Aquaponic Method and Apparatus for Use in Arid Environments

An aquaponic system, comprising:

• fish rearing tanks,
• a clarifier for removing solids,
• a water sump,
• hydroponic channels for raising plants,
• first fluid flow path connecting the fish rearing tanks and sump to the clarifier,
• second fluid flow path connecting the sump to the clarifier in bypassing relationship to the fish rearing tanks,
• third fluid flow path from the clarifier to the hydroponic channels,
• fourth fluid flow path connecting the hydroponic channels with the water sump, and
• a valve arrangement,
• wherein said valve arrangement has a first operating mode which creates a first water circulation path in which water is repeatedly cycled from the sump to the clarifier via the second fluid flow path, then from the clarifier to the hydroponic channels and back from the hydroponic channels to the sump via the third and fourth fluid flow paths, respectively;
• and
• wherein said valve arrangement has a second operating mode which creates a second water circulation path in which water is repeatedly cycled from the sump to the fish rearing tanks and on to the clarifier via said first fluid flow path, then from the the clarifier to the hydroponic channels and then back from the hydroponic channels to the sump via the third and fourth fluid flow paths, respectively.