Aquaponics is a food production system that combines conventional aquaculture (the raising of aquatic animals such as fish and prawns) with hydroponics (the cultivation of plants in water) in a symbiotic environment.
In Aquaponics, on the other hand, water from the Aquaculture system is diverted through a biological filtration system where solid excretions are removed and the toxic ammonia is broken down by bacteria into a more readily usable form for the plants.
– Nitrosomonas: convert ammonia into nitrite.
– Nitrobacter: convert nitrite into nitrate (nitrogen).
The water is then diverted through a hydroponic system where the plants can use the excess nitrates to flourish. Finally, the water is returned to the fish clean and toxin free. Due to evaporation and water absorbed by the plants, only approximately 1-3% of the total tank volume will need to be replaced every day, depending on the type of system used and the climate conditions (indoor, outdoor etc.).