Aquaponics is a cutting edge sustainable technology that combines aquaculture with hydroponics. The effluent from fish farming is used as liquid fertilizer for hydroponics systems growing vegetables, flowers, or other plants. In turn, the plants purify the water for the fish, allowing the water to be recirculated.
Aquaponics systems are very space and labor efficient because they grow two or more products in the same space. Although they require more upfront capital than many of the other backyard business ideas discussed on this website, a do-it-yourself or backyard aquaponics system is not as expensive to build and maintain than you might expect.
Because aquaponics systems are so efficient, studies have found that they actually produce 8 to 10 times the volume of vegetables in the same space and time as conventional systems. They also require one third the energy of conventional agriculture, and, because of the recirculating system, uses just 10% of the water of conventional farming practices. These make it an especially promising technology for building local, sustainable food sources in areas with few natural water resources.
The most common fish raised in aquaponics systems is the tilapia. Other common fish include trout, perch, and barramundi, as well as shrimp and crawfish. Common plants include lettuce and other salad greens, tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers, and more.
Kid Friendly?
Yes, with training and supervision.
Neighbor-Friendly?
In general, well managed aquaponics systems should be free of objectionable odors and waste products. Some systems may have noisy pumps.
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