Aquaponics

The Grand Atrium will be a unique state-of-the-art aquaponics flowering room. This method allows us to operate organically without compromising quality or yield. The aquaponics system relies on a thriving ecosystem in which waste and water are recycled with the help of fish and beneficial bacteria. By connecting each component through the nitrogen fixation cycle, we are able to ensure consistent and clean nutrition for our plants.

Why Should I Use a Koi Aquaponics System?

Koi aquaponic systems have many benefits with very few down sides.

Koi aquaponics is both cheap to set up and also delivers more savings down the line. It is very easy to add an aquaponics system to an existing pond, something that is very intriguing for many hobbyists. Hobbyists will find themselves spending less money on water and general koi feed, especially when using their crops to supplement some of the koi feed.

For anyone considering starting their first koi pond or adding on to an existing one, here is why you should really consider an aquaponics system.

Easy Aquaponics Koi Setup

For everyone that is considering adding an aquaponics system to their koi pond- don’t worry! Lucky for you, it is very easy to add an aquaponics system to an existing pond. There are two main activities for setting up an aquaponics system.

• Grow Beds: Buying or building your own grow bed is the most important step in the process. This is where the plants you are growing will sit either on top of, in the water, or near your koi pond. For more information on getting the best grow bed for your koi pond, check out a related article on grow beds by Nick Brooke.

• Split Pump: Next, you will need to split the flow of water from your existing pond pump to now include your grow beds. This will allow fresh water to flow between your pond and grow beds freely, recycling the water and adding nutrients.

Chemical/ Pesticide Free

Aquaponics is a very sustainable and healthy way to not only keep your pond clean and healthy, but also to be able to grow your own vegetables and fruits. Unlike much of the produce grown in our society today that is showered in a long list of chemicals and pesticides, you are not able to use any of these in your aquaponics system because they are highly toxic to koi. The natural process that the plants use to get their nutrients from nitrates in an aquaponics system is a much healthier alternative.

No Pollution In Closed Loop System

Koi waste is used as nutrients by the plants and in turn do not need any toxic chemicals to stay healthy, aquaponics is a closed loop system. In other words, “no pollution of the environment by either fish waste or chemical pollutants” (Bernstien, 2011). Everything remains in the system and thus it is a more sustainable model.

Less Water Use

Whether you are starting your first pond or adding an aquaponics system to your current pond, get ready to start saving water. Because aquaponic systems naturally clean the water, your water inputs are much less than typical koi ponds. You will find yourself only adding small amounts to recoup water loss through evaporation and transpiration. Who doesn’t love both sustainable and cost effective practices?

Top Reasons Why Koi Are Great For Aquaponics Systems:

1. Wide Water Temperature Range: While koi thrive in temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, they are suitable in water temps between 35 and 80 degrees. Little to no heating of the water will be required to keep the koi healthy, unlike many other species that can also be used for aquaponics. This not only reduces your monthly heating bill, but is also much more sustainable.

2. Waste: Koi produce more than an ample amount of waste for bacteria to convert for plant growth. Koi also enjoy being fed small amounts of feed multiple times throughout the day which creates more consistent waste. “Koi are the best species for creating nutrients in an aquaculture system – such as ammonia, magnesium, and potassium; all essential for healthy plant growth” (Ward, 2020).

3. Feed: Koi have very long intestines making them able to consume and convert a wide range of food into nutrients. Unlike other species, they are able to feed on plant matter, koi feed, and even algae in the water. This lowers your cost for feed, and allows the koi to be eating and producing waste at all times.

4. Resistance to Disease: Koi are resistant to disease, which is observed in their ability to thrive in a wide range of water quality and water temperatures. Note: If your koi develops a disease, you must use a bypass pipe or disconnect your grow beds from the circulating water, so that the plants do not receive anything from the medicated koi food.

5. Wide pH Range: While you always want to keep your koi pond within a reasonable pH range, it is helpful that koi live in an ideal pH range for aquaponics.