Grower Today

Everything about Plant Nutrients and Pest Control for Plants

Author: Eunice

  • How To Grow Basil Hydroponically

    How To Grow Basil Hydroponically

    Let’s explore how to grow the flavorful basil hydroponically. Growing various plants hydroponically is becoming an interest to many growers as it offers great benefits such as healthy plants, greater yields, dirt-free process, and many more.

    Basil is one common herb you can grow hydroponically. It is one of people’s favorite and it’s pretty easy to grow. So, read on to discover how to grow basil hydroponically.

    Varieties Of Basil Plant

    Basil plant comes in different varieties and all varieties are suitable to grow hydroponically. These varieties differ in features such as flavor, resistance to disease, yield, and growth. Here are the various types of basil plants you can choose:

    1. Cinnamon basil
    2. Dark opal basil
    3. Lemon basil
    4. Holy basil
    5. Sweet basil
    6. Sweet Thai basil
    7. Purple ruffles basil
    8. Spicy bush basil
    9. Lime basil
    10. Christmas basil
    Varieties Of Basil Plant

    Before choosing the variety to grow, the first thing you should do is to pin down the most appropriate basil plant preferable for your hydroponics. Also, make some inquiries about the productive cultivation necessities.

    However, if we want us to recommend the type to go for, our favorite type is the bush and sweet basil variety. They are both great for growing in hydroponics.

    Get To Know How To Grow Basil Hydroponically

    The first step to commencing how to grow basil hydroponically is to decide how you wish to start. You can commence by seed germination, cloning basil plants, or simply obtaining plants from garden stores near you and transplanting them.

    • Starting With Seed Germination: seed germination is pretty easy to commence basil plants. Just keep them at the appropriate temperature of about 75 degrees. You can make use of a rapid rooter plug for seed germination. You should start to notice germination around 3 to 10 days.
    • Germination From Cuttings: cloning is another way of starting basil germination. Simply get the right plants with healthy growth and great traits.
    • Buying And Transplanting Basil: you can as well buy basil plants from a garden store and transplant them into your hydroponics system.

    Planting Basil Hydroponically

    Most types of hydroponics systems will work with growing basil plants. However, there are a couple of hydroponics systems that will suit and work better compared to others.

    Remember to give your basil plants space of at least 6 to 12 inches to encourage aeration and avoid the growth of fungal.

    Also, trimming your basil plants whenever they are full is recommended. Aim to trim above the lateral buds to stimulate growth. Trimming will increase the yield of your basil plant as there will be more room to grow. Ensure you make use of sharp tools for trimming and avoid pinching.

    You can make use of the trimmed portions for your tasty meal.

    Basil Temperature Requirements

    The required temperature for hydroponics basil is around 65 to 80 degrees. They also require mild humidity for optimal growth.

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    Light Requirements

    The hydroponic basil plant will thrive under moderate light. For optimal growth, supply your basil plants 13 to 16 hours to light daily.

    PH Requirements

    Basil plant requires a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.

    Nutrient Requirements

    The nutrient requirements for your hydroponics basil are pretty simple as the aim is for just its vegetative stage. Thus, what you need is a vegetative nutrient solution.

    You want to supply your basil plants with a nutrient scheme rich in nitrogen. Adding a bit of calcium and magnesium to your nutrient scheme is also fine.

    Harvesting

    The best part of planting is obviously the harvesting time. To harvest, you can harvest the entire basil plant or just take off some leaves.

    Harvesting Basil

    To store your harvested basil plants, keep them in a vented bag of about 55 to 60 degrees. This way, you can have a stable shelf life with 10 to 12 days duration. It is not recommended to store basil plants in a cooler. A better place is to store them in a jar of water in a cool room.

    FAQ’s

    Is it hard to grow basil hydroponically?

    Growing basil in a hydroponic system is easy. Basil is a very easy plant to grow. If you have the space and time, it is easy to grow from seed. The biggest problem you will have is finding the right type of nutrients and the right equipment to use.

    There are many different types of hydroponic systems available on the market. All you have to do is look for a hydroponic system that has the features that you want. The type of nutrient solution you use is also important. Some nutrients are better than others. You can use a commercial nutrient solution or you can make your own. Making your own is easier than buying one. There are different types of nutrient solutions available on the market. The most popular one is the water-soluble solution. This solution is made from a powder that dissolves in water.

    This method is used by farmers, food producers, and even by some home gardeners. It’s also the best way to grow herbs that have been bred to be hardy in areas where the soil is not suitable for traditional gardening. You can grow basil from seed, or buy transplants from your local garden center.

    How do I grow basil hydroponically?

    First, you will need a system to grow your plants. This could be as simple as a shallow plastic tray or it could be a more elaborate system using a reservoir. If you plan on growing large quantities of plants, you’ll want to buy a system that’s made for commercial use, since these systems have been engineered for high production.

    You’ll need to do is measure the area where you’ll be growing your herbs. The next step is to decide if you want to grow them indoors or outdoors.

    If you’re growing them indoors, you’ll want to figure out how much space you have available. You’ll need to purchase an inexpensive light fixture and set it up. You can purchase a small greenhouse that is made specifically for growing hydroponically, but it can cost as much as $

    If you’re growing your herbs in an outdoor garden, you will need to determine what size garden you need. Most garden centers will have information on how much square footage you need to grow your herbs, and you can use this to figure out how big your garden should be. Once you know how much space you have available, you can begin planning your hydroponic system.

