Aquaponic 2.0

Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants) that grows fish and plants together in one integrated system. In this integrated system, the fish waste is used as an organic nutrition source for the plants and the soil or gravels used for the plants are playing the role of a filter to re-clean the water for the fish.

In the aquaponic system, there is a third actor as nitrifying bacteria which converts ammonia from the fish waste into nitrites, and then into nitrates. The useful form of nitrogen which plants can uptake and use as food. Also, the solid waste of fish can be used as vermicompost for plants.

While the aquaponic system has it's own pros and cons comparing to traditional agriculture or aquaculture and hydroponic systems individually, it is a game changer regarding the following points:

• Waist-high aquaponic gardening eliminates weeds, back strain, and small animal access to the plants.
• Aquaponics relies on the recycling of nutrient-rich water continuously. In aquaponics there is no toxic run-off from either hydroponics or aquaculture.
• Aquaponics uses only 1/10th of the water of soil-based gardening, and even less water than hydroponics or recirculating aquaculture.
• No harmful petrochemicals, pesticides or herbicides can be used. It’s a natural eco system.
• Gardening chores are cut down dramatically or eliminated. The aquaponics grower is able to focus on the enjoyable tasks of feeding the fish and tending to and harvesting the plants.
• Aquaponic systems can be put anywhere, use them outside, in a greenhouse, in your basement, or in your living room! By using grow-lighting, and space can become a productive garden.
• Aquaponic systems are scaleable. They can fit most sizes and budgets, from small countertop herb systems, to backyard gardens, to full scale farms, aquaponics can do it all.
• You get to harvest both plants and fish from your garden. Truly raise your entire meal in your backyard!

(Extracted from: www.theaquaponicsource.com)

By further developing the existing aquaponic systems, we have successfully designed the Aquaponic 2.0 through integrating some existing advanced technologies into the traditional design. 

Considering the climate conditions, resource availability, food culture and many other parameters in different locations, a single raw concept of traditional aquaponic system as a food growing facility is not applicable everywhere as a unique solution. For example, in some places there is lack of suitable fresh water or sun light or perhaps sever climate condition makes it not feasible to grow food for a long period of time during a year.

By application of existing technologies, we provide the required energy and material to start and maintain the growing process in a semi-closed and nearly zero waste environment. Aquaponic 2.0 makes it possible to start a growing plant regardless of environmental conditions or existence of natural resources which can provide Local Food, Jobs and Financial & Social benefits in small and global scale.

The prototype of Aquaponic 2.0 has been designed and manufactured by our team and has been under testing period for one growing season. By monitoring the input/output of different resources, we can improve the design and come up with an even better version to offer soon.