Aquaponic Gardening Rules of Thumb

By Sylvia Bernstein and Dr. Wilson Lennard

By Sylvia Bernstein and Dr. Wilson LennardMany aquaponic gardeners have pointed out that we need some basic “Aquaponic Gardening Rules of Thumb” for DIY aquaponics. Why? Because the beginners among us could use some help with “Aquaponics How-To” without spending weeks researching what to do. I’ve had the distinct honor of collaborating with Dr. Wilson Lennard from Australia on just such a set of guidelines.
In 2006 Dr. Lennard earned one of the few PhDs in aquaponics in the world. After that he designed, constructed, and managed Minnamurra Aquaponics, Australia’s first truly commercial-scale aquaponic system. Dr. Lennard writes extensively on aquaponic how-to for both scientific and trade journals, and currently consults worldwide through his company, Aquaponic Solutions.
Nothing we say in the Aquaponic Gardening Rules of Thumb is set in stone and there are exceptions to almost every one of the listed rules-of-thumb given certain conditions. However, they do offer a set of generally accepted “Aquaponics How-To” that, if adhered to, will put you on the path towards successful aquaponic gardening.

Let’s get started with aquaponics how-to tips…Aquaponics System TypeMedia bed is recommended for new, hobby growers. Why not NFT or Deep Water Culture (AKA raft or DWC)?
A media bed performs three (3) filtering functions:

• mechanical (solids removal)
• mineralization (solids breakdown and return to the water)
• bio-filtration

Because the media bed also acts as the place for plant growth, it basically does everything all in one component making it all simple.

• Media also provides better plant support and is more closely related to traditional soil gardening because there is a media to plant into.
• The cost of building the system is lower because there are fewer components.
• It is easier to understand and learn.

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