A Practical Introduction to Aquaponics

Gabriella Carrasco ’20

Economics Major
Faculty Sponsor: Gina Shamshak

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive look at aquaponics, which is an integrated recirculating system that can grow produce and fish. This paper begins with an explanation of what an aquaponics system is, followed by a brief overview of the history and development of modern aquaponics. Following this,  I discuss how an aquaponics system functions, both on a macro and micro scale, paying attention to the importance of the nitrogen cycle within the recirculating system. There are three different system designs that are most common, which I briefly discuss, before going into the basic system requirements including hardware, software, and fish and plant species. The remainder of this paper details how to set up an aquaponics, as well as how to maintain it.

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