Build Your Own Smart Self-Cleaning Indoor Aquaponics Garden

Aquaponics is a blend of two different systems, aquaculture and hydroponics, together creating a mini-ecosystem The first part, that is “aqua”, means water and refers to the aquaculture (fish rearing) which forms half of an aquaponics system. The second half, that is, “ponics” refers to the growing technique of hydroponics, which forms the plant part of the system. Hydroponics is about cultivating plants in soilless systems, in which the user enjoys total control of the nutrients and environmental conditions of the plants, compared to the traditional in-soil cultivation techniques. It is true that most parts of hydroponics are present in aquaponics. However, it is important to treat them as separate systems as they have separate problems, benefits and methods of operating.
Solving the urban farming needs
The aim of this new-age system is to grow plants and fish together in the same system. In this method the waste produced by farmed fish or other aquatic creatures supply the nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, which in turn purify the water. It demonstrates how science and agriculture are intertwined with each other. Aquaponics has enormous scope in automating agriculture and localizing food production, through building small automated farms.
Indoor aquaponics gardens are designed to grow healthy, organic food, whilst at the same proffering a better lifestyle and adding to indoor aesthetics of your home. Today many organizations are building intelligent, self-cleaning, aquaponics systems that help people grow completely organic food in the comfort of their homes. If you are looking for innovative cost effective solutions which can solve the urban farming needs in a cost-effective way, then aquaponics is your thing.
Eco-friendly technology
It is aimed to make people see and grow their own food by an eco-friendly indoor organic food growing system. The unique thing about this product is the technology that allows anyone to do it, within the comfort and confines of one’s home.
The market players in aquaponics technology are empowering clients with the idea to grow their own food in the most elegant way. The system brings in an experience like never before. Moreover, the technology driven approach has the potential to save 80% water on gardening and urban farming.
An Aquaponics “ecosystem” is equipped with a self-cleaning aquarium atop a main grow-bed. The units can be easily and aesthetically fit into the living room of any house. An integrated storage compartment of the ecosystem houses all the fish food, tools and other accessories. Moreover, there are consumables models which allow you to order add-ons and additional accessories regularly.
Chief components of an aquaponics system design –
Grow bed for the plants to grow
Fish tank for the fish to live
Pump to transfer water from the fish tank to the grow bed
Standpipes or siphons to drain the grow bed water back to the fish tank
Water pump to circulate water through the entire system and help aeration
Grow media or floating rafts to provide support to the plants
Some of the Aquaponics “ecosystems” also have a smart Wi-Fi enabled app-and- sensor unit, which helps users monitor all the ecosystem parameters including light intensity, temperature, humidity and water levels. Moreover, the LEDs inside the ecosystem are designed to mimic natural sunlight, to stimulate photosynthesis in plants. The LED’s can be controlled thru the app, and be timed on a need basis, as per the growth of the plants in the bed. The LEDs are usually designed in indoor appeasing soft colors which also add to the indoor visual appeal. You can use an aquaponics system to grow vegetables, herbs or small fruits.
Advantages of aquaponics
Zero maintenance cost. Water-efficient – requires less water quality monitoring than hydroponics; no need to change water like in a conventional aquarium.
Uses clay pebbles. So, no soil-less and hence dirt free
Android based application to control the system remotely/offers tips to get a better produce.
Year-round production (in controlled environments)
Sensors monitor important parameters
Removes pain points of maintaining a garden or a fish tank, creating an enjoyable experience.
An ideal stress reliever by bringing families closer to nature.
Media beds for plant growth double as surfaces for the nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Nutrients come from fish, no added nutrient costs (no fertilizers)
Limited to no pesticide use, no weeding
Flexibility in location and less prone to disease than hydroponics
Disadvantages of Aquaponics
Initial cost and operational cost are high
Energy requirements are also high
Demands daily maintenance
The technology needs skill on both agricultural fields and also needs testing of water quality for fish and plants
Scope of plant selection is limited
Different Types of Aquaponics Systems
There are three different types of aquaponics systems designs, including Media Based, Raft System, and Nutrient Film Technique. However, with advancement in aquaponics technology, newer designs like Vertical Aquaponics System and Hybrid System are now being developed. While opting for an aquaponics system, it is necessary to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the designs to decide which one suits your needs and capacity best.
Here are factors to consider while deciding on an Aquaponics system design –
The intended use of the system, if it is for personal, educational, or commercial use
The location which will affect your system’s health all through the year round; better to choose a place suitable for growing fish and plants.
Make sure there is enough space to move around your system to access your fish tank and grow beds
You will have to match the plants to the system; FYI, media beds are good for tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Leafy greens such as lettuce and kale are best with raft system design. Hybrid system design offers greater options for plants to grow.
The water source and its quality is also essential. The system will need dechlorinated water which has been tested for its hardness and other quality parameters.
Enough knowledge about aquaponics is needed to properly operate the aquaponics system design.
Before you make up your mind about setting up an indoor aquaponics system design, consider the above factors well. If you are already into indoor gardening look up the online store https://moderngardensupplies.com/, to explore smart indoor gardening products for urban dwellers. You will also find all the garden essentials, indoor gardening and watering supplies, garden clean up tools to meet your indoor gardening requirements.