    You can purchase a tray system or you can build your own. In either case, you’ll need to decide if you want to go with a shallow plastic tray or a reservoir. The most common type of system is the shallow tray system, which consists of a tray and a pump. The tray is filled with a solution and placed in the location where the plants will be growing.

    The nutrients are added directly to the tray as needed. With a shallow tray system, you’ll need to refill the tray periodically so that you don’t run out of nutrients. Some growers recommend adding a small amount of fertilizer every day. Others use the same nutrient solution for a week or more, and then change it out every two weeks. You’ll also need to monitor the pH of the solution, since it should be between 3.5 and 4. If the pH becomes too low, your plants won’t be able to utilize the nutrients properly. You’ll need to add an acidifier to keep the pH balanced.

    Once you’ve determined how you’ll grow your herbs, you’ll need to figure out what type of nutrients you want to use. You have several options, including organic fertilizers, compost, and manure. The most common nutrient solution is a 1:1 mixture of fish emulsion and water. You can add other ingredients, such as seaweed and kelp, to the solution to boost the nutritional value. The amount of fertilizer you add will depend on how much light the plants receive. Some growers recommend adding as little as one teaspoon of fertilizer per gallon of solution. Other growers add as much as 2 teaspoons per gallon. If you’re growing your herbs in an outdoor garden, you may want to use compost instead of fish emulsion. Compost is made up of plant materials that have decomposed naturally, so it contains nutrients that your plants can use.

    What are some other concerns?

    If you live in a very humid area, you will need to make sure your nutrients don’t dry out. You’ll also want to provide a place for the excess water to drain off, so that the solution won’t get too saturated. 

    Conclusion On How To Grow Basil Hydroponically

    Growing basil plants hydroponically is easy, fun, and you will enjoy great benefits. No matter the variety you choose, you can be sure of a successful and productive basil growth in your hydroponic system.

    Follow the right steps and supply your basil plants with all the requirements we stated above and you can watch your plant grow bountifully.

    We hope this article has enlightened you on how to successfully grow basil plants hydroponically. Happy growing folks!

  • Best Plants For NFT System

    Best Plants For NFT System

    We will be discussing what plants are best for the NFT system. The versatile Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is a type of hydroponic system basically used to cultivate leafy greens or vegetables. It is a hydroponics or aquaponics technique that is especially suited for commercial purposes.

    The nutrient film technique makes use of a thin film of hydroponic nutrient solution to run smoothly across the root of your plant. The thin flow of steady nutrient solution to the root of the plants’ channels is where the name of this technique was derived from. Read on to discover the best plants for the NFT system.

    Best Plants Grown In NFT System

    Nutrient film techniques are only fit for growing some particular types of plants. These types of plants include broccoli raab, certain herbs, spinach, salad or leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables.

    Let’s take a look at these plants in details:

    1. Certain Herbs: some certain herbs are ideal for the NFT system and they are the popular options grown in the NFT channel. An excellent type of herbs is basil because they are the simplest and popularly grown. Their root system is not large and they grow pretty fast. Other types of herbs suitable to grow in NFT include cilantro, parsley, Thai, lemon, Genovese, and so on.
    2. Salad or Leafy Greens: they include various types of spinach, lettuce, and arugula.
    3. Brassicaceae Family: also known as cruciferous vegetables include mustard greens and kale. However, the nutrient film technique is not ideal for the types that form heads like broccoli and cabbage because of the space limit. They grow big and have massive roots and their maturity period is lengthened thus, making them inappropriate plants for the NFT system.
    4. Certain Fruits & Flowers: certain flowers and fruits are not left out in the NFT system. Examples of fruits that can be grown in the NFT channel are strawberries. Strawberries are not big growing fruits and they can fit in a shallow system. Thus, making them ideal for NFT. Examples of flowers that can be grown in NFT channels include orchids, pansies, and nasturtiums.

    NFT system is basically for growing leafy greens with a growth period that is short. However, nutrient film techniques are not suitable for larger or taller plants like cabbage, trees or shrubs, and root crops. They are also not suitable for plants with larger root systems or plants that take longer to grow.

    Characteristics To Consider When Choosing Plants For NFT

    The nutrient film technique (NFT) is a narrow and limited channel that allows a thin flow of nutrient-filled solution below the plant roots. This thin channel allows the upper part of the plant to be subjected to air and also remain dry.

    Therefore, when choosing the plants to grow in your nutrient film system, you should consider the following characteristics.

    Characteristics To Consider When Choosing Plants For NFT
    1. The Root System Should Be Minimal: one crucial thing to consider is the root system. The root system should be minimal and accommodating enough to convey the nutrient solution for your plants’ growth. We don’t want a heavy root system as this can consume all the space available and clog up the nutrient film channel.
    2. Plants Should Be Lightweight: because the nutrient film system is narrow, you should only consider growing lightweight plants. Plants that are heavy and need supports like the heavy-hanging fruits are not ideal for the NFT system.
    3. Short Harvest Period: another thing to consider when choosing plants to be grown in your NFT system is the harvest period. The time to harvest should be short. We are talking about plants attaining maturity within 3 months starting from the seed sowing period. Leafy greens are mainly in this group. Some seed pack comes with the information of the harvest time.

    Planting With NFT System

    To commence planting in the NFT system, we normally start with seeds. Usually, most hydroponic growers prefer starting seeds in cubes and transplanting them into the hydroponic system.

