Software in aquaponics? Have I confused you? :-)
“Software” refers to the components that keep the system alive. The hardware components ensure that the water is transported through the circuit and provide the plants and fish with the right habitat. But the fish tank, grow bed, pumps and other hardware only make up part of the circuit.
At least equally important are the highly interesting biological processes that take place in the background. The interaction of the software components. If you have always wondered what else is behind it besides the hardware, then you have come to the right place. Let's take a closer look at the 5 most important components.
1) Bacteria & Microorganisms
Naturally occurring bacteria and microorganisms ensure that the water is cleaned and recycled in an aquaponics system. They colonize all surfaces that are available within a system. This colonization takes place specifically on the surface of the grow media (e.g. planting clay, stones). As part of the nitrogen cycle , they then convert the ammonium released by fish feces into the intermediate product nitrite and then into nitrate. Meanwhile, the plants absorb the nutrients they need for healthy growth. This breakdown of ammonium via nitrite to nitrate is called nitrification . So whenever you hear terms like biofilter or biological filtration, bacteria and microorganisms are involved. This type of water purification works exactly the same in the wild, for example in a stream or lake.
2) Grow Bed Worms
The well-known compost worms (Eisenia foetida) also have a particularly interesting and important function in aquaponics. In this case, the grow bed is their habitat. There they feed on solid waste such as fish droppings or dead plant roots and reliably ensure their decomposition . When the system is started (cycling), they are placed in the grow beds together with the filter bacteria, where they reproduce independently and reliably do their work. There they wander through the various grow bed zones. In this way, the little helpers prevent solids from compacting or unfavorable deposits from forming.
3) Plants
The plants , mostly vegetables, are, together with the fish, the most important output of an aquaponics cycle. In addition to growing, their function is to absorb the nitrate released from the nitrogen cycle . They absorb this during the nutrient supply and thus make a significant contribution to the water quality . In the grow bed, the plants find their support through the roots in the grow media. In NFT or RAFT systems, they alternatively grow in plant pots.
4) Fish
The fish are the nutrient producers in the aquaponics cycle. They grow in the fish tank and continuously enrich the water with ammonium through their excretions . As already described above, ammonium forms an important basis for the nitrogen cycle and the aforementioned nitrification. Ornamental or edible fish can be kept. The most popular fish species in aquaponics are tilapia, predatory catfish and carp .
5) Fish food
I still maintain that fish feed is the most important software component . It is the input we have the greatest influence on, and also the one that ultimately determines the quality of the output . Fish that eat healthy feed provide the plants with healthy and natural nutrients . This means that we can expect high-quality fish and healthy vegetables . That is why special care is required with industrial feed. In my opinion, chemicals such as ethoxyquin have no place in feed.
Home-grown feed insects are probably the most sustainable form of fish feed. Due to the low resource expenditure during breeding and the possibility of sensible use of food scraps, insect breeding is ideal. In addition to mealworms , BSF larvae and compost worms are also suitable as a high-quality and natural source of protein for fish in aquaponics. [Equipment for breeding insects]
Food plants such as duckweed can also be easily grown yourself. There are some fish such as tilapia or carp that also like to feed on plant protein . For example, you can use a tank separate from the fish to grow duckweed. These aquatic plants multiply rapidly, especially in summer. Duckweed is therefore a great option for integration into aquaponics.
Fish food in the form of pellets is used most frequently. There is a large selection, but the quality of the feed varies enormously. When making your selection, you should definitely pay attention to the origin and composition . I would avoid feed whose origin and composition are unclear. A selection of high-quality feed can be found here .
By the way, I believe that everyone should have control over their food! And you? Share your impressions and your attitude to the topic with us. You can find the comment box below.
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