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● Getting Started in Aquaponics.
1. Which Fish to Use
2. What Grow Medium to Use
3. Fish To Plant Ratio
4. Daily Maintenance
5. Example Tanks

Which Fish to Use
● You can use any freshawter fish
suitable to climate & water quality
● Folks use Koi, Goldfish, Perch, etc.
● Tilapia is most commonly used fish
● Use a fish you like!

Why Tilapia?
● From egg to filet in 9-12 months
● Begins reproducing at 3 months
● Has 500-1200 eggs at a time
● Reproduces 4-6 weeks later
● Perfect for aquaculture in AZ

● What grow medium to use
Hydroton is great for DWC,E&F & NFT
Vermiculite & Permiculite Blend for Drip
Rapid Rooter type products are great
Neutral pH, proper flow & easy on roots

HYDROTON
Derived from clay
Fired at 1200°C
Porous popcorn
Light in weight
Does not compact
pH neutral
Perfect drainage

1. Deep Water Culture
Plants are suspended in a container of
highly oxygenated nutrient solution.
Oxygenation usually occurs with bubble
stones.

2. Nutrient Film Technique
Plants are placed in low-sloped, high
drainage channels so that the roots
constantly receive a steady stream of
nutrient solution and oxygen.

3. Ebb & Flow
Plants are placed in a container which is
over the solution resivoir. At regular
intervals, a simple timer causes a pump
to fill the upper tray with nutrient
solution, after which the solution drains
back down into the reservoir. This
keeps the medium regularly flushed with
nutrients and air.

Duckweed
● Purifies H2O
● 10% that of Soy, 20% of Corn
● 5 X More Protein than Soy
● 5 X More Starch than Corn

Fish To Plant Ratio
● 1 cubic foot of fish water to 1-2 cubic
feet of grow medium is desired
● This can be offset by mechanical or
biofiltration and/or population control
● Gravel beds also helps biofiltration

Daily Maintenance
● Inspect for water flow or leaks
● Check pH Daily
● Feed fish as much as they can eat
● Keep an eye for signs of trouble
● May have to add chelated iron

Example Systems
Grow in 2.5 – 55 gallon buckets
Fish tanks
Ready Made Hydroponic kits
Be Creative and have fun!