Growing a Greener World Season 6 Episode 13 Aquaponics: Raising Fish and Plants Together

Growing a Greener World is an award-winning TV show that journeys around the US and other parts of the world in search of inspiring stories of people, places, and processes that are making a positive impact on the planet. In season 6, episode 13, titled "Aquaponics: Raising Fish and Plants Together," the show explores the fascinating world of aquaponics—an innovative method of sustainable farming that combines aquaculture and hydroponics in a closed, symbiotic system.

The episode begins with a visit to the Aquaponics Place, a family-run farm in south Florida that specializes in raising tilapia fish and a variety of greens, herbs, and fruits using aquaponics. The farm is owned and operated by Max and Paula DeJong, who have been passionate about sustainable living and organic gardening for over 30 years. Through personal experience, research, and trial and error, they have perfected a system that converts fish waste into plant food, and in turn, filters the water that goes back to the fish, creating a never-ending cycle of nutrients.

Max walks the host, Joe Lamp'l, through the various components of their aquaponic system, which includes fish tanks, water pump, biofilter, clarifier, and grow beds. He explains how they maintain a balance between the fish and the plants, as well as the importance of monitoring water quality, pH, temperature, and oxygen levels. Joe is impressed by the efficiency and productivity of the system, which enables the DeJongs to harvest fish every six months and vegetables every three to four weeks.

Next, the show travels to Indianapolis, Indiana, to visit the greenhouse of Nick Smith, the founder of Green Acre Aquaponics. Nick explains how he got into aquaponics after studying environmental science in college and working in the aquatics industry. He saw the potential of using fish waste to grow plants and started experimenting with different types of aquaponic systems. Today, he runs a successful business that sells fresh produce to local restaurants and farmers' markets.

Nick's greenhouse is equipped with four different types of aquaponic systems, each with its benefits and challenges. He shows Joe and the audience how he grows lettuce, basil, chives, and strawberries in PVC pipes, raft beds, vertical towers, and media beds, respectively. He also shares some tricks of the trade, such as using fans and shade cloth to regulate temperature and light, and adding beneficial bacteria and worms to the system to enhance nutrient cycling.

Finally, the show makes a stop at the University of the Virgin Islands, which has a world-renowned aquaponics research program that aims to develop sustainable and affordable food production methods for small islands and other resource-limited environments. Joe talks to the director, Dr. James Rakocy, and some of his students, who explain the cutting-edge research they are doing in the field of aquaponics.

They discuss topics such as fish nutrition, plant breeding, pest management, and system optimization. They also demonstrate some of their innovative aquaponic designs, including a solar-powered floating raft system, an algae-based feed system, and a zero-discharge system that uses multiple filtration stages to minimize waste and maximize yield. Joe is fascinated by the diversity and creativity of the aquaponic community and feels inspired to try it out himself.

Overall, this episode of Growing a Greener World provides a comprehensive overview of aquaponics and its potential to revolutionize the way we produce food. It showcases three different examples of successful aquaponic farms and demonstrates the principles and practices that make them work. It also highlights the importance of education, research, and innovation in advancing the field of aquaponics and addressing the global food security challenge. Anyone who is interested in sustainable agriculture, hydroponics, or aquaculture will find this episode informative and engaging.