On the Benefits of Aquaponics
If you are wondering about aquaponics and how it differs from conventional gardening, you are not alone. One of the most common questions we receive is “what is aquaponics?” While aquaponics is a sustainable gardening method that dates back to the Aztecs, many people are just learning about it for the first time.
Perhaps you have heard of hydroponics? If so, you are halfway to understanding aquaponics. In short, aquaponics is the combination of hydroponics (raising plants without soil) and aquaculture (raising of fish in a controlled environment). This combination creates an integrated and self-sustaining system, where fish waste provides vital nutrients to the plants, and the plants filter and clean the water for the fish.
With AquaGrove, aquaponics is taken to the next level as the fish are contained in a patented thermal tank which provides energy savings and easier regulation of the water temperature. Additionally, AquaGrove’s stackable, easy-to-assemble design and grow lights allow for year-round gardening in small spaces with limited or no sunlight. This has the potential to seriously change the way we approach food security, especially in urban or remote areas where access to fresh produce is limited.
So, what are the benefits of aquaponics? In contrast to some of the other sustainable growing methods on the market, aquaponics offers benefits including:
100% Organic - Aquaponics is one of the few gardening methods that guarantees your produce is 100% organic. How is it guaranteed? Simple – If toxins or chemicals are added to the system, the fish will not survive. The balance of the vegetation and aquatic life must remain healthy and free of harmful toxins in order to be successful.
Cost Effective – Aquaponics eliminates the cost and labor of mixing traditional hydroponic nutrients.
Healthy – In traditional gardening, soil-borne diseases are not uncommon; aquaponic gardening eliminates the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Efficient Spacing – The grow rafts that come with the AquaGrove aquaponics system provide effective plant spacing that allows a greater amount of growth in a given area.
Increased Productivity – With aquaponics, growers will experience increased speed of growth and development of their herbs, lettuce and plants. Growers have reported up to 1/3 faster growth rates than traditional growing methods.
Less Water – Aquaponics uses 90% less water than conventional gardening – Yes, 90% less! Once the tanks are filled, the only additional water required is to make up for water loss due to evaporation and absorption.
Year-Round Growing – As a controlled and closed-loop system with grow lights, AquaGrove can operate indoors or outdoors offering year-round gardening in any climate and season.
While modern aquaponics companies and programs are still young, it is believed to be one of the most profitable projects that new commercial growers can begin. As for consumers and home growers, aquaponics provides a chance for individuals and families to take control of their food source, growing 100% organic food while saving money, energy and time. Aquaponics is more than just an earth-friendly and sustainable growing method, it has the potential to be the answer for feeding our rapidly growing global population.