Learn more in "Foundations of Aquaponics" - an Upstart University course with over 12 hours of aquaponics education (just $9.99). See it here: http://bit.ly/2g6mArx The relationship between total surface area and volume has a lot to do with the effectiveness of different types of aquaponic media. Fibers tend to be one option which works incredibly well. Find out why in this slideshare.

1. Why should I use them?
Fibers for Aquaponic Media

2. First thing first, you need to
understand...

3. There’s a ratio between total
surface area and volume.

4. As an aggregate gets
LARGER...

5. ...the total surface area in the
system in relation to pure volume
area, get smaller

6. Surface area

7. Volume

8. So what does this mean?

9. Less cation exchange capacity.

10. Less biological surface area.

11. And occasionally worse plant
anchoring.

12. All of which lead to less
efficient growth

13. Okay… so are smaller
aggregates better?

14. Well… those can cause
trouble too.

15. Smaller aggregates have
minimized pore space.

16. This captures and holds
more organic matter.

17. ...the plant roots can get
smothered and choked by too
much organic matter.
Which means...

18. This causes oxygen levels to
drop in the solution & media

19. I.e. - Anaerobic zones

20. (Which are bad.)

21. So, the answer you’ve
been waiting for...

22. Why are fibers for
aquaponic media better?

23. Fibers have massive
surface area

24. This means more beneficial
biological activity can occur.

25. Fibers also have great percolation.

26. Great what?

27. Percolation: The ability of the
solution (water) to move through
the media.

28. Better percolation means the solution moves
through the fiber quickly and easily, and solids
get broken up better.

29. Flow rates, nutrient distribution, and
oxygen rates are better.

30. And that’s why fibers are superior
media for aquaponic production!

31. Course: Choosing Your
Production Method
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