#Aquaponics

[heartnosekid]

berawaldariember on ig

[dinchenix]

A collection of hydroponics and solar powered machines I did over the years🌻

There is something about machines that work together with nature, instead against it, that keeps facinating me. I hope to explore this more in the future!

[davidstortebeker]

Closing Loops in Soilless Gardening - Hydroponics and Aquaponics

What is the future of food production going to look like? Is the projected 10 billion people in 25 years, out of which two thirds will live in cities, going to require us to convert every square meter of arable land into intensive mono cultural farms? Please don't let that be true! There HAS to be some alternative. Fortunately, there are several. Two of them are different ways of growing plants without soil, a radically new method, which may be most appealing to urban food production.

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Hydroponics: Growing Plants in Water

When it comes to growing large amounts of food on a small area efficiently, hydroponic systems are often brought up as a solution. And the reasons sound pretty convincing: An efficient hydroponic farm uses 90% less water, and can yield 3-10 times the amount of produce per area, with 7-14 growth cycles in a year. IMPRESSIVE! But before getting too excited, let's not forget: the devil is in the details! It's worth looking into under exactly what conditions those plants grow, being fed by what light, and most importantly which nutrients, and where they come from.

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The basic concept, however, of growing plants vertically, in mostly water, with some kind of substrate, such as clay balls or vermiculite, is actually a pretty nifty way to grow food where there are no fields. The most basic form of this may be the Windowfarm technique, which I experimented with myself years ago in my Budapest apartment. Going to Shanghai, the whole idea seems to be taken to a whole new level.

https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/sunqiao-urban-agricultural-district-Sasaki-architecture-industrial-china-shanghai_dezeen_hero-b.jpg image source

Is That Really Sustainable? Or Even Healthy?

… not to mention, does hydroponics even fit into Permaculture? Because let's be honest: with a system that needs to be constantly managed and monitored you could not be further from a self-supporting ecosystem. Also, what exactly do those plants get to eat? The typical N-P-K made industrially out of petrochemicals? Most likely. So while it certainly reduces the transport related drawbacks, hydroponics is by no means energy efficient, and the nutritional value won't be any better than your most industrially grown veggies.

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How Does Aquaponics Compare?

Okay, so let's bring in the fish! For those not familiar with the difference between the two systems, aquaponics is the combination of hydroponics and aquaculture, which are simply fish farms. Having fish in a tank, they will naturally defecate into the water, requiring it to be changed regularly. Plants, however love to eat those nutrients that the fish excrete. Or to be more exact, they feed on the nutrients that have been converted by bacteria and other microbes. The ammonia will turn in to nitrites, which in turn become nitrates, that is food for the plants.

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So running the water from the fish through the plants growing substrate will on one hand feed the plants, as well as clean it for the fish to enjoy it again. So the system already closed a few loops there, making it more sustainable than just mere hydroponics. Also, the inclusion of microbes already offers a more diverse environment, bringing the system a bit closer to an ecosystem. But let's not get ahead of ourselves: Aquaponic systems still need close monitoring, as they are still a far cry from a self sustaining ecosystem of let's say a pond. Also, the water circulation / aeration is most likely going to require a pump, and depending on the exact setup of the system, maybe artificial lighting for the plants. All these aspects add to the energy requirement of the aquaponic system.

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A Truly Closed Loop? Consider the Food of the Fish!

When praising the sustainability of aquaponics, one thing that mustn't be ignored is the source of the fish food. Just like with the hydroponic systems, where the food for the plants or the fertilizer is considered, we can't ignore the feed we give to our fish to eat. If it is the same industrial feed, we may as well have kept to our hydroponics. Not true, since including fish already makes our system more diverse. So instead, let's continue in that same direction. What do fish eat? What is good for them? How can we grow that food ourselves?

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Making Your Own Sustainable Fish Food

Here I could probably start a number of individual posts, since talking about fish food is like opening up a can of worms. But fortunately, I already have a number of appropriate things written. Talking about worms, by the way, anyone who has been fishing knows that they are a favored delicacy, and anyone who composts will have no shortage of them. Since worms are mostly vegetarians, and many of us eat meat, it may have been a bit difficult to properly compost greasy, meaty, bony food wastes. That's where black soldier flies come in, whose larvae are also frequently mentioned for fish food. I still need to try growing those guys. As for green plants for the fish, duckweed makes also good fish feed, again something I have no experience with. What I do know, though, is spirulina, which is also super rich in nutrients, and I would be surprised if the fish didn't like it. So I can see throwing some composting worms, black soldier fly larvae, and spirulina into a blender, to make some great nutritious fish food. At the moment this is very theoretical for me, though.

