In agriculture, specifically in farming, technology has contributed a lot for its development and one of the most recent revolutionary improvements is a system called aquaponics.
This might sound familiar to those who are into farming and discovering the latest advancements in agriculture.
However, to those who heard this for the first time, it might sound odd and foreign to their ears.
Aquaponics is the latest advancement in farming wherein there a symbiotic relationship is observed between plants and fishes.
It happens when the waste of the fish allows plants to survive in this type of environment and the fishes live through the plant's waste.
Many people became interested in aquaponics.
Whether they have a lot or just a small space in their backyard, they can have their own aquaponics system.
They can also have a good yield, free from synthetic materials.
There are so many reasons why many embrace this new kind of planting.
However, one of the many questions that were raised is all about the aquaponics grow bed.
The grow bed is one of the basic components in an aquaponics system where the plants grow.
Read on and discover the different types of aquaponics grow bed that you can use in your own aquaponics system.
The Nutrient Film Technique This type of grow bed is also known as NTF.
In this type, the water that is rich in nutrients is pumped through gutters so that the plant roots will have a contact to it.
As observed in this type of grow bed, there is a very thin film of nutrient-rich water so it is called NTF.
There are plastic cups needed in this design for the plants.
However, this system is the best option for all since it has limitations.
One needs to use the right plant for this system and a very good maintenance is also needed because it is expected that the minerals in the water will clog up the whole system.
If you cannot use this, then try the next type of system.
The Media-Filled Bed In this type of grow bed, a media is needed.
It can be perlite, gravel or others.
This media is used instead of a filtration system that is being used in other types.
For instance, you are using gravel as your medium.
Thus, the gravel is responsible in filtering the water for the benefit of the plants as well as the fish.
Moreover, this type of grow bed does not require constant flow of water.
You just need to be sure of the media that you will use.
Sometimes, the gravel may be exposed to other minerals that will be harmful in the aquaponics system.
To be sure, always wash them before putting it in the aquaponics.
The Raft System This type of aquaponics grow bed is the best pick for all commercial growers.
This is due to the fact that they can have a good harvest.
This type of system allows the roots of the plants to touch the water while the plant's body and leaves are dry on the upper portion of the raft.
The contact between plants and the fishes will then occur.
To ensure buoyancy, a Styrofoam is usually used as the raft of the plants.
Choose the best grow bed for your own aquaponics system now.
You are responsible in making the decision for this.