Aquaponics? What is that?
The way of future farming
A friend of mine came by recently to watch a game and during halftime we got into this conversation about Aquaponics. Aquaponics? What is that?, I asked him. He began to go into detail about building a water filtration system that he uses to grow vegetables that filters out vital nutrients and sends the cleansed water into a tank in which he raises fresh fish, all for under sixty bucks. But before he could finish, the game was back on and I was not as interested. But the truth is I found it amazing that today we could do such things. Like many Americans, I am always looking for ways to live healthier. Whether it be through exercise, diet or just making better choices about the things I intake overall. So I did find what I was hearing a bit intriguing. As a matter of fact after the game was over we picked up on the conversation where we had left off and this is what I learned.
Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics in an interdependent environment. Each system uses water as its main conduit and works off the other to produce plant life and fish life in a controlled, healthy and natural way. Without the use of pesticides or any other dangerous chemicals. Hey, that’s just what I’ve been looking for. A healthy alternative that I can trust, but I don’t necessarily have the time or desire to become a 21st century farmer but maybe you do. I was informed that setting up your own aquaponics system at home required only a minimal investment of time, money, and real estate. Furthermore, the benefits seem to easily outweigh the costs, which on average were around $76. In doing my research I found systems that range from as little as $39 for a small courtyard system to as much as $300 for a family system. On the more expensive side there are also small commercial aquaponic systems upwards of $1000.
Some of these packages come with a course manual in aquaponics, construction plans, construction manual, and a day-to-day operations manual. So whether you want some fresh vegetables for you personal cooking needs or to set up a supplemental income by selling fresh fish and veggies at the farmer’s market there is a system for you. I’ll probably just see you at the market. But it’s always good to know you have options.
If you are interested in learning more about aquaponics, there are a ton of videos on youtube that demonstrate how to set up your system. There are also examples of different types of systems and the benefits of using them. If you happen to be in the orlando area you can go see my friend. He’ll be giving free classes on Aquaponics at the library. Stop by the Orange County Public Library, Alafaya branch tonight. Presentation begins at 6:30pm. or you can visit the Downtown Orlando branch Saturday January 28th, 2012 at 2pm. It’s sure to be informative. For more details you can also visit aquaponicbasics.blogspot.com