    We recommend the same for NFT and as the seedlings attain a height of about 2 inches; they can be transplanted into the NFT channel. Supply the necessary nutrient solution into your NFT channel till your plant attains harvest size.

    When harvest time comes, harvest your crops by carefully lifting your plants out of the NFT channel.

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    FAQ’s

    What is a NFT system?

    NFT stands for Nutrient Film Technique. Most of the indoor growing enthusiasts are using NFT for growing plants. NFT is a very popular hydroponic method among growers. In fact, NFT has become a favorite among indoor growers.

    If you are a newbie, then you must be wondering about what exactly is NFT hydroponic system. Well, NFT is a very simple technique which can be used for growing plants without any hassle. This is because NFT is a completely new and innovative concept of hydroponics. This technique helps the plants to absorb nutrients from the solution or water which is being used.

    In this method, a nutrient solution is continuously sprayed on the growing media which helps the plants to absorb nutrients through roots. NFT is a very effective way of growing plants. It is also a very cheap method. This technique is mostly used in the greenhouse.

    Is it affordable?

    Yes it is. It is very easy to maintain and requires very little space. It is also a very cheap method. One can easily buy the required equipment at low cost. Using NFT hydroponic system is eco-friendly as it does not use any pesticides, fertilizers or any harmful chemicals.

    What plants can grow in NFT system?

    There is no hard and fast rule, but here are some examples of plants that will grow well in NFTs. The list is not exhaustive, but it will give you an idea of what you can grow. Hydroponic gardeners can use a wide range of plants to grow, as long as they are adapted to low-nutrient, nutrient-poor media. These include herbs, salad greens, lettuce, and radishes, as well as fruits, vegetables, and flowers. 

    Also, sunflowers, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, squash, herbs, bulbs. If you want to grow a lot of plants, it’s the best choice. I used NFTs for many years and they worked great.

    Can you grow strawberries in NFT hydroponics?

    The best way to grow strawberries is to use a strawberry grow kit. The benefits NFT hydroponics is an environmentally friendly, easy to use system that allows you to grow your strawberries without any soil or water.

    It’s a very simple system that takes only about an hour to set up, and there are no chemicals involved in growing your strawberries. This is a good system for beginners who are just starting to grow their own fruits and vegetables.

    The benefits of growing strawberries in NFT hydroponics are:

    Grow strawberries anywhere (even on a balcony)

    No need to buy soil or nutrients

    Grow strawberries year-round

    Get great looking plants

    Enjoy the benefits of growing your own food Save money (you don’t have to pay for soil or nutrients)

    Easy to grow (no need for expensive equipment)

    You can grow strawberries in a very small space (compared to traditional gardening methods) You can grow strawberries in areas where there isn’t much sunlight

    You don’t have to worry about pests and weeds The system is very simple to use You don’t need any chemicals You can grow your own food and save money The system is inexpensive to purchase and set up

    The system is very easy to use, and it doesn’t require any training.

    Conclusion

    We have concluded that the best plants for NFT systems are mainly leafy greens. The plants should also have minimal root systems, be lightweight, and have a short harvest time.

    If you can comprehend and follow these rules for planting in NFT systems, you can be sure of enjoying a smooth and productive harvest.

  • Transferring Soil Plants To Hydroponic

    Transferring Soil Plants To Hydroponic

    Transferring soil plants to hydroponic is quite possible if you follow the right steps. Rather than waiting on germinating seeds and growling seedlings, you can simply send them into the soil. So, when they reach about 3 to 4 inches long, they are set to be transferred into your hydroponics.

    However, you need to get the process of transferring soil plants to hydroponic correctly or they won’t come out successful.

    This is why we’ve put together this article to enlighten you on the steps to successfully transfer soil plants to your hydroponics system. So, read on to learn.

    Materials Needed For Transferring Soil To Hydroponic

    The following materials are required for transferring your soil plant into a hydroponic system:

    • A plant from dirt.
    • Water to wash off the root system.
    • Growing medium.
    • Net pots.
    • Hydroponic system.

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    Steps On Transferring Soil Into hydroponic

    Even though transplanting traditional soil plants into the hydroponics system looks pretty easy, it’s important you get the steps right. This way, common errors that some growers make are avoided and you get an accurate result at the end.

    Transferring soil plants to a hydroponic system is pretty easy. Just follow these steps to achieve a smooth transition:

    1. Use Matured Plants Only

    The first thing is to obtain your plant or seedlings and make sure they are fit enough for the transition. Use seedlings that are at least 3 inches tall.

    1. Remove Plants From Soil

    With care, remove the plant from the soil and ensure you don’t pull it out. Make sure the roots are safe and intact as you carefully take them out.

    Remove Plants From Soil
    1. Remove Soil And Clean The Plant

    Next, carefully give the root a little tap and remove the dirt around the plants still ensuring the root is safe. After doing this, go ahead and rinse the plant with water. Try to dip the whole root into the water and rinse carefully.

    If you notice any pests around your plant, rinsing them will take them out. However, you can make use of neem oil to further rid them off.

    1. Place In Hydroponic Net Pots

    Now, get your net pots and put a little growing medium. Gently spread the plant root into the net pot and fill it up with the growing medium of your choice.

    1. Add Appropriate Nutrients

    Supply your plants with the appropriate nutrients. Try not to overfeed or underfeed the nutrient.

    1. Leave Set Up In The Dark

    Allow the plant to adjust its new environment by leaving it in a dim light area for a couple of hours. The root does not really require light to develop.

