How to Heat Your Aquaponic System in Colder Climates

Aquaponic systems allow you to simultaneously raise vegetables and fish in a variety of climates. The fish live in the water that the plants receive, and the fish waste feeds nutrients to the plants. Since fish and the beneficial bacteria that turn fish waste into helpful nitrates survive best at temperatures above 64 degrees F, heating systems are necessary for healthy cold climate aquaponic systems. A few heating methods can help keep an aquaponic system warm enough in a cold climate.

Things You'll Need

• Greenhouse (optional)
• Aquarium heater
• Root-zone heating system

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place the aquaponic system in a sunny area, if possible. Heat from the sun will minimize the need for electric heat sources.

   • 2

     Keep the aquaponic system in a greenhouse or heated building, if possible.

   • 3

     Install an electrical emersion heater or other type of aquarium heater to heat the fish tank to the right temperature for the species of fish living in the tank. If your aquaponic system is not near a source of electricity, use a solar water heater.

   • 4

     Use a root-zone heating system, available from greenhouse supply stores, to keep the gravel plant beds warm.