Creating your own aquaponics system is a major step to a self-sustaining lifestyle. One of the most important things to remember is that it is not an immediate source, but it will have to be taken care of, properly assembled and installed and it will require getting a little bit dirty.
No matter how many people you ask, you will likely hear of a different system each and every time, but there are a few basic ideas that you will have to apply to have a successful and useful system.
7) Know your Stuff
So you read an article about aquaponics, and now you think that you know everything. That is the wrong way to look at it. Like life, using one of these systems is ever-changing, and there is always more knowledge that can be gained about the subject.
You need to take time to do proper research before you delve into building and assembling the system. Everything from bacteria (good and bad), water flow, successful plants, right type of fish and more can depend on how well or bad your system will be.
6) Choosing your plants
There are many plants that need specific acids to thrive. These plants are generally not recommended for an aquaponics system. You will want to choose plants that will match your lifestyle needs. If you are using the system as merely a hobby, you can choose typical houseplants.
On the other hand, if you plan to eat what you are growing, kale, lettuce, basil, watercress, chives and mint are the best things to start with. If you are going to have a well-established system, you will eventually be able to grow cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and more, but that takes time and lots of research.
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5) So many Fish in the Sea
The next step will be to choose your fish. Once again, the fish that you choose will depend on your plans with the fish. If you are simply going for an aquarium that can be looked at and kept, you will likely choose koi, crappie, or goldfish as your fish of choice.
If you are looking for something that you will be able to eat without having to buy or find replacements, you should definitely use tilapia. Due to the fact that tilapia readily reproduce in captivity, have a pleasant taste and are easy to grow, they are idea for edible fish in a viable system.
4) Good and Bad Bacteria
While your mother has probably taught you that bacteria are bad, you will need bacteria in your system. You are going to have to take time letting the system acquire the microbes that are necessary for fish and plant survival. While doing this, you will also have to ensure that dangerous bacteria and too much bacteria is avoided. After all, you will likely be eating the fruits of your labors.
3) Worms are Friends, not Food
In case you didn’t know, fish produce a lot of waste. After the system is established, you will probably need to slip some worms into the mix. The worms will break down the fish waste, and that will allow a more useful fertilizer for the plants.
2) Basics to Consider
Some of the other basic elements to consider include depth of garden, size of pond, lighting and soil. You must always keep in mind that some plants need more sunlight than others, some need richer soils and they all grow to different sizes. Your system needs to be able to accommodate the plants at their full growth potential.
1) Ask for Help
If you are unsure about any aspect of the system, you should ask someone who knows. Try to find someone who is either an expert in the field or who has successfully established his own aquaponics system. Due to the in-depth knowledge that is necessary to have a successful system, you do not want to ask someone who thinks that he might know how to basically do something.
All in all, you are going to want to do tons of research before attempting to create your own aquaponics system. The more research you do, the more likely that you will create a thriving system that is self-sustaining.