on March 22, 2014 at 2:00 PM Skip the soil and try growing vegetables in an aquaponics system that turns fish waste into fertilizer for your plants. "An aquaponics system grows both fish and plants that can be harvested sustainably," said David Landkamer, an aquaculture specialist with the Oregon State University Sea Grant Extension program. "It's an elegant system." Here's how it works: Fish are typically raised in indoor tanks, troughs or outdoor ponds, where they produce excrement. The water with the waste from the tank flows to a hydroponics tray where plants grow in the water without soil. The waste is toxic to the fish but is a rich fertilizer for the plants. As the plants absorb the nutrients, the water is purified for the fish. The clean water can then be recycled to the fish tank. Because you can't use pesticides or chemical fertilizers that would harm the fish, it's a natural organic production system. You can grow just about any kind of plant.

Any leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, Swiss chard and arugula are the easiest to cultivate, Landkamer said. You can also grow herbs such as basil, mint and chives. Other crops include cucumbers, shallots, snow peas, eggplant, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers, beans, squash, red onions and even potatoes. Aquaponics, which began in ancient China and Mexico, is gaining popularity around the world as a means of local food production. Landkamer regularly fields questions from people who want to start small-scale, backyard aquaponics operations or even commercial-scale aquaponics farms. It is possible for hobbyists to start out with aquaponics kits available online and at hydroponics supply stores, Landkamer said. Aquaponics systems feature a fish tank, trough or outdoors pond and a soil-free bed for plants. The fish container can be made out of fiberglass, glass, concrete or plastic. Containers can range in size from a 20 to 40 gallon plastic tote to a large plastic aquarium about 4 to 5 feet deep and 6 to 10 feet wide.

Kits are best suited for a temperature-controlled environment in a greenhouse or inside your home, Landkamer said. Fill the plant bed with pebbles made of clay or gravel, or grow the plants on foam or bamboo "rafts" that float on the water, Landkamer said. Beyond the tank and bed, each system relies on the following customizable components: a solids removal area, a biofiltration system to grow helpful bacteria that break down the fish waste, a water sump and pump, and an aeration system. A water sump is a reservoir in which water is collected, and then returned to the rest of the system using a pump. Depending on which species of fish you choose, you may need to add a heater of some kind to keep the water temperatures just right for the fish and plants. Aquaponics farmers often use inexpensive heat supplies such as solar greenhouses or hot compost, he said. "These systems require monitoring to make sure everything is in balance and running smoothly," Landkamer said.

"You have to pay attention and see how well the fish are feeding, how well the plants are growing and see whether the water is circulating properly." Besides fish and plants, the aquaponics system naturally produces one other crop – "good" bacteria that convert the toxic components of fish waste into nutrients that plants can consume. fish tank light 30 gallonYou don't need to add these bacteria, but do get a testing kit to monitor oxygen and nutrient levels in the water, Landkamer said.cheap betta fish tanks for sale Tilapia are the most commonly raised fish in aquaponics systems, he said. buy undergravel filter aquariumLandkamer also recommends catfish, trout, common carp, koi, sunfish, goldfish, barramundi, Murray cod and crayfish. fish tank stand support

Choose freshwater species, he advised. They can be fed standard diets made for each species and available at feed suppliers or pet stores. You must purchase a transport permit from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to raise tilapia and other fish, even for personal use. These permits are easy to obtain online or from licensed fingerling sellers. fish tank stand 40cmFind ODFW's list of sellers at http://bit.ly/1ecQWjf.fish tank water quality monitor For more information about food safety for fish and plants grown in an aquaponics system, Landkamer recommends a publication from the University of Hawaii at Manoa at http://bit.ly/1gBgGSS. Learn more about aquaponics at a U.S. Department of Agriculture website. From Reef Aquariums to Planted Freshwater Aquariums... Let Eddie's help you create the under sea world of your dreams.

Fluval Pure M Series is here! Built-in filtration for seemless style. Free live rock with select Red Sea tanks Brighten up any room with a Glofish Aquarium Kit. What an eye catcher... Easy to setup and maintain... Click photo for more info. The Water Garden Co. You too can enjoy the sight and sound of cascading water as you watch fish and frogs frolic through the beautiful blooming water lilies of your own Water Garden. Sights and sounds of spring... Click HERE to view Subscribe to our e-Newsletter Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to get exclusive offers on discounted products and valuable information.. The Perfect Gift for any Aquarium Lover! Read all independent Trust Reviews >>1 of 9 images Water Garden Fish Tank And Planter 2.0 Ships from Castle Hill, Australia Shop now, pay later. W: 24cm, L: 34cm, H: 34cm Capacity: 11.3 litres (3Gal) - BPA and Phthalates free Acrylic Tank - Plant trays & Growstones (lightweight and porous)

- Gravel for the bottom of the tank (multi-coloured) - All-natural aquatic products and fish food by Kordon - Organic & Australian wheatgrass and snow peas - no seeds for WA/TAS & New Zealand Include easy step by step instruction to set-up Recommended fish (tropicals) Betta Fighters, neon tetras, guppies (cold water) cloud minniows Water Garden is a great addition to any classroom, as kids can learn hands on about: - The interactions between plants and animals in the environment - Make the connection between gardening and food that they can eat (where the food really comes from...) - Take care of a pet in a easy and low maintenance way - no cleaning required, no watering plants Meet the new Water Garden - a self-cleaning fish tank and planter that grows organic sprouts and herbs. In this low-maintenance, mini aquaponics eco-system, the fish feed the plants and plants clean the water - no water changes required! Perfect as a hands-on family or classroom project, or a unique gift for the pet or gardening enthusiast in your life.