Commercial Fish Hydroponics System Aquaponics Greenhouse Kit For Fish Vegetable

Introduction of Aquaponics System

The aquaponics system is an ecological circular agriculture system that organically combines aquaculture (fish) and soilless cultivation (vegetables). In this system, nutrient-rich waste such as fish excrement and uneaten feed is decomposed by microorganisms and transformed into nutrients that can be absorbed by plants. These nutrients are then transported to the plant-growing areas, providing fertilizers required for the growth of plants like vegetables and herbs. Meanwhile, the plants absorb the nutrients through their roots, playing a role in purifying the water quality. The purified water then flows back to the fish farming area, forming a closed-loop ecological system.

Components

I.Aquaculture Unit
1.Fish Ponds: This is the main living area for fish. The size, shape, and depth vary according to the scale of aquaculture and the fish species. For example, for small ornamental fish, the fish pond can be relatively small and shallow; if large edible fish such as perch or salmon are farmed, the fish pond needs more space and an appropriate depth, usually about 1 - 2 meters deep, to ensure that the fish have enough room to move. The materials of the fish pond can be concrete, plastic, or fiberglass, etc., which should have good waterproof and durability properties.

2.Water Quality Adjustment Equipment: To maintain the good water quality required for fish survival, a series of water quality adjustment equipment is needed. First, there are filtering devices, including physical filters and biological filters. Physical filters, such as microstrainers, can remove solid particles in the water, such as uneaten feed and feces, preventing them from decomposing in the water and producing harmful substances. Biological filters use microorganisms, such as nitrifying bacteria, to convert ammonia nitrogen in the water into nitrate, reducing the toxicity of the water. In addition, oxygenation equipment, such as microporous aerators or paddlewheel aerators, is required to ensure that there is sufficient dissolved oxygen in the water. Generally, the dissolved oxygen content should be maintained at 5 - 8 mg/L to meet the breathing needs of the fish.

3.Fish Species Selection: When selecting fish species, multiple factors need to be considered. Growth rate is an important factor. For example, tilapia and catfish have relatively fast growth rates and are suitable for commercial aquaponics systems, as they can reach marketable sizes in a relatively short time. At the same time, the adaptability of fish is also crucial. Some fish have specific requirements for environmental conditions such as water quality, temperature, and salinity. For example, koi are more sensitive to changes in water quality, while crucian carp have stronger adaptability. In addition, the feeding habits of fish, such as herbivorous, carnivorous, or omnivorous, also need to be considered so as to rationally match the feed and plant cultivation types.

II.Planting Unit
1.Planting Beds or Troughs: This is where plants grow. The design of planting beds or troughs should be determined according to the growth characteristics and planting methods of plants. For leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach, the planting troughs can be relatively shallow, usually about 15 - 30 cm deep. The materials of the planting beds can be plastic, wood, or metal, etc., which should ensure good drainage performance. Inside the planting beds, substrates such as expanded clay, rock wool, or coconut coir are usually filled. These substrates can fix plant roots and also provide certain water retention and aeration functions.

2.Irrigation System: The irrigation system of the aquaponics system is different from traditional irrigation. It mainly relies on the circulation of aquaculture water. Through a water pump, the water in the fish pond is pumped to the upper part of the planting bed or trough, and methods such as drip irrigation, flood irrigation, or nutrient film technique (NFT) are used to provide water and nutrients for the plants. For example, in the NFT system, a thin film of nutrient solution is formed at the bottom of the planting trough, and the plant roots are partially immersed in the nutrient solution film, which can precisely control the nutrient supply and improve the nutrient utilization efficiency.

3.Plant Species Selection: Selecting appropriate plant species is crucial for the successful operation of the aquaponics system. Leafy vegetables are a common choice because they have a short growth cycle and can quickly absorb the nutrients decomposed from fish excrement. Such as lettuce, bok choy, and water spinach can thrive in the aquaponics environment. In addition to leafy vegetables, some herb plants, such as mint and basil, can also be planted in the system. These plants not only have edible value but can also play an ecological role such as repelling insects.

III.Circulation System
1.Pipeline System: Pipelines are the key part connecting the aquaculture unit and the planting unit. They transport the water from the fish pond to the planting unit and then return the water purified by the plants to the fish pond. The materials of the pipelines are generally corrosion-resistant PVC pipes or PPR pipes to ensure long-term stable operation. The diameter and length of the pipelines should be designed according to the flow rate and head of the system. For example, for a small home aquaponics system, a main pipeline diameter of 2 - 3 cm may be sufficient; while for a large commercial system, the main pipeline diameter may need to reach 10 - 15 cm.

2.Water Pump: The water pump is the power source of the circulation system. Its main function is to pump water from the low-level fish pond to the high-level planting unit. The selection of the water pump needs to consider two key parameters: flow rate and head. Flow rate refers to the amount of water pumped by the water pump per unit time, and head refers to the height that the water pump can lift the water. For example, in a medium-sized aquaponics system, if the height difference between the fish pond and the planting unit is 1.5 meters and 500 liters of water need to be circulated per hour, a water pump with a flow rate of 500 L/h and a head of at least 1.5 meters is required.