     

    Additional Tips To Avoid Shock

    Plant shock when it comes to transferring soil plants to a hydroponic system is not unlikely, especially among beginners. If your transplant fails to develop after transplanting, you might be wondering what you did wrong. Just do a bit of check and try again carefully this time.

    Also, take note of the following tips so you can prevent plant shock as your plant transition into your hydroponics system:

    • Make sure the plant to be transplanted is healthy and matured enough.
    • Prepare your growing medium-well.
    • Sterilize the new environment your plants will be transitioning to. Remember they are vulnerable, so try to keep them healthy.
    • It helps to pick plants to be transplanted during their vegetative and seedlings periods. Never allow them to reach or near their flowering period before transplanting.
    • Make sure the temperature is maintained optimally. Nutrient water temperature should fall between the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Try to select roots with more hairs or long hairs. This is so the roots are capable of reaching the nutrient reservoir and absorbing adequate nutrients for growth.
    • Try to balance the soil conditions and hydroponic conditions as your plant transition. For example, you need to supply your transplanted plant with the right nutrient for its healing and growth. If you can, it helps to measure the soil nutrient before transplanting so you can keep the same nutrient levels when you transplant.
    Additional Tips To Avoid Shock

    Plants That Has High Chance Of Smooth Transition

    You should know that not all types of plants will transition successfully. Some plants have a higher tendency for the smooth transition than others. Examples are Pepper, tomatoes, spinach, mint, spring onions, basil, parsley, cilantro, and so on.

    Conclusion

    The transition of soil plants into a hydroponic system needs to be done accurately to avoid plant shock. If you follow our guidelines, you can be sure of a successful transition.

  • What To Feed Tilapia In Aquaponics

    What To Feed Tilapia In Aquaponics

    If you’re into raising tilapia and you’re wondering what to feed your tilapia in aquaponics, we’ve got the right answer for you. One added reason, why most farmers love raising tilapia for their aquaponics, is that they feed on broad varieties of food.

    Tilapia feeds on food sources that are at the bottom of the food chain. However, the best type of food to feed your tilapia for your aquaponics system is to feed them with organic tilapia food. This organic fish food contains the right nutrient requirements for your tilapia and plants.

    Types Of Tilapia & Their Feeding

    First, let’s understand the different stages of tilapia feeding.

    • Newly hatched tilapia known as fry feed on organisms that float on water such as detritus and neuston. Their foods should be in smaller pieces.
    • The juvenile tilapias (fingerlings) are omnivores that is; they can feed on both plants and animals such as worms, insects, duckweed, etc.
    • The adult tilapias are herbivores, so they feed on plants such as algae, duckweed, bacteria, detritus, and other plants.
    Types Of Tilapia & Their Feeding

    What Should You Feed Your Aquaponics Tilapia?

    We mentioned earlier that tilapia can feed on a wide variety of food. In their wild habitat such as streams, lakes, etc, they usually feed on diatoms and a lot of blue-green algae.

    However, you should know to keep them far away from feeding on your algae. This is because algae are needed by your plants in the aquaponics system for nutrient recycling.

    Feeding With Pellets

    Adult tilapia can also be feed with pelleted food which comprises all important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins. You can as well feed the newly hatched fry with pellets, but they should be in smaller pieces.

    Organic Tilapia Feeding

    If you’re a fan of all organic, then everything that goes into your aquaponics should be organic. Examples of organic food to feed your tilapia fish includes cassava plants, lengko plants, duckweed, sweet potato plants, lettuces, cocoyam leaves, etc. Among all these plants, duckweed has the smallest food sizes and it will fit all stages or sizes of tilapia.

    You can combine these organic foods with commercial fish food to increase their proteins and for a more balanced filled nutrient.

    Other Types Of Tilapia Feed

    • Bran chaff feed such as white bran or wheat bran.
    • Pomace feed and cereal feed such as rice sprouts, malt, etc.
    • Oil cake feed such as rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, or soybean meal.
    • Animal feed such as blood meal, meat and bone meal, fish meal, etc.
    • Compound feeds are the pelleted feed and extruded feed.

    Common Varieties Of Tilapia: What They Feed On

    The common varieties of tilapia are the Nile tilapia, the Mozambique tilapia, and the Blue tilapia. Here is what they feed on:

    • Nile tilapia feeds on detritus and phytoplankton.
    • Mozambique tilapia feeds on vegetation and bottom algae.
    • Blue tilapia feeds on detritus and zooplankton.

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    Tilapia Nutrient Requirements

    Nutrient requirements in your aquaponics tilapia are crucial so your plants can have access to adequate nutrients.  Although various species of tilapia require various growth periods, thus, their nutrient demand will be a little different.

    Nile tilapia fingerlings for example require about 35% to 40% protein contents. While adult tilapia of about 45 to 50 grams requires 20% to 25% protein content.

    The blue tilapia fingerlings will require a protein content of about 36%. While for the adult blue tilapia, they will require about 26% to 36% protein content.

    Avoid Overfeeding

    You should avoid overfeeding your fish. If you supply your fish with an excess amount of food, these foods will end up in your floating system causing hindrance and water clog. You can scoop out uneaten food. Also, pay attention to how much they eat and readjust when next you feed them.

    You should always feed them twice a day and the food should be eaten within 30 minutes of feeding. However, if you feed them and you notice they aren’t hungry, scoop out the food and don’t feed them for a while.

    Avoid Overfeeding Tilapia

    FAQ’s

    What is the best food to feed tilapia?

