It is also recognized as raft or float systems; this system uses floating rafts to suspend plant roots into nutrient-rich and aerated water. The developing plant’s roots are suspended directly into a pool of water approximately 1 foot in depth. Since there are no media to detain and process solid wastes, filtration techniques must be incorporated into the design. This requires more advanced aquaculture techniques and system requirements, leading to higher upfront costs. The method can be utilized in various ways such as floating foam rafts on top of fish tanks or pumping water from the fish tank to floating rafts with plants floating on water surfaces.
This design is suitable for commercial aquaponics production as it is the most stable of the three system types. Since there is much more water in the system, drastic nutrient and temperature fluctuations are much less likely to occur. It is best matched for warmer climates because although it would resist daily temperature swings, heating the water in colder climates is costly. In addition, larger root zone plants can be grown, and removing plants is much easier than in media beds.
