Aquaponic Food Production
by Rebecca Nelson
Whether your interest is hobby, home food production or a commercial venture, this book will provide valuable information on planning, design and operation of your aquaponic system.
218 pages, 37 color photos and diagrams, 14 grayscale photos and diagrams, soft cover, released July 2008
Table of Contents
Forward
1 - Introduction
Aquaponics
Hydroponics
Aquaculture
Comparison of Methods
Advantages of Aquaponics
Challenges and Areas Yet to be Refined
2 - History of Aquaponics
3 - The Process
4 - System Components
Fish Tanks
Stand Pipes and Bottom Drains
Aeration System
Solids Removal Device
Biofiltration and Mineralization Tanks
Degassing Tank
Grow Bed
Sump Tank and Water Pumps
Plumbing
Water Heater/Chiller
Back Up Power Equipment
Plant Lighting
Greenhouse and Environmental Control
5 - System Designs
Raft
NFT
Media-filled Bed (Flood and Drain)
Airlifts
6 - Fish Selection
Tilapia
Largemouth Bass
Blue gill
Catfish
Koi
Barramundi, Jade Perch, Silver Perch and Murray Cod
Marine Fish and Freshwater Crustaceans
7- Plant Selection
Lettuce
Chives
Watercress
Basil
Mint
Chinese Cabbage
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Squash and Melons
8 - System Start Up
Water Source
Fish Stocking
Planting the Grow Bed
9 - Daily Operation and Maintenance
Monitoring Water Quality
Monitoring Fish Health
Fish Harvesting
Cleaning Filters and Components
Plant Seeding, Transplanting and Harvesting
Monitoring Crop Health
The Importance of Cleanliness
10 - Plant Health and Care
11 - Plant Nutrition
PH and Nutrient Availability to Plants
Concentration of Elements
Plant Uses of Individual Elements
Deficiencies and Excesses
Nutrient Concentration Testing
12 - Photosynthesis and Plant Lighting
Photosynthesis and Transpiration
Light Spectrums
Measuring Light
Artificial Lighting
Plant Lighting
13 - Pests and Diseases
E-coli and Other Pathogens
Fish Pests and Disease
Plant Pests and Disease
14 - Fish Health
Basic Anatomy of Fish
Basic Physiology of Fish
15 - Fish Feeds and Feeding
Feed Conversion
Feed Components
Fishmeal Alternatives
Alternative Feeds
Feeding Behaviors
16 - Water Quality Dynamics
PH
PH Adjustment and Nutrient Supplementation
Microbial Processes
Ammonia
Nitrite and Nitrate
Water Temperature
Dissolved Oxygen
Alkalinity
17 - Greenhouses and Environmental Control
Greenhouse Styles
Greenhouse Components
Reducing Greenhouse Energy Costs
18 - Renewable Energy and Aquaponics
Anaerobic Digesters and Biogas
Wood and Waste Burners for Heat
Geo-Thermal Energy
Solar Energy
19 - Three Systems You Can Build at Home
Mini Media-Filled Bed Aquaponic System
Aquarium NFT Aquaponic System
Backyard Raft System
20 - Village Aquaponics
21 - Aquaponics in Education
22 - Considerations for an Aquaponics Business
Start-up and Operational Costs
Regulation
Marketing
23- Recommendations for Further Study
Reading and Viewing
Courses and Workshops
24 - References and Sources of Information
