An Interesting Aquaponic Garden

Want to grow vegetables and raise fish at the same time?  Inka Biospheric Systems thinks they have the answer.

Last week, I attended the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show.  One of the most interesting exhibits I saw, was an self-contained aquaponic system from Inka Biosperic Systems.  For those of you who have not heard of this, aquaponics is the cultivation of plants and aquatic animals in a recirculating system.  For example, keeping bass, talapia or crayfish using the same water used for lettuces, or other veggies.

The interesting thing about Inka's solution is that it is completely self contained.  Solar panels and wind turbines supply the energy needed to drive the water pumps which keep the vegetables hydrated. So no external power is required. 

The veggies are grown on a vertical surface and water is supplied to them from the fish tank.  No nutrients are added to the system to feed these plants; the fish supply the nutrients, if you know what I mean. 

I wasn't able to get pricing information at the show, but I remain very intrigued by aquaponics and will continue to watch as the industry evolves.  

Comments

[Kelly at Chatelaine]

This is amazing! I've been researching vertical wall indoor gardens for a couple of weeks. My husband wants to build one on our kitchen wall for fresh herbs year around
(we're in zone 5, Colorado). His plans are with dirt, but I don't want dirt....Thanks for posting this, I'll have him take a look at it!

[H. Mark Delman]

Hi Kelly:

The posted system is one that does fish and veggies. A less expensive system for only veggies that Ive used and can recommend is the autopot system.
Youll find full information on this in a blog posting ( http://www.plantertomato.com/2010/02/autopots-reviewed-hydroponic-container-gardening-for-small-and-not-small-gardens.html ) You may be able to just hang these on little shelves on your wall.

The manufacturer in Australia also makes the same system as window boxes and these might work even better (http://www.autopot.com.au/default.aspx?PageID=85e83501-236e-4286-98cd-dab61d17afa4 ) I do not know if they distribute the window boxes in the US. You might want to check with them or with a retailer called Ruturegarden (http://www.futuregarden.com/). Please post again to let me know what you decided to do. Good luck with your garden.