Information - Methods
The Hydroponics methods used in aquaponics
1. Deep Water Circulation (DWC)
Also known as floating raft culture. This method is well suited for larger scaled systems, where large volumes of water can be circulated allowing for extensive crop area and relatively high fish stocks being maintained. Plants are grown in a media such as Rockwool or Coir and then transplanted into net pots which fit into holes cut out of a floating polystyrene sheet/raft. Advantage being that the polystyrene insulates the water and excludes light which would cause algae to grow. This method also allows trays of crops to be floated down the DWC channels for crop rotation from one end (sowing) to the other end (harvesting). In DWC systems the water needs to be aerated by an air pump, compressor or regenerative blower to ensure the water is sufficiently oxygenated to allow the roots to assimilate the nutrients rather than simply rotting away.
2. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
In an NFT system a thin film of water is continually circulated down a gulley or gutter type system. Plants are then grown in pots which fit into holes in the NFT channels, bathed by a constant flow of nutrient rich water. Its important of avoid light getting into the NFT channel as this would encourage algae to grow.
3. Grow beds (media filled)
Grow beds filled with a media such as expanded clay balls or gravel provides an ideal plant growing area whilst also providing filtration and aeration to the system. Grow beds coupled with fish tanks and a pumped flow is one of the simplest aquaponic methods. Generally speaking expanded clay balls have the advantage of being light weight, a pH buffer and the have ability to aid aeration due to their micro-pore structure. Washed gravel and aggregate provides a lower cost alternative. Standpipes, auto siphons and pre-filters can all be incorporated into the design where appropriate.
Aquaculture methods used in Aquaponics
The aquaculture element of the system is relatively simple, and involves the controlled culture of aquatic organisms, which doesn’t always mean fish... The key to looking after fish is to look after the water quality.
Depending on the species, fish can survive on very little, but that’s not the issue, we want our fish to be healthy, stress free and ultimately to grow and/or breed.
The key components in maintaining healthy fish stocks are aeration/dissolved oxygen, temperature range, food and water quality. If these requirements are met then the battle is half won. Careful and attentive husbandry and monitoring will then ensure a productive and a stress free environment for which ever species you choose to keep.
For advice on fish welfare please contact us, we take these matters very seriously and promote high standards of stock husbandry and ethical growing conditions.
We have a team working on updating the website regularly to provide more information on water quality, nutrient requirements, feeding and nutrition in order to provide a comprehensive information resource.
Applications | Methods | Crops