Hydroponics Vs Aquaponics: Which is the Right Choice?
There have been numerous discussions with respect to the method of gardening that would top the battle of Hydroponics Vs Aquaponics. In this article, Hydromo Systems are taking a gander at the principle contrasts between the two. Aquaponics and Hydroponics agriculture is gaining popularity at a time of water scarcity, soil fertility issues and majorly when conventional cultivation is turning to be non-remunerative.
The major differences between the two is:
- Hydroponics = growing plants without soil using supplementary arrangements such as external nutrients (fertilizer).
- Aquaponics = growing plants & fish simultaneously without soil by utilizing the fish waste as a nutrient supplement.
In a hydroponic system, plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water. Hydroponics has few Preferences. It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option. Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable. In an aquaponics system, one of the segments is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of nutrient enriched water. The Excreta & different waste discharged by the fish is a useful plant nutrient.
However, the comparison may differ considering multiple factors, so if you are looking for a correct answer to your question, consider below mentioned parameters: Atmospheric Temperature, Humidity of your area, the Quality of water from natural source, availability of skilled labor, Investment, Knowledge, Legal aspects. There are many more factors to consider while making such a decision, gather enough data about both the techniques to proceed before making a decision.
Differences between hydroponics and aquaponics:
Elements | Hydroponics | Aquaponics |
Energy Requirement | Need aerators and pumps | Frequent water circulation leads to higher energy requirements |
Maintenance |
Requires frequent checks | Natural ecosystem balances everything; ammonia and pH level checks once a week only while nitrate levels are checked once a month |
Waste Disposal | Periodic replacement of water-based solution leads to large amounts of waste water; can pose environmental risk. | Solid waste in excess of broken down waste by nitrifying bacteria is minimal and pose no risk to the environment. |
Cost of Chemical Nutrient | Expensive chemical nutrients | Requires mostly use of fish feed which is cheaper. |
Risk of Diseases | Risk from fungal infections is higher; An outbreak can spoil an entire batch. |
Built in a natural ecosystem thus, resistance to diseases is higher. |
Nutrient Solution Retention | Periodic unloading of water due to toxicity from salt and chemical build-up. | Has natural balance of nitrogen; water is seldom replaced; topped up only due to evaporation |
Solid Media | Needs 6-inch deep beds when pebbles and clay balls are used. | Needs 12-inch deep beds of pebbles and clay balls to sustain waste-eating microorganisms. |
Setting Up | Faster set-up with no required time for gestation period | Requires 3-6 months for the system to be fully functional. |
Mechanical Failure Risks | No lasting damage | Problems in circulation can adversely affect fish mortality |
Productivity | Lower returns | Quicker and higher returns approximately after a period of 6 months |
Organic Growth | Makes use of costly mixture of chemicals and salts to feed plants | Makes use of natural waste conversion process resulting in better plant growth and lower disease rates. |
Which System Works Best?
Hydromo is expertise in setting up both the systems to work admirably well. Each system holds certain advantages over traditional gardening, as both are moderately maintainable, produce a healthy harvest and are indoors that means gardening can be in any weather. Which method will work best depends on the specific growing conditions. Hydromo water and waste Treatment Companies will provide all-round solutions on Hydroponics & Aquaponics.
For a small home nursery, choosing between hydroponics or aquaponics gardening is all about space and Inclination. For business cultivators, however, studies have shown aquaponics to be a superior system over hydroponics in both production and lessened environmental effect. In a home, hydroponics would be suggested to be better because it’s most likely in a little space. At home (backyard) aquaponics would be a good try. If a home has more space and fish too can be grown simultaneously. The challenge lies in nourishing the fish regularly. Aquaponics requires more knowledge, but it’s more satisfying. Hydromo is proficient in providing the complete information and Knowledge regarding the setting up of this Amazing Systems at a Feasible Price quotient.Â
Though majority of the investigations conclude that hydroponics is ahead of the curve in certain aspects but only to a certain extent, other examinations too expressed that, aquaponics is best too because of the dual benefits of being the best-growing method out of which one is for the fish (Growing) and one for the vegetables (nutrients). Aquaponics turned out to be a major boost for smaller growers.
Many believe that aquaponics is a better alternative over hydroponics when choosing a soil-less growing system. The addition of fish to the system generates nitrifying bacteria that break down the fish waste into a plant-usable source of nitrogen; this creates an almost entirely self-sufficient, utterly sustainable ecosystem. However, inapplicability, Hydroponics is widely used by households as well as commercial growers and it’s anticipated because Hydroponics is simpler to set up, looks much cleaner indoors, costs less and most importantly has more and quicker ROI (Return on Investment).
It is difficult to choose between the two. And Hydromo can help to choose between the two and guide the better out of the two keeping in view the factual conditions. Hydromo gives the ultimate feasible solutions to set up customized Hydroponic & Aquaponic farms with expert advice and dedicated service team.
Conclusion:
In terms of plant growth and productivity, both Hydroponics & Aquaponics are known to yield better outcomes than the soil-based systems. However, comparatively, there are quite a few significant differences where aquaponics is preferable due to its natural-based structure, cost and risks surrounding aquaponics being comparatively lower t0 hydroponics. It is no big surprise that many organizations and nurseries are adopting these strategies nowadays regardless of choosing between hydroponics or aquaponics that alters on the availability of resources and the zeal to explore new & feasible techniques. Aquaponics can have a steep learning curve while there is less know-how needed for hydroponics. If you want a challenge and find pleasure in growing fish, Hydromo recommends exploring aquaponics. Hydromo found that most commercial growers wish to start with hydroponics as their main growing technique, while aquaponics generally suits smaller or unique marketing niches best.
Regardless of the technique chosen, the Hydromo team is always in the path to help in every single step of adopting & setting up the soil-less farming techniques. So, what are you waiting for? It’s the right time now to start your own eco-friendly homes with Hydroponic & Aquaponic farming.Â