Getting the right grow bed for your media based is critical to your system’s success, as it is one of the main components of a media based aquaponics system.
Aquaponics combines aquaculture (the growing of fish and other aquatic animals) and hydroponics (the growing of plants without soil) in one recirculating environment. In aquaponics, the fish produce waste that is converted by the nitrifying bacteria into nutrients for the plants. Plant roots absorb these nutrients to thrive. In return, the plant roots clean and filter the water for the fish to live.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) is one of the essential parameters for growing fish and plants and is critical to the bacteria that convert fish waste into nutrients for the plants.
Algae growth is a common problem for aquaponics systems that can confuse new aquaponics growers. Algae growth is normal when raising fish, but it can get out of hand if preventive measures are not taken.
There are many good reasons why aquaponics growers support the idea of adding worms to their aquaponics systems. Worms feed on small decomposing organic particles, break down the fecal bits, dead roots, and other solid materials, preventing them from blocking the grow beds.