Why I Started this Activity
Aquaponics is a way to grow plants and raise fish at the same time. The method produces food with less arable land, less pollution, and less resources used. I grew a lot of interest in that method, and researched some information about it. Hydroponics is not the same as aquaponics. Just like aquaponics, it raises plants with water. The difference is that this method does not raise fish. Still, I chose to do this experiment as it was unrealistic and unsustainable for me to raise fish in my room. I hope this experiment helps me understand more about both hydroponics and aquaponics.
Setting Up the Experiment
Preparation: 1 pair of gloves, 300g of clay pebbles, 2 plastic jars, around 4 lettuce seeds, around 4 kale seeds, 5mL each of nutrient solutions for hydroponics (A and B), 50mL of hydrogen peroxide, 1 measuring cup, 2 plastic net pots
Set up:
- Wear gloves
This is to protect my hands from chemicals.
2. Wash the clay pebbles in the sink
This is to wash the dust from the pebbles for healthy plant growth.
3. Wash the jars with hydrogen peroxide, and then wash out the hydrogen peroxide with water
This is to clean the jars for healthy plant growth.
4. Mix the Nutrient solutions for hydroponics (A and B) with water.
The ratio is written on the bottle. These nutrient solutions say that 40mL should be used per 20L. The jars fit 800mL of water. I used 1.6mL of nutrient solution (both A and B).
5. Put 3 kale seeds in one netty pot, put 3 lettuce seeds in another netty pot
6. Add the seeds
7. Put it in a place with sunlight
Left: Kale, Right: Lettuce
Day 2
The second day of the experiment (counting the day I set the experiment as the first day) had already shown the seeds sprouting.
My Impressions
Starting this experiment really made me excited. I want to see how effective hydroponics is for growing plants. It feels accomplishing to start an experiment on my own to research and learn about the method. This was not too difficult and was pretty fun setting up. It relieves me that some seeds have already sprouted. It honestly didn’t look too convincing when I first set it up. I hope the experiment goes well and gives me some healthy plants.