AQUAPONICS -TYPES

There are many way to start an AQUAPONICS  three of the main ways of AQUAPONICS technique are as follows-----


THE MEDIA BED TECHNIQUE (MBT)


Media-filled bed units are the most popular design for small-scale aquaponics. This method is strongly recommended for most developing regions. These designs are efficient with space, have a relatively low initial cost and are suitable for beginners because of their simplicity. In media bed units, the medium is used to support the roots of the plants and also the same medium functions as a filter, both mechanical and biological. This double function is the main reason why media bed units are the simplest.It consists of garden beds filled with small porous rocks – typically clay pellets – into which the vegetables are planted (this is a no soil system). Water from the fish tank is either pumped or drained via gravity, depending on the specifics of your site, into the beds so that the plants can access the nutrients. The rocks are porous to allow them to hold water for longer for more efficient nutrient uptake, and to remain aerated. The rocks also serve to filter out biological organisms such as parasites to prevent them going back into the fishes’ water, as well as any solid material



The media bed technique can become unwieldy and relatively expensive at a larger-scale. Media can become clogged if fish stocking densities exceed the beds’ carrying capacity, and this can require separate filtration. Water evaporation is higher in media beds with more surface area exposed to the sun.

THE NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE(NFT)

The NFT is a hydroponic method using horizontal pipes each with a shallow stream of nutrient-rich aquaponic water flowing through it . Plants are placed within holes in the top of the pipes, and are able to use this thin film of nutrient-rich water.


NFT is popular methods for commercial operations as it is financially more viable than media bed units when scaled up . This technique has very low evaporation because the water is completely shielded from the sun. This technique is far more complicated and expensive than media beds, and may not be appropriate in locations with inadequate access to suppliers. This technique is most useful in urban applications, especially when using vertical space or weight limitations are considerations. The nutrient film technique involves setting a series of pipes adjacent to the fish tank and pumping water through them as a very thin film. The water moves slowly allowing plants, which have been placed in holes in the pipe, to access the nutrients within. When the water reaches the end of the pipes, it is pumped back to the fish tank. Because there is no solid material or surface of the water open to the air, extra filtration equipment is needed to clear the water of solid and biological waste before it is returned. However, the system is very efficient in its water use.
                                             PIPE USED IN NFT

THE DEEP WATER CULTURE TECHNIQUE(DWC)

The DWC method involves suspending plants in polystyrene sheets, with their roots hanging down into the water . This method is the most common for large commercial aquaponics growing one specific crop (typically lettuce, salad leaves or basil), and is more suitable for mechanization. On a small-scale, this technique is more complicated than media beds, and may not be suitable for some locations, especially where access to materials is limited. The water flow dynamics in DWC are almost identical to those through an NFT. The water flows by gravity from the fish tank, through the mechanical filter, and into the combination biofilter/sump. From the sump, the water is pumped in two directions through a “Y” connector and valves. Some water is pumped directly back to the fish tank. The remaining water is pumped into the manifold, which distributes the water equivalently through the canals. The water flows, again by gravity, through the grow canals where the plants are located and exits on the far side. On exiting the canals the water is returned to the biofilter/sump, where again it is pumped either into the fish tank or canals. The water that enters the fish tank causes the fish tank to overflow through the exit pipe and back into mechanical filter, thus completing the cycle.this system has the advantage of a more stable environment for both the plants and the fish as because the water is not moved from the fish tank into system,it doesn't experience fluctuation in pH or temperature.




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