Urban Aquaponics

[Culverin]

YouTube

[DragonChi]

I don't think his pumps are running off the grid like he says in his prototype.

Great idea though. I like how he recycles just about everything.

[Manic!]

But whats the cost compared to tradition farming?

[dat_steve]

definitely a step in the right direction. only downside with this type of urban farming is that there may be some degree of air contamination (from city smog and such) to consider.

these guys are doing this locally, but on a commercial scale. the projected yield and quality is impressive. pretty cool imo.

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[rsx]

Have to get soil tested for pollutants. Wasn't there a documentary that showed urban growers in NY and when they tested the soil it was grossly contaminated?

[dat_steve]

i don't think this guy uses soil, hence the "aqua"-ponics. not sure what the difference is exactly from Hydroponics though.

[MindBomber]

Originally Posted by dat_steve

i don't think this guy uses soil, hence the "aqua"-ponics. not sure what the difference is exactly from Hydroponics though.

I would hesitate to refer to this as aquaponics, and your lack of understanding of the concepts distinction from hydroponics following the video exemplifies the reason. The nutrient level in hydroponics is established by adding concentrates to the water. The nutrient level in aquaponics is largely generated by fish which is an obvious benefit over hydroponics, but the real key to aquaponics is that the fish themselves are being farmed, dramatically increases the food value of the system. Since people choose not to eat goldfish, the food value is no higher than a hydroponic system and the only clear benefit is that the plant product is organic, which is possible with less complexity through traditional hydroponics.

I found the video lackluster and dull. Small scale urban farming, whether hydroponic or by traditional methods, is hardly new and not innovative at all. Community gardens, urban chicken husbandry, and backyard vegetable gardens are all very well established examples of the urban farming concept, and demonstrations of the fact that it is easily executable by pretty much anyone. Grow-Ops are an example that urban farming is easily executable on a commercial scale.

If the dude were to replace the fish with crayfish, that would be a true example of aquaculture and moderately more interesting (although still not innovative).