grow-with-aquaponics
Aquaponics is a soilless growing method based on the use of fish waste as organic fertilizer for plant growth.
The ZipGrow vertical tower growing system is suitable for two growing methods: bioponics and aquaponics. In both cases, it is a natural growing process. Micro-organisms, introduced into the water, help supply the roots with the minerals needed for plant growth.
Aquaponics is the growing method that uses fish to feed plants. Fish waste, rich in nitrogen, provides part of the nutrition for the plants. The rest is added as a supplement in the form of soluble mineral salts: magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium and micronutrients.
So, to obtain healthy plants, you simply need to feed your fish and regularly add aquaponics supplements to the water. The plants will then purify the water before it returns to the fish tanks.
Aquaponics requires regular monitoring of the water parameters (hardness, acidity and nitrogen levels), and precautions must be taken to ensure the well-being of your fish and the growth of your fruits and vegetables.
This choice is not irreversible; you can switch to bioponics whenever you want by following these recommendations .
1. Start cycling – MANDATORY
Growing your plants in aquaponics absolutely requires starting the cycling process to establish the beneficial bacteria of the nitrogen cycle in the water.
Find all the information about cycling here .
As soon as cycling has started (1), you can start growing your plants to help complete the cycling process before introducing your fish. Remember to add the supplements as soon as you plant the towers.
(1) On your strip test, you observe a pink coloration on the NO3- and NO2- pads.
2. Choose your fish
IMPORTANTFish can only be introduced into the fish tanks at the end of the cycling process, that is at least 4 weeks after greenhouse installation.
You can introduce fish progressively as your production system develops; see our recommendations for the number of individuals to install at start-up.
For our pioneers in Europe, we recommend introducing goldfish for beginners. They are resistant to temperature and pH changes and provide a satisfactory amount of waste for plant needs.
With a little experience and success, you can then choose to switch to edible fish, with carp for all seasons, trout for winter, or tilapia in summer.
ImportantIntroducing river or pond fish is strongly discouraged: diseases may spread, pollute your fish tanks and consequently affect the well-being of your fish and your health through the consumption of your fruits and vegetables.
3. Add aquaponics supplements
Plants need minerals and trace elements for their growth and to produce fruits and vegetables.
The aquatic environment is devoid of these elements, whereas they are naturally present in soil. Therefore, aquaponics growing requires the addition of salts as a supplement to fish waste, which acts as fertilizer for plant growth.
The roles of the different aquaponics supplements
- Nitrogen. Plant nitrogen nutrition is first provided by ammonium sulfate during the cycling period. During the production phase, fish waste takes over to build up the nitrogen stock. Nitrogen is a major element for plant structure and growth.
- Potassium. It is involved in plant cell activity and contributes to the formation and transport of sugars. It therefore guarantees the flavour quality of your fruits and vegetables.
- Magnesium. It is involved in chlorophyll formation and photosynthesis. As a result, the leafy parts of your plants are vigorous and able to support the production of fruits and vegetables.
- Calcium. It plays a role in the formation of cell walls and membranes, but is also involved in regulating enzyme activities. It therefore ensures stem rigidity and the good health of the edible parts of the plant.
- Iron. It is involved in regulating metabolic exchanges in the plant.
- Micronutrients. They complement and strengthen the action of the supplements listed above for vigorous, productive plants.
Photo of the aquaponics supplements to add to the water for plant growth.
4. Our recommendations
To avoid deficiencies in your bioponic system, we recommend regularly adding aquaponics supplements to the water.
By following the recommendations in the tables below, you ensure optimal growing conditions for your fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
Impact of salts and minerals in your system> The quantities of supplements, given the total dilution in the water, are not a problem for fish well-being.
STEP 1: start-up phase (cycling)
to add nitrifying bacteria and ammonium sulfate to your system.
| CITY Model | FAMILY Model - 1 fish tank | FAMILY Model - 2 fish tanks | FAMILY Model - 3 fish tanks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 - Amount of ammonium sulfate | 8 g | 20 g | 50 g | 80 g |
| DAY 1 - Amount of bacteria | 1 measuring spoon | 2 measuring spoons | 4 measuring spoons | 6 measuring spoons |
| DAY 1 - Amount of iron chelate | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons | 3 teaspoons | 5 teaspoons |
| DAY 14 - Amount of ammonium sulfate | 8 g = 2 teaspoons | 20 g = 2 tablespoons | 50 g = 4 tablespoons | 80 g = 6 tablespoons |
STEP 2: production phase (pH 6,5 to 6,8)
As soon as plants are put into production, aquaponics supplements must be introduced regularly into your system to support plant growth.
