For those that have decided to start their own aquaponic garden, selecting fish and crops is a fairly easy process. Their are not many limitations on the types of fish and crops you can introduce, although their could be certain limits depending on where you live. Climate can have a effect on certain species of fish and plants. An alternative method plan would be to use a greenhouse to house your aquaponic garden or like most persons that practise this form of gardening you can turn your basement or garage into the ideal garden. Once you have an understanding on how of how an aquaponic system works selecting fish and plants become easier.
An aquaponic garden is basically a self sufficient eco-system which will supply you and your family with fish, vegetables, fruit and herbs throughout the year, depending on the size. The fish supply the much needed nutrients for the plants to feed by way of effluent, the plants in turn filter the water of the fish waste and clean water is returned to the tank or pond via a pump leaving the water clear. The plants do not need fertilizer as they get all the nutrients needed from the fish. No chemicals are used such as pesticides so it is the most natural healthy way to put food on the table. This system only creates healthy bacteria which are needed to keep the whole balanced and productivity high.
When selecting fish it is a good idea to establish what fish you and your family like eating. Many people choose tilapia but with this species they can survive in temperatures in the lower 60s but will not thrive unless the water temperature is in the mid to high 70s. Alternately trout will survive easily in temps in the 65 range but will not thrive unless the e water temperature upper 40s to low 50s. On the other hand some people do not wish to eat fish so they tend to keep ornamental fish such as goldfish or koi carp.
If your system is undercover or indoors then it is easy to regulate the temperature by way of a pond or pool heater, this can be an advantage by having the temperature set to where your fish thrive constantly and not just certain times of the year. Other fish that are becoming popular are catfish, bluegill, perch, bass and even crayfish. The most important thing to do before purchasing your fish is to inquire what temperatures they will survive and thrive in.
When selecting plants for your system it is always a good idea to check with the plant specialist about PH levels that plants require. Most people like to grow green leafy type vegetables as they produce lush green leaves and are full of nutrients due to the high nitrogen filled fertilizer produced by the fish. Lettuce, Spinach, Bok Choy, and Watercress are familiar favorite’s.
Once you have decided on what fish or plants you want in your aquaponic garden then you have to work out how many of each you will need to keep it balanced. The first thing you will have to work out is the fish to water ratio a good guide is 3 to 3.5 gallons of water to every pound of tilapia, meaning a 300 gallon set up could keep 100 pounds of tilapia, given oxygen levels, PH levels and nutrients.
Here are some examples of ratios for fish tank gallons, grow bed size and pounds of fish. The first example is a grow bed of 2ft x 10ft with a 120 gallons of tank water, 132 media gallons could house 40 pounds of fish. A grow bed of 4ft x 10ft with 320 gallons of tank water, and 264 media gallons could house 80 pounds of fish.
As you can see the more you increase in size the more you get by way of sustainable food, more than enough for one family.