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Don't Give Up the Soil Completely

So does this mean we should all focus on setting up our most sustainable fish-plant-compost combo cycles? Hells yeah! But please not at the expense of everything else! Soilless gardening, as exciting and revolutionary as it may sound, is still that: without soil. And let's face it: neither us, nor our beans and tomatoes, have evolved to live entirely without soil. That just seems wrong. Even in a small urban apartment it's worth having a bit of soil on your roof, balcony, or window sill, where you can dig your hands into a world of healthy microbial diversity on occasion. And if you do have the space, by all means, set up a pond, a dam, or another aquatic ecosystem, where fish, and frogs, and dragonflies, and numerous other species can live together without relying on our management. Apart from looking pretty, they will also provide food for us, that is nutritionally superior to anything industrially grown.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

[bumblebeeappletree]

There are so many barriers in place when it comes to growing food in cities, but education and lack of access to space are the hardest to overcome. Yemi Amu has dedicated her life as a farmer to solving this problem, by starting the only Aquaponics farm in NYC. Oko Farms in Brooklyn is both a working farm which provides fresh food to surrounding neighborhoods, while also actively engaging the public in education on how to grow food for yourself in urban environments.

[unimother]

Mini Ecosystem Algae Producing Omega 3 Proteins Oxygen No Water Change Aquaponics

🌿 Welcome to our educational and intriguing video exploring a mini ecosystem in aquaponics, where algae play a pivotal role in sustaining life. Titled "Mini Ecosystem: Algae Producing Omega-3 Proteins & Oxygen - No Water Change Aquaponics", this video showcases a self-contained aquatic environment thriving with goldfish, guppies, and nutrient-rich algae.

🐠 See the Symbiotic Relationship in Action:

Dive into the world of aquaponics where goldfish and guppies coexist in a mutual relationship with algae. Observe how these fish contribute to the ecosystem, while feeding on the algae, which in turn produce vital omega-3 proteins and oxygen.

🌱 Algae: The Heart of the System:

Algae isn't just a food source; it's the backbone of this mini ecosystem. Rich in omega-3s and proteins, algae support the health and growth of the fish, while their photosynthetic process generates oxygen and helps in purifying water.

💧 Innovative No Water Change System:

This video highlights the efficiency of the aquaponics system, where the need for water changes is eliminated. The natural filtration process created by the algae and the fish's symbiotic relationship ensures a stable and clean environment.

🐟 Goldfish and Guppies: Perfect Aquaponics Companions:

Goldfish and guppies are more than just pretty faces in this setup. They play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem's balance, and their interactions with algae make for a fascinating watch.

🔬 Educational Insight:

Whether you're an aquaponics enthusiast or a student of sustainable ecosystems, this video offers a wealth of information about the practical applications of aquaponics systems, the benefits of algae in aquatic environments, and the nutritional advantages of integrating such systems.

📹 Join Our Community:

Subscribe to our channel for more insightful content on aquaponics and sustainable living. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section, and join our community of eco-conscious individuals!

[brianrwa]

Hydroponic Sunday morning

[victoriaorolfoart]

This Sunday!! Salut 8 group show opens to the public over at @nucleusportland @drinkanddrawsociety 🐸🪲🪼🐠 Always a pleasure seeing so many cool artists' works together in one place. Check it out starting online and if you're in the Portland area!

[blueflipflops]

Every once in a while i get the manic urge to start an aquaponic system. It gets so bad that i plan the whole thing and do the calculations every time and everytime, i get SO close to actually buying fish for this. And I know that I cannot realistically maintain all that and have to stop and chant to myself "i dont need this i dont need this i dont need this—" but the farmer inside of me is saying "dont you wanna eat fresh veggies AND fresh fish right from your backyard without needing to interact with people in the market. Think about it. You have everything you need to start an aquaponics system. All that is left is the fish and we LOVE fish—" now im clutching on my metaphorical pearls like NOOOO SHUTUPSHUTUP I DONT NEED THIS I DO NOT NEED A BACKYARD AQUAPONICS SYSTEM— and it dies for a bit until the mania starts again

[nurseshannansreviews]

🪴 This liquid plant food and soil conditioner from ounce of hope aquaponics works wonders!!! We use it for our vegetable garden and indoor/outdoor plants. It's made of real fish poop that's full of nutrients to help plants grow and thrive! I love how it's an all purpose fertilizer that's like a multivitamin for plants! It feeds, restores good bacteria into the soil and improves the soil structure.

