DIY Aquaponics Water Exchange Ratios

Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture -- growing fish for food -- and hydroponics -- growing plants without soil (usually in water). Aquaponic systems have been growing in popularity since the year 2000, with tilapia being the most common type of fish raised and leafy greens the easiest plants to grow. Earlier examples of pre-aquaponic systems were used by the Aztecs. The Aztecs built garden rafts that would float on artificially created or natural lakes to make use of biological waste created by fish to feed plants. Most people no longer use lakes to garden and instead use tanks filled with fish. The nutrient rich wastewater is then pumped from the fish tanks into plant growing beds. Evaporation and plant absorption make it important to keep track of water exchange rates in the tank for the safety of the fish.

Things You'll Need

• Carbon filter

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Monitor the aquaponic system so that there are always three gallons of water to one pound of fish.

   • 2

     Dechlorinate new water by running it through a carbon filter. Chlorinated water will kill the fish.

   • 3

     Add dechlorinated water to the aquaponic system every time the water level drops below three gallons to one pound of fish.