How to Build Aquaponics

You will first need to understand what are Aquaponics, while how to build them, shall be dealt with at a later stage in this article. Aquaponics are the scientific combination of two forms of aquatic agriculture that breeds both freshwater biomes and marine biomes that need salt water. These biomes consist of both plants as well as animals. Those being Aquaculture and Hydroponic methods. Hydroponic is the method used for cultivating plants in water mixed with nutritious minerals. Unlike traditional methods of agriculture this process does not use soil as its medium, instead it uses fine gravel or simple cotton balls or clay. Plant roots can successfully absorb the mineral nutrients from the water such as inorganic ions and terrestrial plants find hydroponics a suitable environment to grow.

The Aquaponics System
While Aquaculture or Aqua farming is the breeding of water organisms such as fish, oysters, lobsters, water plants and many more species. They cultivate in both salt and freshwater in a controlled environment. The Aquaponics system thus combines the breeding of aquatic plants as well as animals together in a single, artificially created habitat. This system is divided into two parts, one for the animals and the other for the plants. It also uses either fresh or saline water and the fish tank size of the system may vary depending on its purpose or the variety of plants and animals being bred. Commercial systems are usually large, while home systems can be smaller. The bacteria present in the water processes the animal waste to create nitrates from the toxic nitrites, which the plants absorb as nutrients, this helps keep the both the aquatic animals healthy as well as the plants well nourished. Now that you have understood the meaning of Aquaponics, how to build them becomes the next big question.

Things You'll Need
Here is an example of small Aquaponics, how to make the system at home will require some basic items. You'll firstly need a small pond and a Grow-Tub with a Grow-Bed that is to be kept above the fish tank. Here are the following parts you'll need to purchase in order to build it yourself.

• A Pond Bin for the fish of about 250-300 liters. ($4 to $15)
• A grow Tub of 150-200 liters, that is rectangular and longish in shape. Like a cubical pipe. ($4 to $20)
• A grow bed that is placed on top of the fish tank ($5 to $15)
• A 1000-1500 liters Pump for the pond, it should be powerful enough to pump the water up towards the plants tank which is usually situated at a height of 1 meter or more.($20 to $40)
• A waterproof extension cable that is about 10-15 meters long
• An Air pump with dual outlets that are at least 15 meters in length.($7 to $15)
• An automated surge protector that will pump water in the system every 2 to 3 hours.
• A water purifier pump for constant circulation, purification and oxygen supply.
• You'll need tiles or slaps of brick to make a roof for the fish tank.
• A wire gauze or bird wire to protect the aquarium fish from prey.
• A long garden hose pipe
• A pH level testing kit ($6 to $20)
• Electric tape, a driller and a pair of scissors.
• Last but not the least some fish, the type you'll like to eat or keep as pets such as Angelfish, guppies, gold fish or the Betta fish as well as aquatic plants (as Vegetables or as decoration)

How to Build Aquaponics at Home
Follow the given instructions carefully and you'll know how to make fully functional Aquaponics, how to assemble it may seem tricky at first but it's relatively simple once you get the hang of it.

• Step 1: The fish tank will need to be placed in the ground, partly submerged in the soil as that would help maintain the optimal temperature for the water and the fish. So you'll need to dig a hole for the tank to be placed in, place the tank in a shaded area as too much sunlight will cause quicker evaporation and thus frequent refilling.
• Step 2: Now take the waterproof cable and connect it to the water pump and the air pump and attach them to the powerpoint.(Let it remain Switched OFF!) Remember to cover up the electric parts with a waterproof container and keep it away from the fish. Burring it into the soil is safest.
• Step 3: Closely place the plant-grow tank diagonally above the fish tank, this will help in easier pumping of water and its circulation between the two tanks. The grow-tub should also have tiny holes drilled at the bottom at its tip which faces the tank below and so that the water penetrates and returns back to the fish tank. The tiles can also help, with the slanted roof making the water falling over it slide into the fish tank below.
• Step 4: Connect the pond pump with the garden hose pipe and the automated surge protector.
• Step 5: Now dechlorinate the water, leave it be for an hour, and then add the fish.
• Step 6: Add the grow matter, such as clay or gravel into the plant tank and place your plants into the tank as well. You can also plant seeds, that will germinate without any problems.

Things to Do
You will need to keep a check on the water level and the fish. Keep them well fed as that is directly related to the growth of the plants. Also giving the plants, regular vitamin supplements will be very beneficial for their general well-being. Make sure that the tanks are not contaminated by feces, from birds and insects. Always remember to clean your Aquaponics at least once in a month.

Many tropical fish such as the exotic clownfish or the famous 'Nemo' can also be bred through this system, as the salt water and temperature provides them with a safe haven. Hopefully you have understood the basic functions of Aquaponics, how to build them has been explained in detail, but there are other variations you can introduce to your own homemade system.