Why I Choose Aquaponics? - Maximize the yield with minimum effort

As a starting point of self-sufficiency, growing vegetables and fruits in the backyard would be one of the easiest options. In my case, garden production was the first project, then raising hens for eggs was next. Composting and recycling water came somewhere between. All projects are enjoyable and rewarding. As I get used to this lifestyle change, these projects get easier to maintain.

Now, I’m thinking about the next, probably the hardest project to plan. Animals for food.

I’m not a vegetarian, not yet anyway. So I eat meat. It’s a good source of protein and iron. I like the taste too. But if I think about raising animals for meat, I hit a huge blockage. That is - I have to kill animals with my very own hands.

I don’t think I can do that for a million years.

I know killing animal is cruel but I’m not totally against eating animals for food. We, humans are meat so it makes sense that we are easier to be nourished on meat. Many wild animals eat other animals. It’s as natural as being a vegetarian. As much as I love to become a vegetarian, I know how important nutrition that animals can provide. I had to think very hard for a very long time to plan what I want to do with this project.

We need at least ethical sense and appreciation

One of the biggest problems of eating meat is, we are not eating them sensibly. Many animals are farmed in an unethical manner. The lives of animals are often disregarded and human demands overpower them. They have a tiny space to live, with hormone injections or chemicals to eat to grow bigger and faster for human needs. That’s not right, not ethical at all.

Organic farmers and free range animals are getting more attentions these days. Animals in those farms live much happier. I’d like to encourage this move because we need to respect their lives and appreciate what they are giving us. Sure, they don’t come in cheap, but what we are actually gaining is our lives. What animals sacrificed eventually turns into your body, making your heart beats. That is more valuable than the price you pay at the grocery store. I’m not saying organic free range meat is the only option. The point is if we can do this, when we can, even once a year, it would make a difference.

As I become aware of those lives, I cannot stop myself feeling responsible for what I eat (= kill). I’m responsible for my killing. My next project for self-sufficiency is going to teach me this responsibility very closely. I don’t think I can slaughter animals yet, but if it’s fish, maybe… I may be able to handle.

I did a bit of research on how to keep fish. Then I found an interesting concept. It’s called Aquaponics. Basically you have fish growing in a fish tank, the water from the tank is circulated in garden beds. The fish water fertilizes veggie garden and by the time it reaches back to the fish tank, the water is filtered and cleaned for the fish to live. It’s a win-win situation for the fish and garden. You can harvest the fish and veggies as you need. That’s more responsible way of consuming fish. I think I want to try this for my next project.

For any projects, preparation is very important especially when lives are involved. I’m burying my head to related books. The initial setup cost is more than I can spend right now, so I have to start saving. The good thing about Aquaponics is there is no need to water the garden, no weeding and no waste. That’s enough encouragement for me to save money. For the ‘killing’ part, I found a way to give fish minimal pain - put them in the deep sleep. It will still bug me when the time comes, there is no such thing like a ‘guilt free’ fish. But at least I take my own responsibility and control to do what I do. I would feel much less guilt than just buying fish from shops. Nevertheless, I will always appreciate what I eat.