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DESIGNS

DIY IDEAS - For more ideas on DIY system designs please follow us on Pinterest.

Fig: The N.F.T. system (Nutrient Film Technique)

Hydroponic - NFT DESIGN
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Growing hydroponically offers significant advantages, both for the environment and for farmers as well as for consumers:

  • Not dependent on seasonal activity:

  • Not affected by drought, flood and other climate-related issues

  • Reduced water usage:

  • Compared to soil-based systems

  • No pesticides or herbicides:

  • Pests, soil diseases and weeds can be better controlled without the use of harsh
    chemicals

  • NFT Hydroponic nutrients are recyclable:

  • Waste water containing valuable water and nutrients can be collected, filtered, treated and
    recycled

  • Growing time is lessened:

  • Accelerated growth due to correct balance of nutrients, water and oxygen

  • Automated systems: UV sensors allow for faster crop turnover and reduced labour

  • Healthier produce: Better control of environment significantly reduces plant stress and provides for a very healthy crop

Aquaponic - MEDIA-BASED DESIGN
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Benefits:

  • 100% hands-off

  • Plants will provide nutrients and fish would keep the water clean

  • No more weeding

  • No more watering

  • No more dirt and shovels, no ploughing and raking

  • No more manure and fertilizer

  • No soil borne pests and disease

  • Great for small areas

  • Plants can be planted much closer or double decked and save space.

  • Simple and fun once you know the basics.

  • Classrooms use to teach basics how ecosystems work.

  • Other benefits from eating health food include, i.e. more micro energy provides more energy, better night sleep and boost sex drive. Taste better

  • Save money as to buy food from overprized supermarket.

  • Food security, i.e. Natural disasters i.e. drought, crime and terrorist attacks which could wipe out food supply.

Choose the correct fish
Fish commonly found in South Africa
Tilapia

This is most likely the most popular fish for aquaponics. They multiply so easily and can survive in various water conditions, however they do prefer warmth. Tilapia are low in fat, easy to raise, they taste good and they produce a decent amount of meat.

Trout

If you don’t have the warm weather to support the Jade Perch, perhaps consider the trout. Trout fish can survive better in cooler weather than a lot of fish, preferring a temperature somewhere between 10°C and 20°C.

Carp

Carp don’t have a great reputation for eating them, like Tilapia, they can easily become overpopulated. Again, this makes them a good candidate for an Aquaponics tank when the goal is to have a high output.

Catfish

These ugly looking fish aren’t great to eat, but some people still enjoy keeping them in their aquaponics setup for the same reason you keep fish in ponds in your yard, and of course to help with the plants in your tank. The catfish is not a tough fish to raise, these prehistoric-looking creatures are pretty much able to fend for themselves.

 

Goldfish

Most commonly known as a pet, goldfish are very resilient to have in your aquaponics tank. They don’t grow to be too large, and they aren’t considered to be a food source, but they’re very nice looking fish that can survive in many different conditions.

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