Understanding what aquaponics is: a complete guide and practical benefits for beginners

Aquaponics is a concept that piques the curiosity of budding gardeners and novices alike. But then, what is aquaponics ? Basically, it's an agricultural technique that combines aquaculture, i.e. fish farming, and hydroponics, i.e. growing plants without soil. It's an innovative, eco-friendly combination that I'm delighted to share with you.

A super virtuous circle: the aquaponics cycle

In a system aquaponicsFish play a central role. Their faeces, naturally rich in ammonia, are transformed by bacteria into nitrates. These nitrates serve as fertiliser for the plants grown in hydroponics. The plants filter the water, which is then returned to our scaly friends clean as a whistle.

The aquaponics cycle is therefore a closed loop, saving up to 95% of water compared with cultivation in the open ground. One drop of water used here is one drop saved for our good old planet Earth! Not to mention the chemical fertilisers and pesticides that become completely unnecessary.

One day I found myself discussing aquaponics with a friendly colleague in a pet shop. For him, the rapid growth of the plants is a real plus: two to three times faster than in a traditional garden. A pep this big is well worth the diversions, especially for those who don't have the patience to wait months before biting into a fresh tomato from the garden.

Which fish and plants for aquaponics?

One of the cool things about aquaponics is the wide variety of fish and plants you can grow together in perfect symbiosis. The most popular fish in aquaponics systems are :

Trout
Carp
Tilapia
Goldfish and koi carp, for the more aesthetic ones

Yeah, personally, ever since my days at the pet shop, I've had a soft spot for goldfish. A touch of colour in this green world wouldn't go amiss!

When it comes to plants, there's no shortage of options either:

Salads
Spinach
Watercress
Chinese cabbage and chard
Aromatic plants such as basil, chives, parsley and mint

And for those with a more gourmet taste, you can grow tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. A real vegetable market at your fingertips, right in your living room or on your balcony!

How to set up your own aquaponics system

So you're tempted by the idea of creating your own small aquaponic farm ? Setting it up requires a bit of special equipment, but it's well worth the effort. Here's what you'll need:

An aquarium (or tank for fish)
The right fish
An irrigation system and a water pump
Pots and a substrate like clay balls
pH and EC testers to monitor water quality

You may be wondering whether all these tools require constant monitoring. Well, yes, a little. It's all about regularly measuring pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels. The fish will need to be well fed with a balanced diet containing the mineral salts necessary for plants.

It's a little logistical, but for an animal lover like me, seeing this little world blossom together is a source of unequalled satisfaction. I've always loved looking after my little protégés, and now they've turned into super aquatic gardeners.

Advantages and challenges of aquaponics

Adopting aquaponics means hitting the jackpot when it comes to ecological and practical benefits. Here's why:

Reducing water consumption : An aquaponics system uses 90 to 95 % less water than traditional agriculture.
No chemical fertilisers or pesticides: The plants grow in a healthy, natural environment, enriched by fish faeces.
Local production : Aquaponics can be practised in small urban spaces, allowing city dwellers to grow their own vegetables and fish.
Rapid growth : Aquaponic plants grow 2 to 3 times faster than in a traditional garden.
Nutritional quality : The fruit, vegetables and fish produced by aquaponics are often more nutritious and tasty than those produced by conventional agriculture.

To finish with a personal anecdote: a gardening buddy of mine was won over by aquaponics and recently shared his harvest of aquaponic basil with me. I made a homemade pesto from it that blew everyone away. The title of pesto chef is mine!

An old practice making a comeback

Aquaponics is nothing new. The Aztecs used similar techniques with chinampas, and in Asia, rizipisciculture - growing rice with fish - has been practised for over 1,700 years. The old methods are making a comeback, brought to the fore by growing environmental awareness.

In France, although a little behind Australia, North America and Japan, aquaponics is slowly taking its place in our countryside and towns. Today, around thirty aquaponics farms are operating throughout the country, promoting this sustainable and innovative technique.

I still remember my visit to an aquaponics farm in Yvelines. A closed circuit where every drop of water was exploited to the full. That's when it hit me: this method is the future of urban and peri-urban agriculture.

A few tips to get you started with aquaponics

Finally, some practical advice for those who want to get started:

Start with a small system to familiarise yourself with the basic principles.
Choose hardy, easy-to-care-for fish such as tilapia or goldfish.
Choose fast-growing, low-maintenance plants.
Regularly monitor water quality and essential chemical parameters.

Believe me, combining love of animals and gardening is a truly sustainable adventure. You don't need a huge plot of land, just passion and patience. So give aquaponics a try - who knows, you might just discover a new vocation as an urban farmer!