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Broccoli pic
The principles behind aquaponics stem from ancient techniques practiced in Asia and South America. These techniques of growing plants and fish together have not been carried out for many years since the advent of modern agri-business farming methods. During the late 60's and early 70's, there was a resurgance of interest in more sustainable methods of food production and many people began experimenting with aquaponics.

Aquaponics has slowly been refined over the past few decades mainly with work being carried out in the U.S., but more recently in Canada and Australia. Australia is now becoming one of the world leaders in developing small scale efficient backyard aquaponic systems. 

Now aquaponics is is beginning to have a well deserved renaissance amongst the public, especially within Australia.  
Healthy broccoli plant in an aquaponic system.
Fish picture
 One of the principal advocates of aquaponics in Australia has been Joel Malcolm of Backyard Aquaponics, and Aquaponica have been working closely with Joel to help make aquaponics more accessable to people.

The aquaponic systems we deal with here at Aquaponica are simple, efficient, flood and drain systems that use media filled growbeds. Flood and drain systems are not the only method of aquaponics, but they are one of the simplest and most efficient methods, especially for home users.

The theory is simple, nutrient rich fish water is pumped into growbeds filled with hydroponic clay pebbles. Plant growing in the clay pebbles extract the nutrients from the water, before the water is then pumped back to the fish cleaned and freshly oxygenated.
Trout growing well in an aquaponic system.

Advantages of an Aquaponic system

  • Recycles water and uses only 10% of the water required to grow ground crops.
  • Increased planting density, therefore able to grow more in less space, and faster maturing.
  • Chemical and pesticide free.
  • No leaching of nutrients, no waste at all.
  • Minimal Maintenance, just 5 minutes a day.
  • Able to produce a large quantity of food in a small space.
  • Comfortable working height, suits disabled and wheelchairs.
  • No ongoing soil preparation
  • Clean and neat.
  • No soil borne diseases.
  • A great way to teach children how to grow food and care for living things.
  • Inexpensive to run.
  • No ongoing soil improvement required
  • Sustainable food production at the back door.
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Reduced water use, reused nutrient supply and recycled water
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