Self-sustainability and self-sufficiency Collection: Aquaponics, Beekeeping, Homesteading, Homemade Repellents and Tiny houses. Live from hard work and the gifts of nature. Learn to build your own house and feed from your own livestock and produce

Self-sustainability and self-sufficiency Collection

Aquaponics, Beekeeping, Homesteading, Homemade Repellents and Tiny houses. Live from hard work and the gifts of nature. Learn to build your own house and feed from your own livestock and produce.

Aquaponics Gardening Book

Essential Beginner’s Guide to Growing Tasty Fruits, Herbs, Vegetables, and Plants in Harmony with the Happy Fishes Within Your Natural Aquaponic System

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Beauty of Aquaponics

Chapter 2: Benefits of Aquaponics

Chapter 3: Best Fishes to Use

Chapter 4: Types of Aquaponic System

Chapter 5: Designing Your Simple Aquaponic System

Chapter 7: Mistakes in Building an Aquaponic System: Common Problems and Solutions

Chapter 8: Managing Your Aquaponic pH By Adding a Buffer

Chapter 9: Using Aquaponics for Business

Conclusion

Introduction

I want to thank you and congratulate you for downloading the book, Aquaponics Gardening Book: Essential Beginner’s Guide to Growing Tasty Fruits, Herbs, Vegetables, and Plants In Harmony with the Happy Fishes Within Your Own Natural Aquaponic System.

The natural aquaponic system is becoming more and more popular nowadays because of its many benefits. It allows you to save space, time, energy, and even money. Aquaponics is a ground-breaking system that allows people to grow plants by fertilizing them with fish waste water. The plants are placed in a close-loop system that’s both self-sufficient and efficient. Aquaponic gardening is a fantastic way to grow organic herbs, vegetables, and fruits. It is also a great way to grow tasty fishes. But, on a bigger scale, it is a great solution for environmental problems such as climate change and groundwater pollution.

This book will serve as the ultimate aquaponics manual that you can use to create your own aquaponic system. In this book, you’ll learn:

What aquaponics is and its benefits

History of aquaponics

Components of the aquaponics system that you should include in your design

Best fishes to use

Types of aquaponics system

Step by step instructions on how to create your backyard aquaponic system

How to test the acidity of your fish water

Common mistakes that you can commit in designing, constructing, and managing your aquaponic system

How to germinate seedlings

How to feed your fingerlings

How to take care of your fishes

Basic aquaponic system

Using your aquaponic system to start a small business

So, if you’re looking for a new hobby or a way to earn more money, you should read this book! This book is packed with insider information that I have learned from years of practicing aquaponics gardening. I openly share this knowledge to you so you, too, can enjoy the wonders and many benefits of aquaponics.

Thank you for downloading this book and I hope that you enjoy it!

© Copyright 2016 by Tom Sutherland - All rights reserved.

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Chapter 1: The Beauty of Aquaponics

Aquaponics is a system that combines two ideas – aquaculture and hydroponics. Aquaculture is the process of raising fish in an enclosed environment. Hydroponics, on the other hand, is the process of growing plants without soil. Aquaponics is a combination of these two systems and it uses a close-loop production.  But, what does this mean? Well, it simply means that the system captures the waste of one process and uses that waste as an input in another process. You do not need to use fertilizers for your plants when you’re using the aquaponics system. This is because the nutrients from the fish waste are transported to the plants. 

The aquaponics system is pretty simple. This system allows you to raise fish in a tank. When you feed the fish, it excretes waste in the water. The primary waste that they produce is ammonia or NH3. The fishes releases this waste through their gills. The water from the fish tank flows to a setting tank where the waste settles to the bottom. The water flows into a biofilter where the ammonia is broken down by bacteria and microorganisms. The ammonia is first converted to NO2 or nitrite and then it’s converted to nitrate or NO3. Nitrate is the form of nitrogen that plants easily absorb. The water then flows to the plants. The plants then clean the water by absorbing the nitrate. Then, the water flows back to the fish tank to repeat the process. This process is illustrated by the image below:

Photo Source: aquaponicguide.com

History of Aquaponics

Aquaponics is a term created in the 1970s but its origin has ancient roots. The Aztecs cultivated plants on agricultural islands known as chinampas. These agricultural islands were created in 1000 AD and are considered as the earliest form of aquaponics. Chinampas are basically networks of artificial stationary islands and canals. The plants are cultivated using the water from the canals.

Many experts say that aquaponics was also practiced in Ancient China, Indonesia, and Thailand. Early settlers in these countries also planted rice paddies in a field filled with fishes such as swamp eel, carp, and oriental loach.

Back in the 1970s, fish farmers were looking for new ways of raising fish and so they thought of using aquaponics. The term aquaponics was coined in the 1970s based on the works of Dr. Mark McMurtry of the North Carolina State University.

In 1969, John and Nancy Todd founded the new Alchemy institute with William McLarney. Their goal is to build a photo ark that would serve as a self-sufficient solar powered bio-shelter. In the 1980s, Professor Doug Sanders and Doctor Mark McMurtry produced the first close-loop aquaponics system.  They planted cucumbers and tomatoes in sand beds and used fish tanks to irrigate them. The water drained from the sand beds and flowed back to the fish tank.

In the 1990s, Tom and Paula Sperano revised the system that McMurtry and Sanders had created. They grew herbs and vegetables in ebb and flow gravel flood tables which were irrigated by nutrient-rich water from a Tilapia fish tank. The couple were the first ones to use gravel as a grow medium.

Today, more and more agricultural businesses are using the aquaponics system to grow plants and fish. In fact, there are more than 100 aquaponics farms in the United States alone. So, if you’re looking for an unconventional way to grow healthy plants and fishes, read on and learn how to build your own aquaponics system.

