What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a food production system that combines Aquaculture (farming of aquatic organisms like fish) and Hydroponics (growing plants without soil). Aquatic by-product is broken down into nitrates and nitrites that serve as nutrients to the plants. An aquaponics system produces fish and other aquatic animals while growing various types of vegetables in a symbiotic environment.
A Brief History of the Aquaponics Farming System
This food production system has been used throughout history to provide food to entire civilizations. It continues to be a sustainable method of farming today with more advanced technology to make the process more efficient. Learn a brief history of aquaponics and how it has evolved below.
Aztec Civilization
Chinampas
The Aztecs created a network of agricultural islands known as chinampas. They were a system of man-made islands and canals where crops were cultivated because of the nutrient-rich mud and water from the canals. This is considered, by some, to be the first example of aquaponics for agriculture.
Southeast China
Paddy Fields
Chinese farmers are considered the earliest users of aquaponics, with methods dating back to 5 A.D. Farmers used water to grow rice in paddy fields and raised fish in them as well. This symbiotic relationship was an incredible discovery and allowed farmers to raise a variety of fish for consumption.
Recently
Modern Aquaponics
In the recent decades, aquaponics farming has been adapted for indoor use. The most common uses now include a commercial greenhouse system and is used by farm-to-table restaurants, STEM learning labs in schools, and community gardens in low-income neighborhoods with limited access or low rainfall.
What Grows in Aquaponics Systems?
A wide range of items can be grown in this sustainable food production system. It’s important to note that the fish density in a system affects the concentration of nutrients and impacts how many nutrients are received by plant roots. The symbiotic environment must be taken into account. Below are examples of the types of food and fish that are grown in aquaponics systems:
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Beans
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Peas
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Strawberries
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Melons
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Onions
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Sweet potato
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Cauliflower
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Cabbage
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Broccoli
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Eggplant
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Channel catfish
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Rainbow trout
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Perch
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Common carp
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Arctic char
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Largemouth bass
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Striped bass
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Tilapia
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Freshwater crayfish
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Freshwater prawns
The 3 Main Types of Aquaponic Systems
Media-Filled or Gravel Bed System
Flood and Drain or Continuous Flow
A flood and drain or continuous flow system where water from the fish tank is pumped through containers filled with small rocks or clay pebbles and then circulated back to the fish tank. The flood and drain system typically consists of gravel while the continuous flow system uses clay pebbles. This system is often used in backyards.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Commonly used in hydroponic systems
Commonly used in hydroponic systems, NFT is a system of pvc pipes and mechanical filtration that allows water to flow in a thin film through a channel from the fish tank. Small leafy plants absorb the nutrients from the water through its roots. This is not suitable for larger plants due to the enclosed gutters and can be expensive to set up.
Deep Water Culture/Raft System
For High Volumes of Water
High volumes of water provide stable temperatures for fish & plants in a system with floating rafts. Foam rafts with holes for plant roots, float on a fish tank or a container/channel filled with filtered fish tank water. This is a popular method because it is relatively inexpensive to build & maintain, but this is not suitable for larger plants with bigger root systems.
Organizations or Companies Using Aquaponics
With climate change and the current environmental impacts affecting water and food supply, we must explore ways to grow sustainably. Here are some of the different companies and organizations currently utilizing aquaponics farming techniques to feed our communities.
- All food-producing companies
- Non-profit organizations
- Restaurants
- Schools/Colleges
- Nursing homes
- Businesses growing farm-to-table foods
Call us for free samples and/or Pricing on our speciality plastic sheeting solutions.
Plastic Sheeting Liners for Aquaponics Systems
Product Highlights
- Scrim Reinforced for Durability
- Thermal Stabilizers for longevity
- 100% virgin resin, organically certifiable
- FDA Compliant
- Heat Reflector/UV resistant
Common Applications
- Aquaponics grow bed liner
- Aquaponics gravel bed system liner
- Aquaponics Trough Liner
- Deep Water Culture System Liner (Raft Bed Liner)
Product Highlights
- Scrim Reinforced for Durability
- Thermal Stabilizers for longevity
- 100% virgin resin, organically certifiable
- Heat Reflector/UV resistant
Common Applications
- Aquaponics grow bed liner
- Aquaponics gravel bed system liner
- Aquaponics Trough Liner
- Deep Water Culture System Liner (Raft Bed Liner)
Product Highlights
- High durability
- Fish and potable water grade safe
- Withstands environmental stress-cracking
- UV-stabilized to withstand sunlight exposure
Common Applications
- Outdoor applications such as ponds (HDPE and LLDPE)
- Designed for large aquaponics applications and commercial applications
- Pond liner for fish and gardens
Why Choose Americover for Your Aquaponics Liner Applications?
Americover is the leader in specialty plastic sheeting for the aquaponics/hydroponics industry because we offer products that are organically certifiable, fish safe and FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (c) 3.2 compliant. Our aquaponics liners won’t leach chemicals, are durable, and last for years. The longevity of our liners minimizes the need to replace the liner as often which saves you time and money. Regular poly will deteriorate and can sometimes leach harmful toxins into your applications, so quality is important when it comes to applications for produce you plan to consume.
Aquaponics Resources
Trough Liner for Aquaponic Farming
12 mil reinforced scrim liner is perfect in applications like an Aquaponic Farm trough liner because it’s made of virgin resins, so it won’t leach toxins.
Sustainable Irrigation Techniques Growers Should Consider
At Americover, we supply growers with the plastic sheeting products they need to grow their livelihoods. One way that we help growers is by providing them with durable tools (liners and covers) that can be used for years. High-quality products help growers tackle the biggest obstacle to sustainable irrigation: water waste. Water waste is the […]
Uses For Plastic Sheeting Liners in Aquaponics and Hydroponics
When it comes to plastic sheeting liners, we are the experts. With almost 30 years of experience in the industry, trust us with the materials for your next project. Plastic sheeting is extremely versatile and can be used in nearly any project for any industry. One of the most popular uses we see at Americover […]