Aquaponics is the combination of conventional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic system with a controlled environment. In other words, raising aquatic animals such as fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks and cultivating plants in water. In an aquaponic system, water from an aquaculture system is fed to a hydroponic system where the by-products are broken down by nitrifying bacteria initially into nitrites and subsequently into nitrates, which are utilized by the plants as nutrients.
The water is then recirculated back into the aquaculture system. As in nature, three groups of living organisms: bacteria, plants and fish, make up the aquaponic ecosystem.
Because with aquaponics it is possible to produce fresh, clean and nutritious food. The premium quality of the fish and vegetables is based on the high quality of their nutrients and flavor, and because they are totally free from herbicides, pesticides and chemicals. Aquaponics provides producers an environmentally conscious way to produce and sell more U.S. farm-raised products locally.
As recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, aquaponics is an integrated approach to efficient and sustainable intensification of agriculture that meets the needs of water scarcity initiatives. Globally, improved agricultural practices are needed to alleviate rural poverty and enhance food security. As mentioned above, aquaponics is residue-free, and avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Aquaponics is a labour-saving technique, and can be inclusive of many gender and age categories. In the face of population growth, climate change and dwindling supplies of water and arable land worldwide, developing efficient and integrated agriculture techniques such as aquaponics, will support economic development.
Even though we have had experience in traditional agriculture thru out the years, the Living Water Aquaponics staff received specialized training on aquaponics at the Nelson and Pade, Inc.® the Most Trusted Name in Aquaponics® facilities located in Montello, WI. Rebecca Nelson and John Pade have been doing aquaponics since the early 1990’s and controlled environment agriculture since the mid 1980’s. In the past 20 years, they have taught aquaponics to over 15,000 people in workshops and at conferences around the world and currently hold a research and professional partnership with the University of Wisconsin. We are proud to have the permanent advice, support and professional relationship with Nelson and Pade, Inc.®
Our system was developed by Nelson and Pade, Inc.®
As Nelson and Pade refer: “Nelson and Pade, Inc.® Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems® have been designed based on scientific research and 20+ years of development, refinement and operation. Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems® produce higher quality fish and vegetables with increased production over other systems. The water flowing through the system is nutrient-rich, but clear, providing bio-security and food safety. The plant roots are bright white and clean and the fish are raised in fresh, clear water”.
Our system operates in a controlled environment using a 3,000 sq feet greenhouse that favors the production of food under highly safety and quality standards.
Training sessions and Private Tours
Starting in Fall 2018
Starting Fall 2018
Coming soon ...
