What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is the mutually beneficial ecosystem of raising fish and plants. Fish are cultivated in a pond or a tank. The pond water is cycled through the system to the areas where plants are harvested. Instead of soil or dirt, the plants grow in beds of pH-neutral rocks or hydroton. These beds allow for beneficial or “good” bacteria to facilitate nitrates from the pond water to the plants for nourishment. In return, the plants provide healthy water to the pond for fish to thrive in.
"Aquaponics uses the best of all the growing techniques, utilizing the waste of one element to benefit another, mimicking a natural ecosystem." - The Aquaponic Source
Why use aquaponics as a preferred plant growth system?
As seen in the chart, aquaponics is more sustainable (especially for personal or home use) for plant growth in both effort and time. Aquaponics is also a healthy and livable system for your fish that can be raised either as pets or food.