Effectiveness of solar powered aquaponics in cultivating lettuce and tilapia

David Landkamer

According to David Landkamer, "An aquaponics system grows both fish and plants that can be harvested sustainably. It's an elegant system."

Basically, fish are typically raised in indoor environments or outdoor habitats, where they produce excrement. The water with the waste from the tank comes to a hydroponics tray where plants grow in the water without soil. The waste is poisonous to fish, which explains filters, but are rich fertilizers for plants. As the plants intake the nutrients, the water is filtered for the fish. The clean water can then be recycled to the fish tank, and fish would produce excrement which would be brought to the plants, which cleans the water which also nourishes the plans, and returns said water to the fish, and the cycle would just keep repeating.

Because you can't use pesticides or chemical fertilizers that can potentially harm the fish, you have to let it grow at it's own pace. You will see that your patience will reward you with healthy fish and high quality produce.

"You can grow just about any kind of plant," Landkamer said. "Any leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, Swiss chard and arugula are the easiest to cultivate, he said. You can also grow herbs such as basil, mint and chives. Other crops include cucumbers, shallots, snow peas, eggplant, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers, beans, squash, red onions and even potatoes."

"Aquaponics, which began in ancient China and Mexico, is gaining popularity around the world as a means of local food production," Landkamer said. "He regularly fields questions from people who want to start small-scale, backyard aquaponics operations or even commercial-scale aquaponics farms. It is possible for hobbyists to start out with aquaponics kits available online and at hydroponics supply stores," Landkamer said.

"Aquaponics systems feature a fish tank, trough or outdoors pond and a soil-free bed for plants. The fish container can be made out of fiberglass, glass, concrete or plastic. Containers can range in size from a 20 to 40 gallon plastic tote to a large plastic aquarium about 4 to 5 feet deep and 6 to 10 feet wide. Kits are best suited for a temperature-controlled environment in a greenhouse or inside your home," Landkamer said. "Fill the plant bed with pebbles made of clay or gravel, or grow the plants on foam or bamboo 'rafts' that float on the water," Landkamer said.