    When choosing a tilapia food, you want one that is a good source of calcium and phosphorous, and contains other minerals and vitamins.You can feed them live or frozen. A combination of live and frozen is best, as they both have a more natural flavor. Fish Food – This is another good source of protein. You can purchase dry, freeze-dried, and canned fish food. Tilapia food is typically made from a mix of various ingredients.

    You can also buy foods that are specifically designed for tilapia. Some of these include: Aquarium Fish Food Tilapia – This is a specially formulated tilapia food. It has a high level of calcium, and other nutrients. Tilapia are omnivores, so they need a variety of foods, and this is a good way to ensure that they get all of the nutrients they need. The food will provide them with a more natural flavor, as well as more nutrients.

    Shrimp Food Tilapia – This is another great food for tilapia. It has a natural shrimp flavor, which is beneficial for the health of your fish. Feeding Tilapia Tilapia should be fed on a regular basis. Depending on the size of your tank, you should feed your fish once or twice a day.

    How can I make tilapia grow faster?

    The only thing I can think of is to reduce the size of his ration. If you are feeding him twice a day, he should eat roughly 1/2 of the amount you are feeding the rest of the fish. So if you are feeding 1/4oz. twice a day, then he should eat 1/8oz. of food twice a day. You can also try adding some live plants to the tank. This will increase his appetite.

    What do tilapia eat naturally?

    Tilapia are omnivorous fish that eat both plants and animals. They can be a vegetarian when fed a diet of algae.
    But like most fish, they need meat to survive. So, what’s the best way to feed them? Well, there are two ways to feed them: live food and dry food. Live food is a great option because it keeps your fish in good shape and allows them to grow quickly.

    Tilapia is a freshwater fish that is native to South America and Africa. It is one of the most common fish species in the world, with an estimated total production of about 25 million tons per year. Tilapia are generally kept as aquarium pets, and there are many varieties of them. There are two types of tilapia: the goldfish-like tilapia and the black carp-like tilapia. The goldfish-like tilapia is much smaller than the black carp-like tilapia. Both types of tilapia are commonly found in ponds and tanks in home aquariums. The fish is also known as cichlid or lake tilapia.

    Final Say

    Tilapia feeds on just a bit of everything. It’s why they are the most commonly reared fish in aquaponics. Feeding your tilapia fish the appropriate food will increase their growth in just about 240 days. So, get them eating well so you can have a heavy pound of fish at the same time healthy plants by the end of harvest time.

  • How To Raise Catfish In A Tank

    How To Raise Catfish In A Tank

    Let’s explore how to raise catfish in a tank. Catfish is one common fish that are raised among aquarium hobbyist in the United States. It is particularly raised for its delicious taste, healthy, and proteinous features.

    It is easy for anyone to breed or raise catfish in aquaponics, a pond, aquarium, or a fish tank. You don’t even need to be an expert to rear catfish. Continue reading if you would like to know how to raise catfish in a fish tank.

    Why Raise Catfish In A Tank – Features

    You stand to benefit a lot from choosing catfish as the fish to raise either as a hobby or commercial purpose. The following features will give you some good reason why choosing catfish in your fish tank or aquaponics will be of great benefit to you:

    • Catfish is very easy to raise even for beginners especially in aquaponics.
    • They grow and breed rapidly. So you will enjoy a quick harvest.
    • They are also very forgiving and can tolerate even the least oxygenated water environment.
    • With their resilient nature, they are resistant to most fish diseases and they don’t die easily. However, it’s good to give them good conditions so you can enjoy amazing yield.
    • Catfish will serve as a good source of protein for your family.
    • With the right knowledge, you can be sure of a well invested and profitable commercial produce when dealing with catfish.
    Why Raise Catfish In A Tank - Features

    Learn How To Raise Catfish In A Fish Tank

    Even though we mentioned earlier that catfish is pretty easy to raise. It still requires you to accurately pass through the right guidelines for successful catfish production.

    Catfish Per Gallon Of Water

    Before we go into the main steps on how to raise catfish in a fish tank, we need to first understand how many catfish per gallon of water should be stocked in a fish tank.

    The appropriate stocking density for catfish is one pound of fish (fully grown) per 8 gallons of water. This way, they can have more room to access oxygen thereby reducing stress. Also, catfish grow very fast, so they need to have adequate room to fully grow.

    Catfish Tanks

    One crucial point to note is that catfish will require a large tank to grow. The stocking density of 8 gallons per fish we pointed out alone shows that catfish will need a bigger tank.

    Catfish Per Gallon Of Water

    Raising catfish in tanks is very accessible especially if you are unable to acquire a big land for a fish pond. Just ensure the width and depth of the tank is deep enough to provide spacing for your catfish.

    Water Quality

    Another important tip is to make sure your fish tank can generate a good flow of consistent water. Ensure the water quality is good as this will also boost their appetite encouraging them to eat more.  While low water quality will reduce their appetite and make them susceptible to infection thereby reducing catfish growth.

    Learn more about Where to Buy Fish for Aquaponics Systems and the Best Plants for Small Aquaponics

    Choosing The Type Of Catfish

    Once you’re done figuring the appropriate fish tank and water ratio, you can now proceed to choose the type of catfish you want to raise.

    There are different types of catfish to choose from. However, one of the best types is the channel catfish. Channel catfish are very tolerating and they will grow very fast. They can grow approximately at the rate of 3 pounds in just one year.