🪴 One of my favorite things about this liquid fertilizer is how unlike emulsions or manure it doesn't smell! This one bottle goes a long way and actually makes 16 gallons of highly concentrated plant fertilizer. To learn more and try it for your plants visit

ounceofhope.com/fish-poop

[justfacilitatinglife]

Rediscovering the Joy of Growing: My Journey Back to Gardening

Hello and welcome to my very first post on “Just Facilitating Life” I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with you as I dive into the fascinating world of growing plants, raising backyard chickens, and nurturing my family. Today, I want to share the story of how I reignited my passion for gardening at the age of 46.

Childhood Facination

My love for plants began when I was a child. I remember the thrill of planting a seed and eagerly watching it grow through each stage—germination, sprouting, flowering, and fruiting. Every step felt like a tiny miracle. I tinkered with growing garden vegetables, fruits, and even experimented with cannabis, which taught me the technical aspects of cultivation.

The Pause and Rediscovery

Life, as it often does, took me on different paths. As the years went by, I drifted away from gardening. But six months ago, a significant change occurred: I quit drinking. Seeking a constructive way to keep my busy mind occupied, I found myself drawn back to the garden. The sense of peace and purpose I once felt returned with a newfound intensity.

Why Gardening?

Gardening is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a passion that fulfills several aspects of my life:

1. Mental Focus: It keeps my mind busy and engaged.

2. Connection with Nature: It allows me to connect deeply with the natural world.

3. Family Bonding: It provides a wonderful way to bond with my two daughters.

4. Personal Growth: It’s a metaphor for my own journey of growth and transformation.

Diving into Different Methods

I'm excited to explore and share various methods of plant cultivation:

- Hydroponics: Growing plants in water, which fascinates me with its efficiency and innovation.

- Organic Gardening: Embracing natural methods to nurture plants and soil.

- Aquaponics: Combining fish farming with plant cultivation for a sustainable ecosystem.

Growing More Than Plants

Beyond plants, I’m also passionate about raising backyard chickens. They not only provide fresh eggs but also teach my daughters about responsibility and the cycle of life.

My Goals with Just Facilitating Life

Through this blog, I hope to:

- Share Knowledge: Provide tips and insights on various growing techniques.

- Inspire Others: Encourage you to find your own passion for gardening or any other fulfilling activity.

- Document My Journey: Reflect on my progress and the lessons learned along the way.

Gardening has been a transformative experience, helping me grow in many ways. I’m excited to share this journey with you and hope it inspires you to cultivate your own patch of happiness, whether it’s in a garden, with your family, or within yourself.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Stay tuned for more posts about the wonders of growing life!

- Justin

[coolstufftohave]

DIY AQUAPONICS

Aquaponics is a type of sustainable food production system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil). In an aquaponics system, fish are raised in a tank, and the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank is then circulated through a hydroponic plant growing bed, providing the plants with the necessary nutrients for growth.

The plants absorb the nutrients and help to filter the water, which is then returned to the fish tank, creating a closed-loop system that is highly efficient and environmentally friendly. The fish waste provides a source of natural fertilizer for the plants, while the plants help to purify the water for the fish.

Aquaponics is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable method of producing fresh produce and fish for local communities, as it requires significantly less water and energy than traditional farming methods and is highly scalable, making it suitable for both large-scale commercial operations and small-scale home gardens.

[wrightsorganicssymbiosisfarm]

[fungus-gnats]

Some pics from my visit to an urban farm :)

Showcasing aeroponics + aquaponics (first 5 pics) and hydroponics (last pic) -- sustainable food production methods and alternatives to traditional farming!

A little presentation my group made about it, under the cut:

(company name censored oop)

For the DIY Hydroponics - I have a mint plant growing in water (+ nutrient solution, the hydroponics system) at home now :D