3.Filtration and Purification Components (Auxiliary Circulation): During the circulation process, in order to further purify the water quality, some filtration and purification components also need to be set in the pipeline system. These components can include activated carbon filters for adsorbing organic impurities and odors in the water, and ultraviolet disinfectors for killing harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and algae in the water through ultraviolet irradiation, ensuring the quality of the circulating water and providing a healthy living environment for fish and plants.

Advantages of aquaponics system

The aquaponics system is an innovative composite farming system that organically combines two originally independent agricultural production methods, aquaculture and soilless cultivation. It has the following many advantages:

I. Ecological and environmental protection aspects
1.Resource recycling
In the aquaponics system, fish excrement provides rich nutrients for vegetables. These excretions contain major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium required for plant growth. For example, ammonia excreted by fish in water is converted into nitrate through the action of nitrifying bacteria in the water, and nitrate is an excellent source of nitrogen fertilizer for vegetable growth. Vegetables absorb these nutrients for their own growth, thus purifying the water quality. The purified water can then be recycled back to the fish pond for the survival of fish, forming a complete ecological cycle.
This recycling model greatly reduces the dependence on external fertilizers and water resources. Compared with traditional vegetable planting and aquaculture, it reduces the risk of eutrophication of water bodies caused by fertilizer loss and the waste of water resources.

2.Reduction in the use of chemicals
Since vegetables can grow naturally with the nutrients in fish excrement, generally, there is no need to use large amounts of chemical fertilizers. At the same time, fish grow in a relatively stable ecological environment, which also reduces the need to use drugs for disease prevention and treatment. For example, in a good aquaponics environment, beneficial microorganisms in the water can help maintain the health of fish and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. This enables the entire system to operate normally with less chemical intervention and produce healthier and greener agricultural products.

3.Enhancement of ecological diversity
The aquaponics system can provide habitats for a variety of organisms. In addition to fish and vegetables, the microbial communities in the water (such as nitrifying bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, etc.) also play a key role in the ecosystem. These microorganisms form complex ecological relationships in the process of decomposing fish excrement and purifying water quality.
Insects, amphibians, etc. may also be attracted around the system, increasing biodiversity and helping to build a more stable and healthy small ecological environment.

II. Economic benefits aspects
1.Increasing output per unit area
The aquaponics system enables the simultaneous production of two products, fish and vegetables, in the same space. For example, in a small indoor aquaponics device, vertically planted vegetables can make full use of the space, while the fish in the fish pond also grow normally in the bottom water area. This three-dimensional production method can obtain a higher output per unit area than aquaculture or vegetable planting alone, thus improving the land use efficiency.

2.Reducing production costs
Due to the reduction in the use of fertilizers and some drugs, as well as the recycling of water resources, the aquaponics system can reduce production costs in the long-term operation. For example, in some large-scale aquaponics farms, through reasonable system design, the recycling and purification of water can save a large amount of water costs and reduce the expenditure on purchasing chemical fertilizers, making the products more price-competitive in the market.

3.Diversified product sales
This system can produce both fish and vegetables at the same time, providing producers with diversified product options for sale. Whether it is fresh fish, such as sea bass, tilapia, etc., or organic vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, etc., they can meet the needs of different consumers, broaden sales channels, and increase income sources.

III. Food safety and quality aspects
1.Producing healthy food
The vegetables produced in the aquaponics system grow in nutrient-rich recycled water and are not polluted by chemical fertilizers and pesticides in traditional agriculture. Moreover, fish grow in a clean water environment, and their meat is more delicious and healthy. For example, the lettuce produced by the aquaponics system has tender leaves, good taste, and is rich in nutrients, and the fish also have no drug residues, which are safe and reassuring foods.

2.Achieving organic production
As long as the aquaponics system is managed in accordance with the standards of organic production, it is easy to obtain organic certification. Because its production process complies with the basic principles of organic agriculture, that is, no chemical synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified technologies are used, providing consumers with genuine organic food options.

Technical Specifications

FAQ:

Q: Are you a factory or a trading company?
A: We are a manufacturer with a factory covering an area of 2,000 square meters and various production equipments.

Q: What is the material of the main structure of your greenhouse? How long can it be guaranteed to be used?
A: The main frame of our greenhouse is generally made of hot-dip galvanized steel. This material has super corrosion resistance. Under normal circumstances, with proper daily maintenance, its service life can reach 15 - 20 years. It can resist common natural disasters such as wind, rain, and snow pressure, providing a stable growing environment for the crops in the greenhouse.

Q: Before placing a large order, we'd like to buy a sample greenhouse to try it out first. Is that possible?
A: Yes. We can send you a small-scale greenhouse by LCL (Less than Container Load) sea shipping.

