Aquaponic Food Production
Aquaponic Food Production is a comprehensive text on aquaponcis written by well-known industry veteran, Rebecca L. Nelson, with contributions from International Aquaponics Consultant, John S. Pade. This book is a culmination of over 20 years of experience, research and hands-on growing.
Whether your interest is hobby, home food production or a commercial venture, this book will provide valuable information on planning, design and operation of your aquaponic system.
ISBN 978-0-9779696-1-6, 218 pages, 37 color photos and diagrams, 14 grayscale photos and diagrams, soft cover, released July, 2008
SKU Number:AFPB
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
Dafydd Nicholas –
Detailed presentation of each step and needed components of a complete aquaponic production group. While giving a detailed "what is in the works" of any system they also allow for the variety of possible individual choices for each separate aspect of the system.
I found this book the best altogether presentation of the choices that are needed to begin and run an aquaponic system.
Great contribution to the industry of local health food.
Jeff Cummings –
Very complete book with lots of extras! I’ve read it twice and continue to remain fascinated with this subject. It presents three types of systems, three different sizes, and you can tell the research and experience are in the author’s back pocket! Cheers all, I highly recommend you support Nelson and Pade and read their book! I look forward to future publications!