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Aquaponics Fish

Crustaceans

There are several crustaceans used in aquaponics and their ideal temperature ranges are as follows: Prawns: 27.7°C – 31°C, Lobster: 21.6°C – 24.4°C, Oysters: 23.89°C – 26.1°C. All feed on organic plant matter and they are used to keep fish tanks clean. Each grows to plate size in Prawns 6 – 12 Months, Lobster 24 Months, Oysters 24 Months.

Bass

This species ideal temperature range is 23.9°C – 29.4°C and it requires the constant monitoring of oxygen, water quality, and pH. It is a North American species that is viable, accessible but not very adaptable. It has a poor food conversion ratio and a slow growth rate. It is also carnivorous and reaches plate size in 12 – 18 months.

Carp

The ideal temperature range for this species is 12.77°C – 23.88°C which is quite wide. They can tolerate low to fair water quality and are viable and popular eating in some areas of the world. They are hardy, adaptable, and heavy waste producers but can only be kept in low stock density. They have a high food conversion ratio and are fast-growing and omnivorous. They reach plate size in 9-12 months.

Barramundi

This species requires pristine water and has an ideal temperature range of 25.56°C – 28.3°C. It is very popular in Australian commercial aquaculture, because it is viable, has a high food conversion ratio, and is fast growing. But, it is aggressive and can be cannibalistic towards smaller fish. It reaches plate size in 12 months.

Perch

This is a warm water fish whose ideal temperature range is 21.11°C – 27.7°C. It is popular in Australia, a viable, hardy, and easy to manage species. It is adaptable to temperature changes for short periods, but is slow-growing and has a carnivorous diet. It reaches plate size in 9 – 16 months.

Eel

This is a warm water fish whose ideal water temperature is 23°C – 28°C and requires clean water. It is a viable, popular commercial aquaculture fish that can be densely stocked is very adaptable but breed only once. They hatch at sea have slow growth and are carnivorous.

Bluegill

The ideal temperature range for this species is between 18.3°C and 26.6°C. It is a viable, popular aquaponics fish, easy to manage, and fairly adaptable. But, it has a slow food conversion ratio, slow-growing, and can be cannibalistic if not fed well. It reaches plate size in 18 – 24 months.

Tilapia

These species require warmer water whose ideal temperature range is 22.2° – 30°C, and are the most popular, viable, and adaptable. They are easily bred, fast-growing, and not overly cannibalistic if well fed. They grow to plate size in 6 – 9 Months.

Aquaponics Edible Fish

The variety of aquaponic edible aquaponics fish is quite good, but depends largely on local laws, climate, species availability, the species needs, habitat, and ease of breeding if that is a goal, etc.

Aquaponics Ornamental Fish

Using aquaponics ornamental fish for plant growth is a great idea for those who wish to combine plant growth with a beautiful aquarium.

The self-sustaining fish tank

The self-sustaining fish tank is probably the best of the lazy person’s dreams. This is where they get to enjoy all the benefits without the labor necessary to keep it healthy and functioning flawlessly.

Best fish for aquaponics

Which are the best fish for aquaponics is a dilemma often are faced when people decide to get involved with aquaponics. This is understandable especially when they do not research the subject of aquaponics enough.

Hydroponics with fish

A system that uses Hydroponics with fish has been known to humans for many centuries. Plants grow in water that is fertilized by the fish. Simple and beautiful!

Indoor aquaponics fish tank

The indoor aquaponics fish tank has become a viable option for people that have limited space and usually live in the inner city.

Role of the fish in Aquaponics

What distinguishes aquaponics from hydroponics is the use of fish. In fact, aquaponics is a hydroponic system that uses fish for two reasons:

  1. as a natural fertilizer for the plants
  2. as a second source of food production

In more detail, there is no need to add fertilizer to the aquaponics system as the plants receive all their nutrients from the fish. Studies have shown that fish excretes create premium quality fertilizer that helps plants grow fast and healthy.

This results in a great yield in vegetables and a fast increase in profit. However, another benefit of the aquaponics system is the production of fish as a secondary source of income.