    You can start with juvenile catfish but make sure they are of good quality. Low-quality juvenile catfish may result in decreased growth or even death.

    To know a healthy juvenile catfish, they should be moving about actively. Also, make sure their body does not have any defects.

    Catfish Feeding

    Catfish can be feed with fish food pellets. We recommend you feed your catfish 2.5% of their body weight. You can do a rough estimation of their weight to determine this.

    Also, ensure you keep a close eye if there’s any uneaten excess food floating or settling at the bottom of the tank. If this is so, then you will need to adjust their feeding so your fish tank is not polluted.

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    FAQ’s

    Can catfish be raised in tanks?

    Yes, but they require a minimum of 4 gallons (1.5 liters) of water to thrive. Catfish are cold-blooded fish so they can’t survive without some sort of heat source. The tank heater is what they need to keep warm. If your tank is too small for the catfish, you’ll have to add a separate heat source. A: The filter should be changed about every two weeks. It is easy to do, but make sure that you use a good quality filter that is designed for aquarium use. A gravel filter is probably the easiest to maintain, but it also uses more water than other filters.

    There are different breeds of catfish, and each breed has different characteristics that make them more suited for certain types of environments than others.

    What are the different ways that you can raise catfish?

    There are different ways to raise catfish. Some people put them in ponds, some people use water tanks and some people use a system called “tournament style”. The problem with pond-raised catfish is that they are usually smaller than tournament-raised catfish. Also, they need a lot of space because you have to keep the water clean and clear for the fish to live.

    Water tanks are a great alternative but it is difficult to raise enough catfish to get good size. That’s why the tournament-style catfishing is so popular because you can catch a lot of big fish in a small area. Most tournament catfishing systems use large plastic water reservoirs that are designed to hold several hundred gallons of water. These systems are used by large commercial catfishermen and they require a lot of maintenance. They can cost thousands of dollars to buy and they can be very expensive to maintain. The best tournament-style catfish system is one that has a self-contained reservoir that does not require a pump or other equipment. This type of system is much less expensive to build and it’s easy to install and maintain. You can have a good tournament-style catfishing system for a fraction of the price of a commercial system.

    How do you raise catfish in a tank?

    It’s pretty easy to raise catfish in a tank, as long as you have the right equipment. You don’t need a fancy aquarium setup to raise catfish in a tank. Just make sure your tank is big enough. They require a lot of space, and they need lots of room to move around. You also need to have a filter and a heater that will keep it clean and warm. There are some other things that you’ll want to consider before you start raising catfish in a tank, however.

    They will eat fish food, but you have to feed them a special diet. It’s called a pellet diet, and you can buy it from your local pet store. 

    Can you have other fish in the tank?

    They don’t like to be kept in an aquarium with other fish, as they don’t get along well. They are very territorial, and won’t let other fish near them.

    Conclusion On How To Raise Catfish In A Tank

    Raising catfish in a tank is absolutely possible with the right knowledge. Simply follow our tips and enjoy great yields of catfish production.

    Remember not to overcrowd catfish in their fish tank so their growth is not hindered. They need enough spacing so they can develop well. One full-grown fish to 8 gallons of water is great.

  • How To Grow Watercress In Aquaponics

    How To Grow Watercress In Aquaponics

    Watercress is one of the easiest and healthiest plants to grow in your aquaponics garden. So, if you’re wondering how to grow watercress in aquaponics, you’ve come to the right place.

    Watercress is a water-loving plant and it is popular for its tasty flavor when added to meals. They are great for adding spice to your soup, fresh salad mix, as well as a sandwich.

    This article attempts to give you the details on how to grow watercress for your aquaponics garden. So let’s begin.

    Why Grow Watercress In Your Aquaponics Farm

    Being a water-loving plant, you can agree it is one of the best leafy green plants to grow in your aquaponics garden. Watercress is a highly nutritious and fast-growing plant. For this reason, watercress is one of the most loving plants to grow especially among commercial hydroponic and aquaponics growers.

    Also, growing watercress for your aquaponics garden will be an amazing way of introducing newbies to the world of aquaponics.

    Why Grow Watercress In Your Aquaponics Farm

    2 Ways To Grow Watercress In Aquaponics

    You can grow watercress easily by planting from their seeds or you can simply grow them from cuttings.

    1.    Propagation From Seeds

    Watercress propagation from seed should begin to show germination between a couple of days or two weeks.

    Plant about 10 to 15 seeds in the net pots growing medium. The seeds will begin to sprout from 3 days and continue to grow for 4 to 5 weeks. Then ready for harvest.

    2.    Propagation From Cuttings

    Watercress can be grown or cultivated from its aerial roots where the nodes of the matured plants are.

    Cut the stem of the watercress and take away the lower parts of the leaves. Lay the cuttings on your aquaponics bed and watch them give rise to new roots in a couple of days.

    You can also obtain bunches of watercress stem from grocery stores.

