Aquaponics Vs Hydroponics- Know About The Differences

Aquaponics is a sustainable process that involves growing fish and plants together in the same environment. Hydroponics, on the other hand, is a gardening method that allows plants to be grown without the use of soil.

Depending on the application, either of these methods can be effective and beneficial. Certain plants, however, grow more effectively with one method or the other, so it's important to understand the differences between aquaponics and hydroponics. This article discusses these two growing methods in depth so that you can determine which option is best for you.

What is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a growing method that involves growing fish and plants in the same environment. The waste from the fishes is converted directly into nitrates by the surrounding bacteria when this growing method is used. These nitrates are used as plant food before the remaining water is returned to the fishes free of harmful contaminants, resulting in an effective and efficient growth cycle known as the nitrogen cycle.

What is Hydroponics?

Plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water-based solution in hydroponics. The plants' roots are suspended directly in the nutrient-rich water, giving them access to the substances they require to grow. At the same time, the remaining plants will have access to oxygen, allowing the growing process to continue without interruption. There are numerous types of hydroponic systems, the majority of which alter how water flows and reaches the plants.

The Distinctions Between Aquaponics and Hydroponics

Despite the fact that both hydroponics and aquaponics are highly effective plant-growing methods, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of before deciding which is best for you. However, you will need to devote time to learning about the method you select, which is why it is critical to understand the differences between the two options.

The primary distinctions between aquaponics and hydroponics are as follows:

1. Chemical nutrient cost

Chemical nutrients are required for hydroponic systems, which can be very expensive. These nutrients have also become somewhat scarce in recent years, driving up prices even further. On the other hand, the fish feed used in an aquaponics system is significantly less expensive.

2. Keep the nutrient solution

While hydroponic systems necessitate a high concentration of nutrients in the water, the systems can occasionally accumulate too many salts and chemicals, causing the water to become toxic to the plants. Nitrogen is perfectly balanced in the water when using an aquaponics system, so the water should never need to be replaced.

3. Productivity

When an aquaponics garden is fully operational, which takes about six months, plant growth should be slightly more efficient and faster than in a hydroponics system.

4. Maintenance simplicity

Aquaponics systems require very little upkeep. The electrical conductivity of the water in a hydroponic system, on the other hand, must be checked on a daily basis.

5. Natural expansion

The environment in a hydroponic system is artificial. An aquaponics system is designed to replicate a completely natural ecosystem, making it organic. The nutrients used in a hydroponic system may contain various salts and chemicals, which are not good for the environment.

6. Pesticides

To get rid of these insects in a hydroponic system, you may need to use pesticides. Aquaponics systems, on the other hand, require non-chemical methods to ensure that the fish are not harmed.

7. pH

When using a hydroponic system, the water should have a pH of 5.5-6.0, indicating that it is slightly acidic. The pH level in an aquaponics system, on the other hand, should be around 6.8-7.0, which is considered neutral.

Because both aquaponics and hydroponics produce faster growth and higher yields, there is no agreement on which of the two is the superior growing method. Instead, base your decision on the resources you have available and the method you believe you would prefer.

Also Read:

Hydroponics - 8 Must-Have Tools for Hydroponics Farming 

Hydroponic Farming in India- Definition & Types

Aquaponics- Here Is Everything You Need To Start Aquaponic System