In aquaponics, three organisms share a symbiotic relationship; the plant, fish, and nitrifying bacteria that convert fish waste into nutrients that are readily available to roots of the plant.
Gardeners set their aquaponics systems indoors or outdoors, and both methods will sustain the development of the plant, fish, and bacteria.
No matter how stated in terms of advancement of technology, one thing still holds true even in gardening: plants require light for photosynthesis.
This leads to the question: does aquaponics need sunlight to sustain the presence of the three symbiotic organisms?
The Significance of Sunlight to Aquaponics?
Light influences fish, plants, and nitrifying bacteria in varying ways. Below is a summary of this impact on each living organism’s existence, function, and health.
Plants
To grow, plants require light for photosynthesis.
Carbon dioxide combines with water to produce glucose and oxygen with the help of light photons.
Sunlight is natural light, which is what most people are doing with aquaponics when they grow it outside or near a window.
However, you do not need sunlight for photosynthesis to occur. Annnthose also provide the photons needed.
Fish
Research indicates that different species of fish will have different lighting requirements.
Some fish species require light for basic and healthy growth, while others thrive with no light at all.
Nevertheless, in the end, most fish will be more satisfied with alternating periods of light and dark. The length of day is particularly important during the larval stage and its corresponding growth phase.
Typically, fish will need light to find their food. If your fish are not consuming their daily ration well, it could be that your aquaponics system is not providing enough light for the fish to see its food.
Light also affects productivity from fish, overall health and reproduction.
Most fish will spawn with the presence of light. Furthermore, fish that are deprived of light can become inactive, sick and very dull.
Fish do not necessarily need sunlight because any of the aforementioned results can be achieved through artificial lighting.
Be Aware Of: Choosing artificial lights can be tricky as too much light can stress fish. On a similar note, many of the bulbs put off heat and too much heat can be detrimental to the fish.
Nitrifying Bacteria
Nitrifying bacteria help break down fish waste and convert the nitrogen to nitrates, which are easily absorbed nitrogen.
These beneficial bacteria do not require sunlight or any type of light to observe growth.
However, blue and ultraviolet light tends to inhibit the growth of these bacteria.
Artificial Light for Aquaponics
Artificial lighting can serve the same purpose as sunlight in aquaponics.
There are several kinds of grow lights and your decision will be based on your personal preference and the plants and fish you are growing.
Using the wrong artificial light can ruin your aquaponics because it can stress the fish, hinder plant growth, and eliminate the nitrifying bacteria.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Artificial Lights for Aquaponics
When shopping for the most suitable grow lights for your aquaponics, consider the following factors:
- Type of light
- Light intensity and distribution
- Upfront and running costs
- Effortless installation and maintenance
- Customization
Type of Light
There are primary types of lights used in the artificial lighting of aquaponics. These are:
- Red light – this is the light which is appropriate for the fruiting stage of a plant.
- Blue light – plants require blue light during the foliage phase to develop healthy, vibrant leaves; blue light is needed for leaf development.
- White sunlight – this is the artificial equivalent of solar light; suitable for plants during the initial growth stage.
- Visible light – photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) – is the most appropriate light for plant growth; most plants thrive under this type of light.
If you have a mixture of plants in your aquaponics, select visible light.
However, the experimentation and experience of other gardeners should provide you guidance on which is the best type for your system.
Light Intensity and Distribution
Light intensity is a measure of how bright the light is measured in lumens.
One lumen can light one square foot of aquaponics so the number of lumens you need will depend on the size of your aquaponics.
You will have the option of buying one light to put in a strategic location or a string of small bulbs to put around the aquaponics.
Light distribution becomes very important to be sure that each part of your aquaponics receives the adequate light.
Keep in mind: If any part of your aquaponics does not get enough light, the plants in the under-lighted area will become weak and may show curled leaves, resulting in poor production.
Upfront and Running Costs
Complete market research on artificial lights before you make a purchase, to discover which lighting options are within your budget.
There are lighting options that might not be too pricey at point of sale but, costs of use and maintenance and electricity can be very high.
Consider the costs of purchase ( up front) and costs of running electricity costs, and maintenance costs, and get the ones that will not be an expense to your budget.
Effortless Installation and Maintenance
Aquaponics takes a lot of attention and maintenance, and you don’t want to complicate that by getting lights that you can’t fix easily.
Simplicity in the installation, operation, and maintenance is an important aspect of the grow light types you may prefer.
Customization
It is a good idea to choose LED lights that have timers and control knobs so that you can adjust the amount of light and have control over how much and how long they operate.
LED lights are also very strong durable and eco-friendly.
Wrap Up
Sunlight offers the natural light necessary for aquaponics to flourish and grow, but it is not an essential part.
Artificial luminance can take care of the lighting requirements, which opens the door for establishing indoor aquaponics.
Selecting the right artificial light is very important for achieving good conditions for the fish, bacteria, and plants.