Prickly Fish Farm

Aquaponics is a method of growing food that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. It combines a method of rearing fish, aquaculture, and a method often used to grow produce, hydroponics. In aquaculture fish are raised in tank. This can use large amounts of water and energy to remove the ammonia and solid waste from the system. In hydroponics plants are grown in a nutrient rich solution. This is a very productive way of a variety of produce. However, nutrients have to be added to the system, and are often artificially derived from petrochemicals.  In Aquaponics the water from the fish tanks is pumped through the plant growing area. Bacteria and microorganisms in the system break down the waste in the water, turning it into nitrogen and other micronutrients that the plants need. The clean water is recirculated back to the fish tanks and the cycle continues. A well run aquaponics system will have a minimal water requirement, and requires no artificial fertilisers.