Frequently Asked Questions

Indeed, we meticulously record the monthly production figures for each plant located within our farms and laboratories. This data is subsequently incorporated into our modeling software, Ceres, which utilizes the allocated area for each plant to compute the production output or determine the necessary area required to achieve the desired targets for each targeted vegetable in the farm.
We are about to make Ceres available on our website. Stay tuned. But until then, you can email us this form.

Tomato flowers begin to emerge approximately two months after seeding, and the fruit is typically harvested around six weeks after flowering. 

In aquaponics, plants live in an unlimited mineral supply environment. They do not need to fight to get food. So they grow at maximum pace. But, unlike hydroponics ABmix fertilization that is designed for maximum plant size, aquaponics is a natural process delivering amaizingly tasty vegetables. 

A comprehensive comparison of various cultivation methods is available for your reference on our Aquaponics learning page.
Aquaponics stands out as the most secure cultivation technique for consumers, as it prevents the use of harmful pesticides.

Plants require 12 to 18 hours of light per day. Sunlight is the most effective and sufficient source of light.
In outdoor greenhouses, the addition of growlights for additional nighttime growth can enhance farm production. However, in extreme climate conditions, such an environment can be energy-intensive. In hot countries, the quantity of cooling energy required is directly related to the amount of sunlight. Since solar system efficiency is also influenced by sunlight, outdoor farming and solar systems are perfectly complementary. During sunny days, more energy is required, but the solar system also provides more energy.
Indoor farming reduces the cost of climate control, but it increases the energy demand for lights, which is independent of solar energy.  

Under no circumstances. Unlike hydroponics, which necessitates frequent water replacement, aquaponics is a completely sustainable process that does not require water wastage. Water is regularly replenished to replace the water consumed by the vegetables to grow and minor evaporation. Our farm utilizes 3% of the total water in the system on a monthly basis. A 150m2 farm utilizes approximately 15,000 liters of water. Consequently, its water consumption is 15 liters per day for an average vegetable production of 500kg per month. 

We seed weekly, harvest daily. Equipment maintenance involves mainly daily farm cleaning, filling the fish food dispenser weekly, and water pump servicing monthly. The major grow bed cleaning is done yearly using vacuum cleaner. 

The unpleasant odor associated with fish farming is exclusively attributed to anaerobic bacteria. Conversely, when you are in proximity to an aquaponics unit, you can only perceive the pleasant aroma emanating from the plants you cultivate. This is because the anaerobic bacteria, which typically generate the unpleasant odor, are absent from our aquaponics system due to optimal water oxygenation.

In aquaponics, the use of harmful pesticides is prohibited as it can damage the fish and disrupt the nitrification ecosystem. Similar to humans, plants possess an immune system. The quality of the aquaponics environment enhances the plants’ immune system, making them more resilient to diseases and pests. While pest control is not a frequent requirement, when necessary, proactive repellents such as wood vinegar or reactive pesticides like neem oil can be effective. 

The emergence of snails after a few days of commencing the unit is an integral component of the ecosystem. They play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and balance of the system.

Mosquitoes may inadvertently enter an ecosystem. There are several options to deter them. Utilize a fan to generate wind that they dislike. Alternatively, in the plant area, consider using fish that do not feed on the plant roots, like Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus catfish, Neon Tetras, Guppies, and Bettas. These fish will consume the mosquito larvae present on the bed sides. By ensuring that your MIT is cleaned weekly, you can also eliminate these larvae. 

The equilibrium of an aquaponics farm is paramount. Over the past decade, we have developed our Ceres aquaponics modeling software based on extensive experiments. The quantity of fish is contingent upon the growing area and the type of crop. We size the farms "fish engine” based on production requirements in terms of quantity and the specific vegetables that will be cultivated. Once the farm is operational, we monitor the water mineral concentration and adjust the feeding accordingly. However, all our farms are designed to accommodate future changes in the type of crop.
The protein content of fish food is also a crucial factor. Fish consume proteins to eliminate ammonia, which is then converted into nitrate by bacteria, serving as a plant food source. Consequently, a higher protein content in fish food reduces the quantity of fish required.  

The selection of fish is influenced by various factors, including water temperature, availability of fish and fish food, and you targeted fish retail market. For more detailed information, please visit our fish care page.
Utilize fish native to your region, as they are accustomed to the local water temperature. If your water temperature control system is available, consider selecting other varieties that are suitable for the specific water temperature of your system. Additionally, it is crucial to factor in the dietary requirements of these fish. In tropical environments, Tipalia or catfish are excellent choices for initiating a fish tank unit. Jade Perch is also a viable option. However, fish such as Barramundi pose greater challenges, as they necessitate non-pellet food. 

The type of media used for plant cultivation varies depending on the specific plant species. Leafy greens such as lettuce thrive in sponge blocks placed in pots on floating rafts. Conversely, other plants, including culinary herbs and medium-sized plants like chili peppers and bell peppers, require mechanical support and establish roots in a humid medium before transitioning to a fully water-based environment. Farms are designed based on the targeted crop, and the growing area’s media is adjusted accordingly to meet the specific requirements of each plant species.

We delved into the principles of towers in our labs. The primary challenges we encountered were the limited sunlight availability in the lower levels, as evident in the accompanying image on the right, where the plants below the top level grow tall. Additionally, this technique carries a significant risk. In tropical regions, if the water pump malfunctions or the water injection nozzle becomes obstructed, the plants can succumb within a few hours. The left image depicts towers that have experienced six hours of water deprivation. In horizontal deep water culture beds, the plants can endure for several weeks without water circulation. Although small plants can be cultivated in towers, their production yields are not higher compared to those produced in stacked beds. 

There are two types of plastics: the one we discard daily, which is considered hazardous, and the one we use for extended periods, such as 20 years, and recycle. The latter is the type of plastic we utilize. 

The installation of the Discovery or Comfort kits typically requires approximately two hours, with the largest kits potentially extending up to four hours. It is important to note that an additional thirty minutes are allocated for the support structure, and another thirty minutes are dedicated to the installation of the gable roof. 

The Discovery Garden system’s pricing starts at $2,500. Conversely, large commercial farms that produce 1,000 kilograms of vegetables per month can reach up to $80,000, contingent upon the location and the inclusion of additional systems aiming at reducing operating costs, such as solar power.