What Does Backyard Aquaponics Mean?
Aquaponics is a systematic, two-way cycle of aquaculture in which fish and other aquatic creatures produce waste that provides nutrition to hydroponically grown plants. The plants then filter the water in which the plants and animals live. Aquaponics combines aquaculture (aquatic animal farming) with hydroponics (the cultivation of plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water solvents instead of soil).
Specifically, backyard aquaponics is becoming a commonplace term in the aquaponics industry to refer to an aquaponics garden or set-up that is smaller than a commercial garden set-up. Most aquaponic systems are set up outdoors, so this term depicts a small, hobby-sized garden located on a residential property.
A backyard aquaponic garden or set-up can provide a household both with fresh fish and fresh produce, appealing to residents who wish to lead a more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle.
