Okay, so I think it's about time for a brief explanation of Aquaponics! We've pretty much decided to use this type of farming over traditional plants-in-dirt type farming because of the water-efficiency, ease of pest-control and fertilization, and the fish-bonus. So, here's how it works:
You have aquaculture tanks filled with fish, and hydroponics beds with plants. The fish pollute their water with Ammonia, and nutrient-rich excrements, which would eventually reach toxic levels in basic aquaculture. The plants on the other side, suck nutrients from the water, while oxygenating it. Aquaponics, the combination of both agricultural techniques, is basically just pumping the fertilizer-rich fish-water through the hydroponics bed. This purifies the fish water, while feeding the plants. Where it gets tricky is in temperature ranges. The food crops, the fish, and the essential nitrifying and nitrafying bacteria that convert the Ammonia, all have to be in a range above 0 degrees C, and only really grow in a range around 20 degrees. Hence, Greenhouses will be necessary in Nova Scotia, if we want to continue eating in the winter. ;P
Anyway, cool property for sale down the coast about 4hrs. MLS # 60369147. It's got Ocean-front (for A), woods for the rest of us, already established Aquaponics infrastructure, and pre-existing living quarters. Cons: Only 3 acres...