    Guidelines On How To Grow Watercress In Aquaponics Successfully

    Having decided the method of propagation (either seeds or cuttings), we can now look into the specifications and guidelines to follow. Below are the guidelines on how to successfully grow watercress in an aquaponics garden:

    1. Fish Choice: first things first, choose the appropriate fish you wish. Tilapia, trout, and catfish are the best options if you want a smooth and easy aquaponics process. Also, you should accurately calculate the number and proportion of fish to the water tank. For example, the standard rule is one matured fish per 5 gallons of water.
    2. Water Tank Setup: do the normal aquaponics tanks set up. Place your pump inside the water tank for aeration.
    3. Grow Media: choose an appropriate growing medium for your plant. You can use grow media such as hydroton, rock wool, etc. Remember watercress plants are water-loving so ensure the growing medium used can absorb water.
    4. Spacing: ensure you give your plants adequate spacing. This is so they don’t compete with nutrients from overcrowding. Space them around 9 to 12 inches apart.
    5. Temperature: watercress will do well in a temperate environmental climate. Temperature range from 50 degrees to 60 degrees Fahrenheit will be ideal.
    6. Sunlight or Grow Light: watercress herbs thrive in full sun. However, if you’re growing them indoors, they will do well under high output grow lights.
    7. pH Range: the appropriate pH range for the watercress plant is a slightly acidic and slightly alkaline environment. Therefore, the pH range will be between 6.0 to 7.5. Always test your solution so you can keep track of the nutrient levels.
    8. Fish Feed: you can start with fish pellets as these pellets comprise the complete nutrient balance for your plants’ growth. They contain vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals.
    9. Bacteria: another important thing is you should encourage bacteria. It is this bacteria that will convert the fish waste in ammonia into nitrates for plant use.
    10. Add Watercress Plant: lastly, plant your watercress either by seed germination or by cuttings and watch them grow.

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    FAQ’s

    What can you grow watercress?

    Watercress is a popular, easy to grow green vegetable. It has been cultivated for centuries and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E and K. You can grow it in your garden or even in a pot on the patio. This perennial plant grows well in moist soil. It is very adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. Watercress grows best in water or soil with a high humidity content.

    You can grow watercress in a pond, but it will have to be kept in a container if you don’t want it to escape the pond.

    Why is watercress good for aquaponics?

    Here are a few reasons why watercress is such a great plant for aquaponic systems: It’s easy to grow – Watercress can be grown in any garden or window box and can be planted directly into the aquarium.

    Watercress also does well in containers, but the roots tend to spread out more than they do in the soil. It’s low maintenance – Watercress can be harvested regularly without much effort. If you don’t like the taste of the leaves, you can just harvest the roots. Watercress is a fast growing plant that can be harvested within 6-8 weeks. It’s drought tolerant – The roots are able to withstand dry conditions and will continue to grow even if there is not enough water available.

    Watercress is very easy to grow – It doesn’t require much attention and it is quite forgiving when it comes to temperature fluctuations.

    How long does watercress take to grow in aquaponic?

    It takes approximately one month to grow in soil and two weeks in aquaponics.

    Watercress has small, thin leaves that are rich in vitamins and minerals.Watercress is native to the Mediterranean region and grows best in fertile soil with good drainage. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall.

    What’s the main concern when growing watercress in aquaponic?

    It’s possible to grow watercress in aquaponics but you have to be careful to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and plants. If you don’t, the bacteria can cause the plants to die. The bacteria are what converts nitrate into nitrite which is what you need for the plant to be able to uptake the nitrates from the water. The plants also require nitrate so the bacteria are essential.

    Final Note

    Having said all these on how to grow watercress in aquaponics: you should know there are other little precautions to be taken for a smooth aquaponics watercress garden. Things like:

    • Monitoring the activities of your fish daily.
    • Observe their feeding pattern.
    • Avoid overfeeding so you don’t clog your aquaponics system and create excess waste that your plant can absorb. Watercress does not do well in clogged or stagnant water. The water needs to be flowing, well circulated, and aerated always for optimal production.

    With that said. We do hope you’ve learned some things on how to grow watercress for your aquaponics garden.

  • How Much Is A Hydroponic System

    How Much Is A Hydroponic System

    How much a hydroponic system cost varies and will solely depend according to your preference. A hydroponic system can be cost-effective or require more if you put some things into consideration. However, you should know it will require an initial investment to get it up and running.

    Hydroponic farming involves the use of a soilless technique to grow plants and it makes use of a nutrient-filled solution for plants’ development. It is pretty easy to venture into with the right knowledge.

    Either you’re into hydroponic farming for business or a hobby; we will give you an idea of how much a hydroponic system cost.

    A Cost-Effective Hydroponic System

    You can get a hydroponics system for a very reasonable price because there are various types of hydroponics systems to choose from.

    Even with the cost-effective type, you can rest assured of enjoying amazing yield. Again, this cost-effective type of hydroponic does not limit you from growing just a few plants. You can grow as many plants as you can at a time with this moderate hydroponics budget like the compact NFT system.

    However, if you invest more money into hydroponics (about $250 to $500) it will offer you extra features and greater designs. It will also allow you to grow more plants and result in abundant yield.

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    Figuring Out How Much A Hydroponic System Will Cost

    A logic we recommend to knowing how much a hydroponics system will cost is to know the components involved with the system.

    You will be better off purchasing a complete hydroponic system rather than sourcing for the various parts as in DIY. Here are the components of a complete hydroponic garden:

    • A hydroponics system.
    • Hydroponic nutrient-filled solutions.
    • Inert media.
    • Light source.
    • Air pump and air stone.

    Types Of Hydroponics Systems

    1. Nutrient film techniques.
    2. Aeroponics.
    3. Deepwater Culture (reservoir method).
    4. Ebb and flow (flood and drain).
    5. Wicking.
    6. Drip system.

    There is also passive hydroponics known as the Kratky method. We can say this is the cheapest type of hydroponics system. It only requires some basic hydroponic components, a container reservoir, and a cover lid opening for plants.