Q: I have a piece of land and I want to grow some vegetables or raise some fish, but I don't know what kind of greenhouse and what size I need. Can you help me with the design?
A: Of course. You can tell us the size of your land, your expected annual output of vegetables or fish, as well as the local climate information. Based on these data, we can design the style, size and price of the greenhouse for you. We'll also let you know approximately how many workers are needed and how long it will take to complete the installation, and how much yield you can expect in a year.

Q: Do you provide planting technical guidance after I purchase the greenhouse?
A: We have a professional planting technology team. After you purchase the greenhouse, according to the crop varieties you plant, we will customize a detailed planting plan for you, covering all aspects such as sowing time, planting density, fertilization and watering frequency, and key points of pest and disease prevention and control. During the planting process, you can contact our technicians via phone, video, etc. at any time, and they will answer your questions promptly.

Q: How long will it take to receive the greenhouse after placing an order?
A: Generally, for standard-specification greenhouses, production, transportation, installation and commissioning can be completed within 20 - 30 days after you place the order and the deposit arrives. However, if you customize special specifications or configurations, or the quantity you purchase is relatively large, it may take about 40 - 60 days. We will give you an accurate time estimate when signing the contract.

Q: What kind of assistance can you provide during the greenhouse installation?
A: We will provide several ways to help you with the installation: First, we'll provide written installation instructions; second, we'll offer online installation guidance; third, we'll dispatch engineers to your construction site for on-site installation guidance; fourth, if there is our local agent, our agent can also help you with the installation service.

Q: What are the quick solutions when encountering pest and disease problems?
A: First, our technical team will help you accurately identify the types of pests and diseases, which is the key to taking the right countermeasures. Then, according to different pests and diseases, we will provide corresponding biological control, physical control or chemical control solutions. For example, for common pests like aphids, we recommend using physical control methods such as yellow sticky traps combined with biological control methods like releasing ladybugs, so as to minimize the use of chemical pesticides, which can protect the environment while effectively controlling pests and diseases.

Q: What preparations should I make before installation?
A: First, obtain the building permit from the government if required. Second, prepare the tools according to the tool list we send you. Third, get the workers ready. Fourth, prepare the power supply if needed. Fifth, prepare a place to store the goods upon arrival to keep them from getting wet in the rain.

Q: What does your greenhouse after-sales service include?
A: We provide a one-year free warranty service. During the warranty period, for any parts of the greenhouse with non-artificial damage or quality problems caused by natural disasters, we will replace or repair them for free. After one year, we still offer long-term paid maintenance services.

IGreen has been dedicated to the research, development, and production of modern agricultural systems, including greenhouse facilities, hydroponics systems, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and aquaponics systems. Now we are a provider of one-stop solutions for agricultural planting, aquaculture, and biological cultivation. 

With our experience and professional knowledge, our company vigorously develops ecological agriculture, practices the concept of "Three-Matter Cycle", constructs a green agriculture with a cycle of plants, animals, and microbe, and is committed to providing customers with comprehensive high-quality services.

In the realm of greenhouse technology, we offer a diverse range of greenhouse models meticulously designed to meet the specific climatic requirements of various regions.

For tropical climates, our fixed roof vent greenhouses provide optimal ventilation and temperature control. In desert regions, the innovative half-moon shaped greenhouses are engineered to withstand harsh desert conditions, while our polycarbonate sheet greenhouses are ideal for cold climates, ensuring efficient heat retention and insulation. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive selection of optional accessory systems that can be integrated with our greenhouses to enhance their functionality and productivity. 

Our hydroponics systems are designed with precision, catering to the cultivation needs of both leafy vegetables such as lettuce and fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and peppers. These systems utilize advanced nutrient delivery mechanisms and environmental control technologies to ensure maximum yields and superior quality produce. 

In the RAS domain, we offer a wide array of capacity head sets, capable of handling water volumes ranging from 10 cubic meters to 10,000 cubic meters. Our RAS are specifically designed for the efficient cultivation of popular aquaculture species such as tilapia, catfish, and shrimp, providing a sustainable and high-yield solution for the aquaculture industry. 

The aquaponics systems developed by IGreen represent a harmonious integration of aquaculture and hydroponics. The nutrient-rich water from the fish ponds is recycled and utilized for vegetable cultivation, and after a sterilization process, it is returned to the fish ponds, creating a closed-loop, organic, and pesticide-free ecosystem.

IGreen is proud to possess a highly skilled and innovative technical team, specializing in product design and development. Over the years, we have successfully installed thousands of greenhouse systems in more than 50 countries worldwide. These installations are widely utilized in vegetable and flower cultivation, seedling production, poultry and fungus breeding, and various other agricultural applications, contributing significantly to the growth and success of the global agricultural community. 

We are committed to forging strong partnerships with our clients and look forward to collaborating with you. Our goal is to provide you with the most advanced and reliable agricultural systems, enabling you to achieve the highest standards in vegetable and fishery production, and together, we can pioneer a sustainable and prosperous future in modern agriculture.