Learn how to build and maintain an aquaponics system, growing vegetables utilising various hydroponic and soil techniques, and raise fish in your own back garden or urban indoor environment in a sustainable and efficient way.

We will assemble an outdoor system over the weekend spending almost as much time on practical demonstration as on theory, with all the essential ‘know-how’ and recommendations from the industry expert.

You will learn the dynamics of a symbiotic relationship between healthy bacteria, fish, and plants, and the chemistry of nature coupled with the most up to date technology to help you to produce healthy and abundant food.

You will be guided to choose the right materials with an in-depth explanation of the equipment components and functions, a practical guide to know how to run and manage your system.

Course outline:

1. System basics & components

• – AP system: Components identification and purpose
• – Fish tank selection
• – Aeration
• – Water pumps
• – Three stages filtration concept
• – Growing Methods and Applications (media beds, integrated soil systems)
• – Aquaponic System Management and Maintenance
• – Outbuilding structures and materials for different climates
• – Greenhouses and Environmental Control
• – Tour of Greenhouse & Fish production unit

2. Water chemistry

• – Water Quality Standards and Guidelines
• – System Water Sources
• – Water testing kits
• – Nitrification Cycle
• – Algae and Pathogen Control

3. Plant culture

• – Crop Choices
• – Seed propagation and Transplanting
• – Green Waste Management
• – Evaluation of Grow Media, choices and purposes
• – Integration of soil with Aquaponics “NEW BIOAQUA INNOVATION”
• – Nutrient Availability in Aquaponics
• – Nutrients Sources for the System

4. Design and construction

• – System Productivity and Running Costs
•  – Permits and Regulations
• – Selection of Materials

5. Plant parasites and disease control measures

• – Preventative Approach
• – Common Plant Parasites in Aquaponics
• – Biological Management
• – The Natural Lifecycle Methodology

6. Aquaculture

• – Fish Selection and Suppliers
• – Fish Feeds, Automated Feeding device, Feed Suppliers
• – Fish handling and Sanitation
• – Fish Purging and Harvesting methods

Throughout the 2 days you will have plenty of time for Q&A to help tailor your project to your own needs.

With thousands of students from over 40 countries taught since 2014, we are expert educators in Aquaponics, adept at teaching students from all corners of the world.

We love to share our knowledge and inspire a generation of growers to become self-sufficient and to transform farming for good. But don’t take our word for it, hear what other aquaponic growers have to say..

I searched for courses online and this was the most comprehensive course I could find. Antonio really knows his stuff and ‘I’m doing the Commercial course next year to help Organic fish and veggie production in St. Lucia. Will Worthington, 2017

You have covered above and beyond, every question regarding all aspects of the broad range of aquaponics projects, including my own. Pete, Grow Bristol, 2014

We attended the course with Antonio at BioAqua Farm. It was absolutely fantastic! We walked away with a really good understanding of aquaponics and how to set up our own system. A great balance of theory and practical. A nice small group of students made it an easy environment to learn. Oh, and don’t expect boring sandwiches for lunch – the food was amazing! Josh & Abi.

Just wanted to say thanks for a fantastic, informative, thoroughly enjoyable weekend course. Learnt a lot and am now in the process of building a small backyard system with a renewed enthusiasm for a big system next year, for which I will undoubtedly be requiring your 1 to 1 consultancy! Mike

Antonio’s confidence and competence are infectious and all my doubts about getting started with aquaponics have evaporated. I can’t wait to set up our own system. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who is thinking of becoming more self-sufficient, the practical demo system we set up step by step makes my long-term goals seem very achievable. Keep up the awesome work and look forward to the advanced course. Ivik Butalia

Dive into our world and discover the benefits of aquaponics for yourself.

Registration information

Includes:

• Bioaqua Farm Workbook
• Planting planner
• A list of parts for building the system and suggested suppliers
• Lunch made with ingredients from our farm
• Snacks and refreshments on both days
• Garden Aquaponics Certificate on completion
• Access to student community group on FB