Referred to as the “farm of the future,” the process known as aquaponics is a revolutionary development that will not only benefit the environment, but has the potential to provide a healthy and affordable lifestyle during difficult economic times.
Aquaponics, the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, allows fish and plants to be grown together in one integrated, soil-less system. Fish waste provides food for the plants, while the plants provide a natural filter for the water the fish live in.
Nathaniel Futral, a representative from Sea of Green Hydrogardens, is a supporter of aquaponics, a recent hit in the mainstream market consumers can use to create a sustainable product in their own backyard.
“This is something that is simple, healthy and very affordable,” Futral said. “The long-term benefits are great.”
Aquaponics produces safe, fresh, organic fish and vegetables and can be done virtually anywhere, even in the hot southern Arizona desert.
“The system can be done inside a home using fluorescent lighting as a sun source, in a greenhouse or on a covered patio,” Futral said. “The only thing that has to be monitored, especially here in Arizona, is the temperature and pH level of the water in order for the fish to survive.”
The University of Arizona’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences operates an aquaponics greenhouse that is used as a prototype to evaluate crop production in a controlled environment.
Fish are raised from eggs to a harvest size of two pounds and are collected on a monthly basis. Romaine and butterhead lettuce, red and green oak leaf lettuce, micro-greens, basil, peppers and cucumbers are also grown in the system.
The 2,500-square-foot greenhouse is capable of producing approximately 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of tilapia and 13,300 to 26,600 plant crops each year.
Although the UA’s prototype is done on a large scale, there are still various types of lettuce, kale, herbs, cucumbers and other vegetables that can be grown in an at-home system, Futral said.
Fish play a large role in the system.
“Any type of algae-eating fish will do. I have goldfish in my system but you can use others as well,” said Futral.
Tilapia, bass, carp, brim and even koi are other recommended fish that can be used in an aquaponic system.
There are several different-sized, ready-to-install systems that enable people to grow organic fish and vegetables conveniently and efficiently at home.
“The only components of the system that will be costly are the fluorescent lights for indoor growing. They can cost sometimes as much as $80,” Futral said. “Aside from that, everything else is very reasonable.”
Referred to as the “farm of the future,” the process known as aquaponics is a revolutionary development that will not only benefit the environment, but has the potential to provide a healthy and affordable lifestyle during difficult economic times.
Aquaponics, the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, allows fish and plants to be grown together in one integrated, soil-less system. Fish waste provides food for the plants, while the plants provide a natural filter for the water the fish live in.
Nathaniel Futral, a representative from Sea of Green Hydrogardens, is a supporter of aquaponics, a recent hit in the mainstream market consumers can use to create a sustainable product in their own backyard.
“This is something that is simple, healthy and very affordable,” Futral said. “The long-term benefits are great.”
Aquaponics produces safe, fresh, organic fish and vegetables and can be done virtually anywhere, even in the hot southern Arizona desert.
“The system can be done inside a home using fluorescent lighting as a sun source, in a greenhouse or on a covered patio,” Futral said. “The only thing that has to be monitored, especially here in Arizona, is the temperature and pH level of the water in order for the fish to survive.”
The University of Arizona’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences operates an aquaponics greenhouse that is used as a prototype to evaluate crop production in a controlled environment.
Fish are raised from eggs to a harvest size of two pounds and are collected on a monthly basis. Romaine and butterhead lettuce, red and green oak leaf lettuce, micro-greens, basil, peppers and cucumbers are also grown in the system.
The 2,500-square-foot greenhouse is capable of producing approximately 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of tilapia and 13,300 to 26,600 plant crops each year.Although the UA’s prototype is done on a large scale, there are still various types of lettuce, kale, herbs, cucumbers and other vegetables that can be grown in an at-home system, Futral said.
Fish play a large role in the system.
“Any type of algae-eating fish will do. I have goldfish in my system but you can use others as well,” said Futral.
Tilapia, bass, carp, brim and even koi are other recommended fish that can be used in an aquaponic system.
There are several different-sized, ready-to-install systems that enable people to grow organic fish and vegetables conveniently and efficiently at home.
“The only components of the system that will be costly are the fluorescent lights for indoor growing. They can cost sometimes as much as $80,” Futral said. “Aside from that, everything else is very reasonable.”
Referred to as the “farm of the future,” the process known as aquaponics is a revolutionary development that will not only benefit the environment, but has the potential to provide a healthy and affordable lifestyle during difficult economic times.