Aquaponics is a system whereby nutrient rich water from a natural fish pond is used to feed and nourish plants in a non soil, water based plant bed. This water is then returned to the fish pond after all waste and nutrients have been removed. Thus the fish enjoy an environment that is constantly being purified in exchange for their waste products that are processed by friendly bacteria in the water and then fed to the plants. Simply put, it is a natural ecosystem that benefits all parties.

The fish feed on food scraps that you supply from your table and/or garbage and other naturally occurring fish foodstuffs in the water, and the nutrient-laden fish water is used to water and thus feed the plants. We humans get to eat the fish and the plants.

The intricate details of exactly how this system works are much more complex and detailed than what is just briefly explained here. Still anyone interested can get all the minute details from several different sources which are readily available both on and off line.

Given the food crisis that ravages an ever growing part of earth's population, aquaponics could not have been discovered at a better time. Actually this method of working with nature was practiced in bygone ages by ordinary people who accepted the natural order of things and submitted to the direction of nature instead of fighting against it as our society does today.

The facts show that this system can easily produce 15-25 pounds of vegetables for every pound of fish in the system. Imagine what this could mean for a family, a community, a city, state or country, if fully developed to its full potential.

As usual though, politics, greed, money, government, and big business all have their own take on what is important and most profitable and what is not and so sadly we are a long way from seeing aquaponics being fully implemented to tackle the problems of hunger and starvation in the world.

On an individual basis, though, there is much you can do to improve the health and financial situation of your family through the use of aquaponics. It is extremely important that you take the time to educate yourself in all the aquaponic how to's prior to deciding to go with aquaponices. It will be well worth your time and efforts.

Many have found aquaponics to be a steady source of income because the vegetables and even the fish can be sold right from one's home. Remember that both the fish and the vegetables are renewable sources of income and can also provide food for your family for even more savings.

Is it time for you and your family to look into aquaponics?