To determine which is better, Aquaponic vs. Hydroponics, one must first learn what each one is. Aquaponic is an elaborate system that combines aquaculture with hydroponics. Aquaculture is the growing of fish in an enclosed environment, such as fish farming. The water is pumped to allow for a closed circuit water way, which means the fish waste is pumped into the hydroponics plant beds. The fish waste, which is toxic to the fish, contains nitrogen and other nutrients which promote plant growth. The fish waste, or emulsion, feeds the plants, and then is recycled as clean water, which is then pumped back into the aquaculture tank. Thus, aquaponic is a fully functioning system that constantly recycles water and waste and food to allow for plant growth.

Hydroponics on the other hand is the system of growing plants without soil. Plants soak up dissolved nutrients from soil, so they don't actually need to be gown in soil. If the nutrients are dissolved in water, and the plant roots are in that water, they can just soak up the nutrients. Thus, the need for soil is eliminated. Hydroponics systems need to be flushed every so often to prevent nutrient buildup, but it's easy to do and it's fairly self sufficient.

Therefore, when it comes to plant growth, and aquaponic vs. hydroponics, neither system is superior. However, what it may all come down to is which way is more efficient and feasible for you? If you have a fish tank that's large enough to support aquaponic, then you should try it as it's a great way to sustain fish and plant life in unison. However, if this isn't feasible for you, or it seems like too much work, then hydroponics may be the way for you to go. Both systems will grow abundant plant life, and aquaponic will grow fish life and plant life, so if that's your goal, you know which one to choose.

The Cost

When it comes to aquaponic vs. hydroponics, it may come down to which one costs less. Aquaponics can cost a little bit more money than a hydroponics set up, but you'll still need to buy the nutrients, whereas aquaponics has a healthy supply of nutrients that comes in the form of fish waste. It all comes down to how much you'd like to spend when choosing aquaponic vs. hydroponics.

If you'd like to know more about aquaponic vs. hydroponics, search online or call your local hydroponics store, where they'll be glad to sell you the system you choose to help you grow all the plants you want.