Forward

-1- Introduction
Aquaponics
Hydroponics
Aquaculture
Comparison of Methods
Advantages of Aquaponics
Challenges and Areas Yet to be Refined

-2- History of Aquaponics

-3- The Process

-4- System Components
Fish Tanks
Stand Pipes and Bottom Drains
Aeration System
Solids Removal Device
Biofiltration and Mineralization Tanks
Degassing Tank
Grow Bed
Sump Tank and Water Pumps
Plumbing
Water Heater/Chiller
Back Up Power Equipment
Plant Lighting
Greenhouse and Environmental Control

-5- System Designs
Raft
NFT
Media-filled Bed (Flood and Drain)
Airlifts

-6- Fish Selection
Tilapia
Largemouth Bass
Blue gill
Catfish
Koi
Barramundi, Jade Perch, Silver Perch and Murray Cod
Marine Fish and Freshwater Crustaceans

-7- Plant Selection
Lettuce
Chives
Watercress
Basil
Mint
Chinese Cabbage
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Squash and Melons

-8- System Start Up
Water Source
Fish Stocking
Planting the Grow Bed

-9- Daily Operation and Maintenance
Monitoring Water Quality
Monitoring Fish Health
Fish Harvesting
Cleaning Filters and Components
Plant Seeding, Transplanting and Harvesting
Monitoring Crop Health
The Importance of Cleanliness

-10- Plant Health and Care

-11- Plant Nutrition
PH and Nutrient Availability to Plants
Concentration of Elements
Plant Uses of Individual Elements
Deficiencies and Excesses
Nutrient Concentration Testing

-12- Photosynthesis and Plant Lighting
Photosynthesis and Transpiration
Light Spectrums
Measuring Light
Artificial Lighting
Plant Lighting

-13- Pests and Diseases
E-coli and Other Pathogens
Fish Pests and Disease
Plant Pests and Disease

-14- Fish Health
Basic Anatomy of Fish
Basic Physiology of Fish

-15- Fish Feeds and Feeding
Feed Conversion
Feed Components
Fishmeal Alternatives
Alternative Feeds
Feeding Behaviors

-16- Water Quality Dynamics
PH
PH Adjustment and Nutrient Supplementation
Microbial Processes
Ammonia
Nitrite and Nitrate
Water Temperature
Dissolved Oxygen
Alkalinity

-17- Greenhouses and Environmental Control
Greenhouse Styles
Greenhouse Components
Reducing Greenhouse Energy Costs

-18- Renewable Energy and Aquaponics
Anaerobic Digesters and Biogas
Wood and Waste Burners for Heat
Geo-Thermal Energy
Solar Energy

-19- Three Systems You Can Build at Home
Mini Media-Filled Bed Aquaponic System
Aquarium NFT Aquaponic System
Backyard Raft System

-20- Village Aquaponics

-21- Aquaponics in Education

-22- Considerations for an Aquaponics Business
Start-up and Operational Costs
Regulation
Marketing

-23- Recommendations for Further Study
Reading and Viewing
Courses and Workshops

-24- References and Sources of Information

Index

About the Authors