Aquaponics combines both systems and in doing so cancels out the negative aspects of each. Instead of adding harmful chemical solutions to grow plants, aquaponics uses highly nutritious fish waste that contains many nutrients required for optimum growth. Instead of discharging water, aquaponics uses the plants and the media in which they grow to clean and purify the water, after which it is returned to the fish tank. This water can be recirculated and only has to be topped up when it is lost through transpiration and evaporation.
Fish are a key element in all aquaponics systems as they are required to produce feed for the plants. All fish produce waste, the more food that they consume the more effluent they will discharge into the water. Any fresh water fish can be used, such as Barramundi, Rainbow Trout and Silver Perch or even goldfish, however it is important to keep in mind their specific needs and characteristics. Some fish need cool temperatures to thrive and are therefore best suited to winter months or colder areas. Other species prefer warmer temperatures and are best suited to summer months and warmer areas.