Algae in Aquaponics

ZipGrow Tower Spacing

Proper ZipGrow Tower spacing

ZipGrow Towers are being used all over the world to grow more delicious food in all kinds of spaces.

Just how many towers can you fit into your space? This post was written to help you estimate how much food you can grow in your space with ZipGrow Towers.

Nitrification- The Motor of Aquaponics

Nitrification is the process that drives most aquaponic systems, and yet, it is oftentimes poorly understood- even by experts.

Nitrogen in Aquaponics

Nitrogen is one of the most important plant elements, but making it available depends very closely on the ability of system bacteria to add oxygen to ammonia and nitrite (both toxic) to produce nitrate- a relatively benign form of nitrogen that is plant available.

Nitrogen in Aquaponics

Why nitrogen first?

In the world of human economy, politics and society, there are many different currencies, all of which are traded for goods. This could be oil, US dollars, Facebook Likes or Grandmas cookies. The natural world has similar currencies- trading in oxygen, carbon, and perhaps the most precious currency of all: nitrogen.

Low Grade Geothermal Heating and Cooling for Greenhouses

Low-grade geothermal heating and cooling for greenhouses

In our heating a greenhouse video, we interview JD Sawyer from the Aquaponic Source. JD ran the Grow Haus hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouses in Denver, Colorado, and utilized geothermal methods to extend the heating and cooling of the greenhouses.

Aquaponic Drainage Systems: Return Lines

Aquaponic drainage systems

Planning a drainage system for any aquaponic system can be a daunting task, but planning a drainage system for ZipGrow Towers can sometimes be even more daunting, simply because they are so new, and most folks are unfamiliar with how they are plumbed.

Lemon Juice in Aquaponics Systems

Lemon Juice in Aquaponics Systems

Lots of people do it, and all live to regret it. Everyone wants to run their system in a pH range that is ideal for nutrient availability to their plants, however, most systems end up having a rather high pH on the front end, during system establishment.

Solids Lifting Overflows for Aquaponics

SLOs lift solids and keep water level constant

SLOs or Solids Lifting Overflows are a wonderful resource for aquaponic and hydroponic growers, aquaculturalists, and anyone with a koi pond. An SLO combines the benefits of an overflow (setting a constant water height) with the benefits of pulling water off of the bottom of the tank, pond, or reservoir (removing settled solids).

Aquaponics Mistake #1: Designing An Unusable Farm

Aquaponics mistake #1: designing an unusable farm

Designing a hard-to-use farm is more of a mistake of inexperience than anything else. Many growers haven’t grown before (at least on a large scale) and they don’t think about work flow and efficiency.

Pesticides for Aquaponics

Pesticides in aquaponic systems

The use of pesticides in aquaponics is a very touchy subject, and we've seen both the good and bad side of pesticide use in aquaponic systems.