FAQs
Here are some of our most commonly asked questions. However, if you have any additional questions or inquiries, please contact us at (225) 308-4145!
Aquaponics
A: We have experience with both commercial and home farm systems and have a variety of clients, including local high schools!
A: Hydroponics uses synthetic fertilizers to grow plants without soil, using water as the delivery method. Aquaponics uses recirculating aquaculture (contained fish farm) to create and capture fish waste. After processing, the liquid nutrients are used to grow plants, instead of traditional synthetic fertilizer salts.
A: We can help you design a system to fit your needs or production goals whether for a classroom, home garden or commercial farm. Hydroponics requires a reservoir, pump, aeration, plumbing and a grow system for the plants: channels, pots or rafts. Aquaponics includes all the components of a hydroponic system and also fish tanks, aeration, a pump, and filtration (mechanical and bio filter). Waste processing also requires at least a tank and aeration.
A: There are several species of fish to consider for aquaponics. If you plan to market them, do some basic market research before stocking your tanks. Koi and goldfish are ornamental, channel catfish, tilapia, bluegill, some species of bass, and baitfish are acceptable choices. Some farmers never plan to market their fish and simply raise them to a certain size, and continue to feed them and farm vegetables, using them as a nutrient generator, not a second crop. *Tilapia are not legal to farm in Louisiana without a permit and lots of associated scrutiny.*
Always check with your state department of wildlife and fisheries prior to stocking a fish.
For food crops used in hydroponics and aquaponics there are many choices, however not all of them enjoy the same type of water conditions or growing containers. Lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, basil, are generally good choices. Tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and even melons can be produced. Trellises, and other accommodations are needed for larger plants. With the right water quality and growing system, most plants can be produced in hydroponic/aquaponic methods.
Pond Management
A: Both pickup and shipping options are available, however if you are picking up your order please call us at (225) 308-4145 in advance so we will know when to expect you.
A: We happily ship products all across the United States (including FREE SHIPPING on all Kasco fountains & aerators, as well as a Bass Pro gift card). Our team can service and install all throughout Louisiana, including: New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport, Covington, Mandeville, Alexandria, Hammond, Metairie, Bossier City, Monroe and more! We have also done jobs across the Southern U.S., such as Mississippi, Texas and Alabama. If it's the right job, we'd love to help, so please don't hesitate to give us a call.
A: We do not service koi ponds and water gardens, but we will consider installation of filtration & aeration equipment that we offer.
A: Black Crappie, Bluegill (northern or coppernose), hybrid Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Fathead Minnows, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish (chinquapin or shellcrackers), and Triploid (sterile) Grass Carp. We also have Tiger Bass and Rainbow Trout on a limited availability. In Louisiana, permits are required to stock Triploid Grass Carp and Rainbow Trout.
A: For pond stocking, we only deliver the fish directly to your pond or lake to ensure proper acclimation of the fish to your water. This also minimizes handling and transportation stress, and increases survivability.
A: Aeration has several positive effects on a pond or lake, such as mixing and increased oxygen levels. Circulation allows a pond to breathe, and breaks up layers formed during warm weather. Mixing and increasing oxygen levels help increase nutrient processing which can encourage an overproduction of algae. Circulation also cools off surface water.
There are numerous types of aeration:
- Fountains can provide both a display and aeration. Fountains and most types of aeration do require electrical power to operate.
- Diffused aeration allows for remote placement of the compressor away from the pond or lake, as well as options for solar or windmill driven aeration.
Getting a pond assessment could be beneficial in determining your needs, see next question!
A: An assessment is a much more holistic diagnosis of your pond, which will test: basic depth profile, water quality (oxygen, pH, hardness, alkalinity, phosphorus) secchi depth/clarity, vegetation/algae assessment, and structural/habitat assessment. We will provide a report with our findings and recommendations, along with supplemental estimates.
Site visits are done to provide you with specific estimates like aeration, vegetation control and/or monthly pond maintenance.
A: All of our chemicals are registered and regulated by the EPA, and we apply them within label regulations. Most of our mixes are proprietary. We are licensed as professional aquatic herbicide applicators, and regularly attend continuing education and updates to our certifications to ensure that we are up to date on the most effective options to treat your pond or lake. We are regularly asked to contribute and/or present to certification programs. Correct identification of plants, selecting the best method of control, and safely implementing that approach at the best value is our profession.
A: We have a great appreciation for wildlife, however feeding ducks and attracting them to your pond also attracts their waste, which is not always great for the health of your pond. Canadian Geese specifically are a problem as they will frequently set up permanent residence on urban ponds and decline to migrate. A single Canadian Goose eats approximately 1,440 lbs of grass per year, and creates over 1,000 lbs of manure. The manure along the edge of the pond and surrounding areas makes a huge mess, and creates lots of nutrients to damage water quality in ponds and lakes. This can lead to increased vegetative growth. In short, feed them at your own risk!
A: Aquatic vegetation has a large amount of diversity with different methods of reproduction - seeds, rhizomes, fragmentation. Flow from a ditch, or from a pond up stream, can deposit vegetation. Birds, turtles, alligators, nutria, and other wildlife can easily transfer seeds or fragments to a body of water. If conditions are suitable, it will grow unchecked.