Find below the quantities, frequencies and methods for additions according to the season.
CITY Model
| CITY Model | SPRING-SUMMER From March to October Every 2 weeks | AUTUMN-WINTER From October to March Every 4 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| CALCIUM CHLORIDE | 50 mL | 50 mL |
| POTASSIUM SULFATE | 50 g | 50 g |
| MAGNESIUM SULFATE | 50 g | 50 g |
| IRON CHELATE | 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) | 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) |
| MICRONUTRIENTS | 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) | 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) |
FAMILY Model - 1 fish tank
| FAMILY Model - 1 fish tank | SPRING-SUMMER From March to October Every 2 weeks | AUTUMN-WINTER From October to March Every 4 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| CALCIUM CHLORIDE | 50 mL | 50 mL |
| POTASSIUM SULFATE | 75 g | 75 g |
| MAGNESIUM SULFATE | 75 g | 75 g |
| IRON CHELATE | 2 g (1/2 teaspoon) | 2 g (1/2 teaspoon) |
| MICRONUTRIENTS | 2 g (1/2 teaspoon) | 2 g (1/2 teaspoon) |
FAMILY Model - 2 fish tanks
| FAMILY Model - 2 fish tanks | SPRING-SUMMER From March to October Every 2 weeks | AUTUMN-WINTER From October to March Every 4 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| CALCIUM CHLORIDE | 100 mL | 100 mL |
| POTASSIUM SULFATE | 150 g | 150 g |
| MAGNESIUM SULFATE | 150 g | 150 g |
| IRON CHELATE | 3 g (1 level teaspoon) | 3 g (1 level teaspoon) |
| MICRONUTRIENTS | 3 g (1 level teaspoon) | 3 g (1 level teaspoon) |
FAMILY Model - 3 fish tanks
| FAMILY Model - 3 fish tanks | SPRING-SUMMER From March to October Every 2 weeks | AUTUMN-WINTER From October to March Every 4 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| CALCIUM CHLORIDE | 150 mL | 150 mL |
| POTASSIUM SULFATE | 225 g | 225 g |
| MAGNESIUM SULFATE | 225 g | 225 g |
| IRON CHELATE | 5 g (1 heaped teaspoon) | 5 g (1 heaped teaspoon) |
| MICRONUTRIENTS | 5 g (1 heaped teaspoon) | 5 g (1 heaped teaspoon) |
Addition method - supplements
- Dissolve the salts (magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, iron and micronutrients) in a container with 2 L of lukewarm water
- Stir well until fully dissolved
- Add the mixture to the water, distributing it across the fish tanks.
- Add the calcium separately directly into the water, 10 minutes apart from the salts (before or after).
Do not mix calcium chloride with sulfates, as this may form precipitates.Add it separately directly into the water.
Potassium sulfateSince August 2024, potassium sulfate has been available in granule form, which considerably increases its dissolution time in water.
For optimal use, continue to mix it with magnesium sulfate, iron chelate and micronutrients. Once well mixed, the potassium sulfate granules will still remain in granule form. Pour the whole mixture into the fish tank(s).
This mixture will have no impact on fish health.
Boost the growth of your plants
Are you observing deficiencies in your plants? Are your plants lacking vigour? You can add root activators to your system according to the recommendations below.
| Amount of activators | Frequency of addition | |
|---|---|---|
| CITY Model | 2 tablets/fish tank | Spring-summer: 1 application in spring ; Autumn-winter: 1 application every 3 months |
| FAMILY Model - 1 fish tank | 3 tablets/fish tank | Spring-summer: 1 application in spring ; Autumn-winter: 1 application every 3 months |
| FAMILY Model - 2 fish tanks | 3 tablets/fish tank | Spring-summer: 1 application in spring ; Autumn-winter: 1 application every 3 months |
| FAMILY Model - 3 fish tanks | 3 tablets/fish tank (max 6 tablets) | Spring-summer: 1 application in spring ; Autumn-winter: 1 application every 3 months |
Addition method - root activatorsUnlike aquaponics supplements, the root activator must not be introduced directly into the water of the fish tanks. It must be diluted and then added at the black nozzle.
- Dissolve the root activator tablets in 200 mL of water using the measuring jug
- In the greenhouse, stop the pump, open the black nozzle at the filter outlet
- Pour the mixture directly into the black nozzle, close it and restart the pump
Thanks to this method, the micro-organisms will establish themselves directly in the matrix of your growing towers, as close as possible to the roots, and improve the growth of your plants.
Adding the root activator at the sieve nozzle.
If you have any other questions about growing in aquaponics, contact us directly at [email protected] .
Updated 25 days ago