioned in a southern exposure, receiving 8+ hours of uninterrupted sunlight daily, unless there are obstructions such as mature trees or nearby buildings. Providing light in enclosed greenhouse systems is more challenging. Despite the use of poly films or polycarbonate panels with high light transmission rates, a certain amount of light is obstructed. Additionally, greenhouse frames and solid ends can limit the duration of early and late sun exposure.
One option for greenhouse growers is to use supplemental lighting, but this choice has high upfront costs and also increases electricity and maintenance expenses. For most greenhouse growers, a better choice is to select plants that require less light or lower levels of light. Strong lighting systems are necessary for complete indoor aquaponics systems. Each full sun plant generally requires a minimum of 20 to 30 watts of actual in-use wattage, not just the advertised equivalents used by low-energy LED and CFL fixtures.
remain essential for the proper functioning of our bodies.
Aquaponics is appealing because it involves using fish waste as a source of nutrients for plants. However, even with careful management, even the best systems may not supply all of the nutrients needed for a crop. Nonetheless, reducing the need for external fertilizers by half or more can significantly increase profits from harvested products. All plants, whether ornamental or edible, require a combination of three essential nutrients.
Nitrogen, also known as N, is the primary nutrient that is abundantly generated from fish waste in the form of ammonia. However, plants have a preference for absorbing nitrogen in the form of nitrate. Strong and vibrant leaf and stem growth heavily relies on the presence of nitrogen. Excessive levels of nitrogen can be detrimental to plants, as it can cause shock or hinder the blooming and fruit production, resulting in an abundance of leafy growth instead. Leafy vegetables such as lettuce and greens have a higher demand for nitrogen compared to other crops.
Phosphorous, also known as P, is essential for the healthy growth of plants. Without phosphorous, plants will have weak and small roots, unable to extend their stems, as well as a lack of flowers and fruit. The overall health and ability of plants to resist pests and diseases rely on their intake of phosphorous. However, supplying phosphorous to plants in agriculture and horticulture can be challenging. Fish waste is a satisfactory source of phosphorous, but plants that produce many individual fruits, such as tomatoes, may benefit from additional supplementation. Nonetheless, careful management is required when applying supplements, as phosphorous is more likely than nitrogen to cause algal blooms.
Potassium, also known as K, is often regarded as the least significant among the three main nutrients for plants. However, certain edible crops have a particularly high demand for it. Potassium plays a vital role in various essential plant functions, such as the production of food through photosynthesis and the growth of new tissues. In the absence of a consistent supply of potassium, plants exhibit poor health or experience slow growth in general. According to some sources, around 90% of significant nutrient deficiencies in aquaponics can be attributed to low levels of potassium. This is because adequate potassium levels are crucial for the absorption of other nutrients like calcium. Despite fish feeds typically having high potassium content, only a small portion of it actually makes its way through the nutrient cycle to the plants. It is advisable to conduct regular tests and not hesitate to supplement potassium levels, especially for plants with high nutrient demands, such as tomatoes and peppers.
Although NPK are considered the macronutrients for plants, they require more than just these three key elements to maintain their health. Calcium, sulfur, and magnesium are specifically the three essential trace nutrients for plant growth. Most well-balanced aquaponics systems provide an adequate amount of all three trace nutrients to meet the needs of the crops. However, if there is a deficiency in nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, the plants will be unable to absorb these trace nutrients. In such cases, addressing the imbalance in NPK is often more beneficial than attempting to supplement with additional calcium or magnesium, as the plants will still be unable to take in the excess nutrients.
Retention of water is the process of storing water within a specified area without allowing it to flow out or escape.
As long as there is a steady flow of water in an aquaponics system, there is generally no need to worry about the amount of water supplied to the plants, unless there is a clog or failure that causes the trenches to dry out. The plants will adjust and absorb as much moisture as they require. This is a significant advantage compared to traditional container or field agriculture, where farmers have to continuously calculate precise irrigation rates considering factors like evaporation, temperature, soil texture, and other conditions.
The medium in which plants are grown.
If you look at the title of this section, you will see that it does not refer to soil. Although certain plants, both edible and ornamental, require a more solid medium than water to anchor their roots, there are some species that can thrive solely in water. The important thing is that the medium does not necessarily have to be soil. In aquaponics systems, there are several widely-used growing mediums suited for different types.
- Fine crushed and sifted gravel; which was the original material used for the development of hydroponics, but eventually requires time-consuming cleaning to clear out accumulated biofilms.
- Coarse sand; which is similar to nutrient film techniques but doesn’t allow for recirculation of the water and is particularly prone to settling and clogging.
- Sawdust; which encourages good root growth and maintains a healthy structure through multiple uses but can be expensive now that it is in high demand for pressboard manufacturing.
- Rockwool; the most popular and commonly used substrate made from basalt rock liquefied and spun into fine strands, offering the most oxygen storage space and water-holding capacity of all media.
- Coco coir, a fluffy fibrous material harvested from the outer layers of coconut shells, which is considered similar in features to rock wool while being biodegradable and most sustainable to produce.
Sawdust, gravel, and sand are commonly found in more locations compared to coco coir and rockwool. When setting up a commercial system and requiring large quantities to fill even the smallest net pots, it is simpler to find a local supplier for the materials rather than ordering from a remote seller or online. Rockwool and coco coir are typically compressed during shipping, so it is possible to find cost-effective options for sourcing these materials from distant locations without incurring high freight shipping or special delivery expenses.
When selecting plants, it is important to take into account the climate.
When selecting plants for your business, it is logical to choose ones that thrive in the climate of the area where you plan to start. It is recommended to consult the USDA growing zone for this location, as it provides a ranking from 1a to 13b based on winter and summer temperatures. These zones also assist in determining the timing of the first frost in the fall and the temperature required for planting sensitive to frost in the spring. It is crucial to understand the climate you are working with, even if you intend to grow indoors or in a greenhouse with heating systems, as this knowledge will help in estimating the amount of heat required and the appropriate timing for it.
