2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Not every gardener and gardener knows such a thing as "aqua farm". But in fact, this is a useful and original system that allows you not only to grow various leafy greens and herbs in indoor conditions all year round, but also to keep aquarium fish at the same time
Not so long ago, American scientists have developed a device that works on the principles of aquaponics and is a closed cyclical artificially created system in which aquarium fish, plants and bacteria are key. This is the aqua farm.
The system is absolutely safe, the essence of its work is to use fish waste, or rather nitrogenous, potassium and phosphorus compounds, as a nutrient medium for plants. The fish, being inside the tank, produce natural fertilizers that are toxic to themselves and are necessary for the normal growth and development of plants, which, in turn, purify the water.
The composition of the aqua farm
The aqua farm includes:
* water tank (for 11-15 liters);
* a tray for plants with a special lid;
* pump designed to supply air to the reservoir and self-cleaning;
* a flexible tube with a small tap to adjust the air supply;
* a rigid tube that is attached to the pallet;
* a net installed on a rigid tube;
*gravel.
For water in the tank:
* a natural dechlorinator that does not contain chemicals and includes aloe vera and vitamin C;
* solution with beneficial bacteria, providing biological filtration of water in the tank;
* a natural product designed to remove sediment and keep the tank and the gravel in it perfectly clean.
For fish:
* high-quality and natural food;
* a special blend of therapeutic oils.
For plants:
* special containers for growing plants (usually 5-6 pcs);
* fertilized and loose substrate;
* seeds of some types of herbs.
The only thing that is not part of the aqua farm is fish, which can be purchased without any problems at any pet store. After all, from the moment the aqua farm appeared, fish become "full-fledged" pets, which should bring joy to their owner and those around him. For an aqua farm, cockerel fish are ideal (however, in this case, the fish is launched in a single copy), guppies, zebrafish and others. One tank can contain 3-5 fish, no longer recommended.
What can be grown in an aqua farm ?
The aqua farm is designed for growing basil, dill, parsley, lettuce, wheat and other plants. But flower crops should not be grown in this device, since they require more nutrients than 1-5 fish can provide. But experiments are not forbidden, it's worth a try, even for the sake of interest, what if ?!
Useful tips for those who have acquired an aqua farm
If possible, an aquarium snail should be launched into the water tank, it will help clean the walls and gravel. It should be remembered that fish need good lighting, but window sills are not suitable for placing an aqua farm, because direct sunlight is not safe. The water temperature should vary from 25 to 27C.
Before starting the aqua farm, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse the gravel, only soap and other detergents should not be used, it is enough to rinse it with running water in a colander. Other stones should not be put into the aqua farm, since it is the gravel that absorbs the ideal amount of water needed for germination of seeds and normal development of plants.
Before connecting the device to the network, clean settled water is poured into the tank, special oils and a dechlorinator are added, only after that the fish are launched. Both of these substances are environmentally friendly and completely safe for fish, they will make them feel as comfortable as possible.
Fresh greens grown thanks to the aqua farm can be used for food, they have an equally rich and pleasant taste and aroma, and are no different from herbs from the garden.
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