Different Species of Fish Used in Aquaponics

Aquaponics involves the combining of hydroponics with aquaculture to grow healthy organic plants such as vegetables and herbs. This method gardening can also supply you with a good source of protein from the fish being reared in the aquaculture component of the system. Certain types of fish are best suited for this type of farming. Many these fish are a great source of protein.
The tilapia fish is commonly used in this method of gardening. This fish requires warm water to thrive in. The recommended water temperature for tilapia is 28-30 degrees C (82-86 degrees F). The growth rate will decrease dramatically if the water is colder than 20 degrees C (50 degrees F) and fishes will normally start dying at roughly 10 degrees C (50 degrees F). So if you live in a cool climate you will have to heat the water so you might want to choose aquaponics fish that are better suited for cool water such as trout. But the Tilapia are tolerant of high stock densities, can withstand very poor water conditions, consume an omnivorous diet and they are fast growing. So the tilapia is a good choice for aquaponics fish if you live in a warm climate or can afford to heat the water in the rearing tanks. Tilapia are also a good choice if you want to use it as a food source and still be able to provide the needed nutrients for the plants growing in the hydroponics component of your system. Tilapia can be harvested for food a number of times per year and still provide you with enough nutrients to feed the plants growing in your aquaponics garden.