
They say if you want to change the world you have to start with yourself. So why not grow your own food? It is our greatest weapon against GMO's and food monopolies! A lot of people are looking for ways to become self-sufficient so there is a great community out there trying and experimenting successfully.
Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. Basically it means you grow fish and use their nutrient rich water to feed plants that filter the water clean again. You could cultivate a few herbs or some wheat-grass on top of a small aquarium or you could have a large green-house and grow a wide variety of vegetables and breed different species of fish. It is possible to buy a complete aquaponics system ranging from very small kitchen-table models to large industrial system, but it is also fairly easy to do it yourself.
Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. Basically it means you grow fish and use their nutrient rich water to feed plants that filter the water clean again. You could cultivate a few herbs or some wheat-grass on top of a small aquarium or you could have a large green-house and grow a wide variety of vegetables and breed different species of fish. It is possible to buy a complete aquaponics system ranging from very small kitchen-table models to large industrial system, but it is also fairly easy to do it yourself.

There are different types of aquaponics, to find out wich one is most suited for your needs it is best to research the various methods. Links will be provided below so you can jump right in to the matter and start building a system yourself.
The cheapest and easiest method to DIY is probably what is often called barrel-ponics. This system uses old plastic barrels, as you can see in the picture to the right. Make sure no toxic materials have been stored in the barrels! With some proper cutting, a few pipes, a water pump and gravel your system should be ready to go after a pleasant afternoon of tinkering. This system will not provide your whole family with food but it is a great way to start out and get to know the basics.
The cheapest and easiest method to DIY is probably what is often called barrel-ponics. This system uses old plastic barrels, as you can see in the picture to the right. Make sure no toxic materials have been stored in the barrels! With some proper cutting, a few pipes, a water pump and gravel your system should be ready to go after a pleasant afternoon of tinkering. This system will not provide your whole family with food but it is a great way to start out and get to know the basics.

Once you've got the basics you can start experimenting and expanding your system. With a little imagination and the help of technology amazing aquaponic sytems can and have been build. If you have enough room in your backyard or even in your basement, it is surely possible to provide your family with a fresh, healthy and tasty meal, every day!
There are many benefits to aquaponics compared to growing foods in regular soil.
To sum up a few of the benefits:
-less water required
-no need for fertilizer
-plants grow faster
-no weeds
-lesser pests
....
There are many benefits to aquaponics compared to growing foods in regular soil.
To sum up a few of the benefits:
-less water required
-no need for fertilizer
-plants grow faster
-no weeds
-lesser pests
....
Here are some links for your research, hopefully you too can start growing your own food real soon!
http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/
http://aquaponics.com/
http://theaquaponicsource.com/
http://autonopedia.org/garden-and-farm/hydroponics/barrel-ponics/
http://www.greencultured.co/medical-marijuana-aquaponics-and-hydroponic-systems/
https://sites.google.com/site/aquapanaponics/4-project-updates/advantagesanddisadvantagesofaquaponics