[Ag-eq] Hydroponics

[Fred Chambers]

Yes!

Hydroponics is one way to grow all kinds of things in an apartment.
I haven't kept up on the advances in hydroponics, but I used to do it  
when I was an undergrad.
Back then, the lights drew a lot of Amps.  Nowadays, the compact  
florescent lamps can be bought locally or by mail that will put out  
light at the right wavelengths for the chlorophyll.
You don't want or need a sun lamp or lamp that puts out full  
spectrum.  You only need the 2 or 3 wavelengths that the chloroplasts  
in your plants want.  This is much more efficient.

One friend of mine began his fish farming business this way.  He grew  
basil (among other more recreational herbs), and used huge fish  
tanks.  It began as a hydroponic garden in their garage, and evolved  
into a bioponic system.  Then he and his wife incorporated as a Not  
for Profit organization, so their taxes would be lower.  They opened  
the farm up to local schools to tour and do experiments.
The difference between hydroponics and aquaponics is that the latter  
grows plants on top of the fish ponds.  Hydroponics can use any water  
source.  By using fish water, the plant roots filter the Nitrogenous  
wastes from the water.  You can do your hydroponics with fish water.   
Otherwise, you would be adding some sort of nutrients to your growth  
water.

Good luck!

Fred