Aquaponics is one of several alternative food growing techniques that are being embraced by food growers worldwide. An aquaponic growing system that combines aquaculture (where growers raise aquatic animals such as snails and fish in tanks) and hydroponics (the process of raising plants in water and growing them without the use of soil). In this system of food growing, the water from the aquaculture portion of the system is fed into the hydroponic system. From there by-products are broken down by the nitrates and nitrites in plants, used as nutrients, and then re-circulated back into the system. Aquaponic gardening and farming enables growers to raise healthy food sources while preserving natural resources and the surrounding environment. Despite the many advantages this food production systems gives growers, there are several challenges that growers face in maintaining a healthy aquaponic growing system. A major concern that growers using this food production system need to address is the presence of algae. The presence of algae can have serious repercussions in the health and vitality of all organisms in an aquaponic grow system.
