Sustainability and Aquaponics

Aquaponics is a sustainable agriculture system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics.  The fish waster fertilises the plants and the plants purify the water for the fish edit, using a closed loop system.

Benefits:

• Cost effective In well managed aquaponics systems, crop will grow faster
• Year-round crops possible Edible source of protein Chemical free and nutrient dense (organic)
• Small scale for enthusiasts
• Large commercial farms Ideal for large scale production

Growing Food

You can grow almost anything in your aquaponics system, including;

• Tomatoes
• Salad greens (lettuce, bok choy/ pak choy, kale)
• Herbs (basil, parsely, mint)
• Strawberries)
• Capsicum
• Cucumber

The Fish

Native fish are great for use in home aquaponics systems, but there some things you need to consider:

• Trout
• Murray cod
• Catfish
• The system needs to be set up and cycling, which may take up to 6 months , prior to introducing your chosen fish. 
• The temperature of the water should be matched to the species of fish. 
• Following this preparation stage, the fish can be gradually introduced to the system.
• Fish eat protein rich food and then excrete waste through their gills (including ammonia).
• The system is colonised by bacteria which transform the ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates, which is less harmful to the fish.
• For the fish and plants to survive and thrive, it is vital to ensure time is taken to establish this process of bacteria colonisation.
• This process may be referred to as tank cycling

Comon Problems

• Aquaponics can be labour intensive and tedious
• Stress, due to risk to crops and fish
• Requires continual monitoring
• Can fail due to human error
• Sudden pump failure
• Sudden change in water quality

A Greenhouse is fantastic as the climate for the fish and plants are more controlled:

• Temerature stability
• All year-round produce
• Pests are reduced
• Less water loss

Closed Loop System

• T​he aim is to create a closed loop system, connecting the fish and the crops.
• A large grow bed is typically used in most aquaponics systems. This harvest crops in a batch. Take
• Alternatively, Individualised compartments or pots allow a continuous flow of produce throughout the year.
• One plant can be harvested at a time and easier cleaning.
• Optimum utilisation of grow media to crop ratio and long-term cost effectiveness.

Required Monitoring

• Fish are sensitive to any minor changes to the water environment, and so the quality of the water should be monitored closely for any changes to levels of chlorine or nitrogen.
• Continuous monitoring optimises system performance whilst  minimising stock and crop losses. 
• Awareness of changes to the environment provides piece of mind while away.
• Our control system can intervene and provide the necessary adjustments therefore optimising fish and plant health. 

​Wiseponics Control reduces stock losses, improves fish health, and delivers stable, high-performance operation—without the need for constant oversight.