What are the benefits of using fibers for aquaponic media?
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Learn more in "Foundations of Aquaponics" - an Upstart University course with over 12 hours of aquaponics education (just $9.99). See it here: http://bit.ly/2g6mArx The relationship between total surface area and volume has a lot to do with the effectiveness of different types of aquaponic media. Fibers tend to be one option which works incredibly well. Find out why in this slideshare.
What are the benefits of using fibers for aquaponic media?
- 1. Why should I use them? Fibers for Aquaponic Media
- 2. First thing first, you need to understand...
- 3. There’s a ratio between total surface area and volume.
- 4. As an aggregate gets LARGER...
- 5. ...the total surface area in the system in relation to pure volume area, get smaller
- 6. Surface area
- 7. Volume
- 8. So what does this mean?
- 9. Less cation exchange capacity.
- 10. Less biological surface area.
- 11. And occasionally worse plant anchoring.
- 12. All of which lead to less efficient growth
- 13. Okay… so are smaller aggregates better?
- 14. Well… those can cause trouble too.
- 15. Smaller aggregates have minimized pore space.
- 16. This captures and holds more organic matter.
- 17. ...the plant roots can get smothered and choked by too much organic matter. Which means...
- 18. This causes oxygen levels to drop in the solution & media
- 19. I.e. - Anaerobic zones
- 20. (Which are bad.)
- 21. So, the answer you’ve been waiting for...
- 22. Why are fibers for aquaponic media better?
- 23. Fibers have massive surface area
- 24. This means more beneficial biological activity can occur.
- 25. Fibers also have great percolation.
- 26. Great what?
- 27. Percolation: The ability of the solution (water) to move through the media.
- 28. Better percolation means the solution moves through the fiber quickly and easily, and solids get broken up better.
- 29. Flow rates, nutrient distribution, and oxygen rates are better.
- 30. And that’s why fibers are superior media for aquaponic production!
- 31. Course: Choosing Your Production Method Want more info on media for aquaponics? Visit Upstartuniversity.net