Aquaponic Farming: Growing Plants and Rearing Fish

Running head: AQUAPONIC FARMING
Aquaponic framing
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1AQUAPONIC FARMING
Introduction
The assignment deals with the Aquaponic farming and the process involved in growing
plants and rearing fish. The assignment discusses how the plants feed and grow in aquaponic
farming. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of farming system are discussed.
What is Aquaponic farming?
Aquaponic farming is the combination of the hydroponics that is raising plants in the
water and aquaculture or fish farming. It is the sustainable method of growing vegetables and
raising fish. In this technique year round indoor farming is ensured as the negative aspects of
aquaculture and hydroponics can be eliminated (Love et al., 2015).
How dose aquaponic farming work?
There are two parts of the Aquaponic farming. In the aquaculture part the aquatic animals
are raised. In the hydroponic farming the plants are grown. The other main component of this
farming is the use of bacteria. In this type of farming a system called rearing tank is created that
mimics the ponds, rivers and lakes. In this tank the fishes are raised and fed. In the settling
chamber, the detached biofilm, uneaten food and fine particles are collected. The tank also
comprises of biofilter to convert ammonia using nitrification bacteria into nitrates that can be
used by the plants (Bodlovich & Gleeson, 2014). In the hydroponic subsystem of the tank, the
plants grow using nutrients from water, without soil. In turn the plants purify water, which is
utilised by fishes. The lowest point of the system called the sump, where water is continuously
pumped to rearing tank. The entire system is designed with enough precaution taken to prevent
the direct flow of water from the aquaculture part to the hydroponics part. In this farming use of