Aquaponics is becoming a very popular home&garden topic these days. Most people are familiar with raising their own vegetables at home and all of the many benefits that provides. However, when you add raising fish to your vegetable garden you enjoy an enormous amount of benefits. Here is additional information on this "green" method for gardening.

Aquaponics is more than raising your own fish and vegetables. When it is done properly, you create your very own eco-system with plants taking care of animals and vice versa. As fish live in water they produce waste material in the form of ammonia and nitrates. When these things are allowed to build up they can be very bad for the health of the fish.

Fish waste material happens to be good for plants. When plants are allowed to remove these nutrients from water, they are nourished. At the same time, the water is cleaned and safe for the fish to live in, and the cycle is continued.

Many modern day farming businesses are making the change to aquaponics. When plants do not have to actively search for food they are more efficient. Plants thrive in this type of environment and grow faster.

Many states are concerned with water conservation these days. Modern aquaponic operations use far less water than the same amount of plants grown conventionally. In fact, it can be as much as ninety percent less.

Growing vegetables and fish starts with establishing a good system first. This includes the proper filtration methods. Filters need plenty of beneficial bacteria to operate properly.

Starting your own aquaponics operation may take a little work, but it is not as difficult as most people would imagine. It is important to get the system running before adding the fish. Of course it is much easier if you take the time learn and understand about this fascinating pastime.

DIY Aquaponics is not hard to learn as there is a great deal of information online. One of the best ways to learn is to start small. For a reasonable price you can easily purchase a small aquaponic system online. You also can purchase inexpensive systems for kids, to introduce aquaponics to the entire family.

There are some excellent videos and "how to" guides if you look in the right places. You should draw out your aquaponic plan first. This gives you a good plan to follow. You also will need piping or hoses for your water. Your plants need a tub to grow in and you need some type of container for the fish. Gravel is essential as well as the right pumps, along with a source of electricity. Larger systems should have something like a green house for best results.

Try to make sure that your home&garden aquaponic system is about waist high. This makes it easier to work with. You will not have to bend over a great deal or work from a ladder, this way. As long as you do your homework beforehand, you should have few problems with your new aquaponic system.