A response to a PM in Taiwan

[Pugo]

We really try to avoid chemicals, other than some PH adjustment which is something you have to watch after you have your system running perfectly. So what are your problems? Maybe your fellow members can give you advice.

[aquaponics]

Thank you Gary and Pugo. I am not sure where my mind was taking me while I read your reply. I think I was waiting for a discourse on why chemicals need to be in the system. I have been struggling with a small system for about 18 months now and although a beautiful concept that I will continue to follow and will definitely expand, it is not totally self-maintaining. As the seasons change, so does the attention to the system.

Hoping to remain as organic as possible,
Ralgat

I'm not completely sure what you mean by chemicals being in the system. It sounds like you have something against chemicals.

There are several chemicals your plants and fish need in order to survive. These are mainly supplied by the feed as an input and the metabolic processes that convert them into other chemical compounds so that they're bioavailable to the biota in your system. The nitrogen cycle is an example of one of the chemicals in your system.

As far as adding chemicals, yes, there is often a nutrient deficiency for the plants in aquaponic systems due to the nature of the water chemistry and inputs to the system. These are often supplied as inorganic chemical compounds, but counterintuitively these inorganic compounds can be purchased with an organic certification. I hope I have thoroughly confused you!

[Pugo]

Maybe people are confusing chemicals and nutrients, As there is a difference, inorganic and organic compounds the difference is the source of the compound whether it is called organic or inorganic. Inorganic compounds are not very helpful in an aquaponics system because it is a RAS an can't be removed. So avoiding them is the best option. I am not saying you can't use them, it is a personal choice, but you will find most people are trying to be as natural as possible with there eco-system they have built.

[aquaponics]

Maybe people are confusing chemicals and nutrients, As there is a difference, inorganic and organic compounds the difference is the source of the compound whether it is called organic or inorganic. Inorganic compounds are not very helpful in an aquaponics system because it is a RAS an can't be removed. So avoiding them is the best option. I am not saying you can't use them, it is a personal choice, but you will find most people are trying to be as natural as possible with there eco-system they have built.

Haha, yes there is a lot of confusion. I think people have it in their head that "organic = good" and "inorganic = bad", but what most people don't realize is that plants predominantly absorb nutrients in inorganic forms. I realize most people don't have the knowledge to figure this out for themselves, but the whole "organic movement" and "organic certification" is just corporate marketing at its best. The environment is still impacted, food nutrition is still lost, and it is not done in a sustainable manner. It's just silly to even try to have this kind of PREJUDICE!

Yes, I realize there's a bit of wordplay involved here, but I want to shake people's assumptions a bit. Aquapionics isn't great because it "meets organic certification", but it's great because it's SUSTAINABLE. Aquaponic systems can have a ZERO impact on the environment. ZERO! What other current agriculture practices can claim that? NONE. ZIP. ZERO!

[sunnyarky]

Dear Nelson, never so embrassing.
you may take a visit http://twaquaponics.blogspot.com to search for the free video and support at Taiwan.
Taiwan Aquaponics Association is "not for profit federation". So it is welcome to your visit. If you need CHINESe speaking or TAIWANESE speaking, you may ask your wife to leave message there. They will introduce the nearest local aquaponics habbist to connect with you. keep in touch!!!