    Types Of Hydroponics Systems

    Types Of Hydroponics Systems According To Cost

    Let’s distinguish the types of hydroponic system standard according to their cost:

    1. High Standard: this type of hydroponics system is of high standard technology that features a complete system control. Commercial growers that seek a high yield of crops for profit usually go for this type. This high-standard technology hydroponic system can cost tens of dollars in thousands. An example is the vertical farming hydroponic system.
    2. Semi-high Standard: this type of hydroponic system is also of standard technology. They are made of quality technology such as water flow control. It also comes with grow light and it has more features. This type of system is used both indoors and outdoors. The cost for this type of hydroponics system is around $350 to $1000.
    3. Moderate Quality/ Standard: this type of is of moderate technology. They are budget-friendly and can be obtained either as a unit or DIY. The cost is about $50 to $200 for both the unit and DIY construction.

    FAQ’s

    Is a hydroponic system worth it?

    The average gardener might look at the price of a hydroponic system and scoff, thinking, “Why would I spend so much money on something that isn’t going to work?”. But it doesn’t have to be this way! A hydroponic system can be installed for a fraction of the cost of an outdoor system. And the quality of your plants is going to be better.

    Here are some great reasons why you should consider a hydroponic system as an option. Hydroponics vs. Indoor Farming: Why You Should Consider a Hydroponic System

    It’s Easy

    If you’re looking to start growing in a new way, there’s nothing like having the freedom to grow whatever you want, whenever you want. This is the main reason why many people opt for hydroponic systems over indoor farming. With hydroponics, you can grow almost any type of plant with no soil or other restrictions. You’re free to grow the exact plant you want at any time of year, and you won’t need to spend a lot of time tending to your crops.

    It’s Safe

    Hydroponic gardening is much safer than growing crops in soil because it eliminates the risk of disease. In fact, you won’t even have to worry about pests, which means that you can plant a wide variety of fruits and vegetables without having to be concerned about insects.

    It’s Affordable

    You can buy a simple hydroponic system for a reasonable price. The systems you can find at your local garden center are usually only going to cost as little as a $100, and that’s a fraction of what it would cost to grow plants in soil, and it will still provide you with the ability to grow food all year long.

    It’s Eco-Friendly

    When you use a hydroponic system, you won’t need to use any pesticides or fertilizers. This is an important benefit because pesticides can have negative effects on the environment and can even be dangerous to humans. With hydroponics, you won’t have to worry about those things.

    In a hydroponic garden, you take the seedlings out of the ground, and you grow them in a nutrient solution that you mix with water. The nutrients are then absorbed by the roots of the plants, and the leaves will get all the water they need from the air.

    Why is hydroponic so expensive?

    There are many factors that go into the price of hydroponics, but the biggest factor is that it’s a new product. There’s no established market for hydroponics as there is for other products in agriculture, such as seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. But hydroponic growers are starting to see some of the same problems that traditional growers have seen with these other products.

    For example, hydroponic plants have been known to develop nutrient deficiencies because they don’t receive all of the nutrients that they need from the soil or nutrient solution. This is why many hydroponic growers use a combination of liquid fertilizer and soil amendments. The cost of growing food, which includes the cost of water, electricity and fertilizers can be quite great. 

    When you grow plants in a hydroponic system, you can control the water quality better than you could in a soil-based system.

    You are paying for the inputs and then charging a premium for the product. Hydroponics is a high maintenance hobby and it requires more equipment and labor. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done cheaply. You can still do a great job of growing plants in a container without spending a fortune.

    Can you save money hydroponics?

    It is possible to save money hydroponics but it is not easy. You will need to understand what your needs are and what you want to grow and then set out to buy the best equipment that meets those needs and meets your budget. You can save money hydroponics by growing less than you would otherwise, by growing in a less expensive environment, by using cheaper seeds and by growing your own supplies.

    Grow less, grow faster. This is one of the most important ways to save money hydroponics. If you do not have enough space for a full size hydroponic system, do not grow as much or as fast. In a small space, you can get away with only a few trays. You could even grow in a single tray if you wanted to. It is also possible to grow more on less space by using smaller pots or growing containers. The same is true for light. Do not use as much light as you would otherwise. A lot of people think that they need lots of light when they start a hydroponic garden. This is not true. You will be fine with as little as 1/3 of the light you would normally need.

    Other Cost To Consider

    There are additional things you should also consider when it comes to knowing how much a hydroponic system cost. There might be some additional materials you may need to purchase even with your complete hydroponic system.

    For a DIY construction, there will always be arising needs or expenses. You may need to invest in nutrient solutions, grow medium, grow light, etc.

    Other Cost To Consider - Hydroponic System

    However, already built hydroponics may also require extra. For instance, already made hydroponics may still require you to purchase a pH meter, grow medium, grow light, or even nutrient solutions. Just a grow light might cost $15 to $20.

    • Space: another factor to consider is space, ensure you have space for your hydroponic system. If not, that’s an extra and you might need to purchase or rent a farm space. You will have to decide if your space is for a horizontal or vertical system. However, space will solely depend on if you’re considering large-scale hydroponics farming.
    • Size: the size of your hydroponics system will also determine how much a hydroponics system will cost. A smaller hydroponics system used for a hobby will be less expensive. However, if you’re thinking of a higher yield, a larger hydroponics system will be required and it will be pretty expensive.

    Therefore, it’s crucial you consider all these factors so you can accurately sum up how much it will cost to build a complete hydroponics system.