Chapter 2: Benefits of Aquaponics

Aquaponics is a revolutionary type of gardening that creates a self-sufficient, close-loop system. It is growing more and more popular these days because it has a lot of lot of advantages over the traditional types of gardening.

1 It saves space.

Aquaponics systems allow you to place plants closer to each other so it saves space. This is because the roots of the plants are deeply submerged in water. If you’re living in a condo unit or in an apartment, this is the best gardening technique for you.

2 It saves water.

This is the biggest and most obvious benefit of aquaponics. The water supply is one of the biggest problems in our world today. According to studies, around 663 million people lack access to safe water. Water is slowly becoming a scarce resource.

According to studies, around 70% of the water that’s available to us right now is used in agriculture. So, it is essential for us to adopt a more efficient way to use water and one of the most effective ways to save water is to use the aquaponics system.

Aquaponics is designed to re-circulate water. The water from the fish tank flows to the grow bed and then flows back to the tank. This means that you do not have to water the plants or change the aquarium water often.

3 No more weeding.

If weeding is not your favorite task, then it is a good idea to try aquaponics. This garden system discourages the growth of weeds so you do not have to spend time and effort weeding your garden.

4 It allows plants to grow faster.

This gardening system provides the plants access to nutrients 24 hours a day. So, your plants grow faster. Vegetables such as lettuce usually take two months to mature when planted using the aquaponics system.

5 You do not have to worry about soil pests.

When you’re using the aquaponics gardening technique, you don’t have to use soil so you do not have to worry about soil pests such as grubs, gnats, cutworms, leafminers, bettle grubs, and mealybugs.

6 You’ll save less energy.

Aquaponics uses up to seventy percent less energy than traditional gardening. So, you’ll spend less money on your electric bill.

7 It’s good for your back.

When you’re doing aquaponics, you do not have to do back-straining planting techniques. So, if you have scoliosis or a spinal problem, this is a good technique for you.

8 It is good for the environment.

Aquaponics conserves water. It also helps protect the rivers and lakes as it doesn’t use harmful fertilizers that may run off into water sheds. It also reduces food miles and it promotes land conservation.

9 It produces healthy and tasty plants.

When you’re using the aquaponics system, the plants have easy access to nutrient filled fish water which can enhance the growth, health, and taste of the plant. So, if you want to have a steady supply of healthy fruits and vegetables, you should try this gardening system.

Aquaponics is a revolutionary farming system that allows you to raise edible fishes and healthy vegetables at the same time. It is an efficient system that’s easy to set up. So, if you’re looking for a new way to grow your plants, this may be the right one for you.

Chapter 3: Best Fishes to Use

Not all fishes are the same. There are only a few fishes that you can use for your aquaponics system. Here’s a list of fishes that you can use:

1 Tilapia

Tilapia is easy to breed and it can withstand poor water conditions. It naturally thrives in rivers, lakes, and ponds and it feeds on algae. Tilapia contains has a high nutritional value. It contains different vitamins and minerals including potassium, omega 3-fatty acids, protein, phosphorous, selenium, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, niacin, and pantothenic acid. It boosts the immune system, aids weight loss, prevents aging, and improves the thyroid function. This fish is best for an outdoor aquaponics system, but, you can use it also in aquaponic systems that are located in a warehouse, basement, or greenhouse.

2 Trout

If you live in cold areas, it’s best to use trout. Trout is ideal for cool temperatures and it grows fast. It also has great food conversion ratios. It is closely related to salmon and it is carnivorous. It feeds on mollusks, flies, bloodworms, and other insects. It is also one of the healthiest fishes in the world. Trout is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that help prevent neurological disorders such as dementia, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and bipolar disorder. It is rich in protein and it is also low in contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury. This fish is best for an outdoor aquaponics system.

3 Carp

Carp has amazing reproduction capabilities and it can easily assist in various environments so it is perfect for aquaponics. There are many types of carp including grass carp, crucian carp, rohu, northern red snapper, bighead carp, leather carp, and mud carp. Carp feed on plants, algae, mollusks, insects, and other aquatic invertebrates. It contains retinol, carotene, vitamin E, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin b12, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, iodine, and calcium. It helps prevent heart disease. It clears your blood vessels and it strengthens your bones. It also increases your brain power.

4 Koi

Koi has a long life span and it could thrive in an aquaponic system. It is also a symbol of wealth and good luck. It is likewise the symbol of longevity, courage, perseverance, and ambition. Different types of kois have different meanings:

Ogon – This silver koi symbolizes business success and wealth. So, if you want to attract business success, it’s ideal to use this type of koi.

Komonryu – This type of koi symbolizes transformations and life changes.

Kohaku – This koi has a white body with large red spots. It symbolizes career success.

Yamabuki – This gold koi symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

Kuchibeni – This white and red koi represents love. So, if you’re looking for someone special, it may be a good idea to use this fish for your aquaponic system.

Koi is mainly ornamental. So, if you plan to consume the fishes in your aquaponic system, this is not the perfect one for you. You can raise these fishes in both indoor and outdoor aquaponic system.

5 Largemouth Bass

This olive green fish is part of the sunfish family. It feeds on scuds, small bait fish, bluegill, snakes, crayfish, water birds, insects, and small shrimp. It is high in protein and it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This fish thrives in cool water so it’s best to keep them indoors.

6 Goldfish

The goldfish is a small member of the carp family. It is an aquarium fish and it eats insects, crustaceans, and various plants. Goldfishes produce a lot of waste. This is the reason why they are perfect for aquaponics. You