Facebook-f Youtube

About Us

Dirk and Sam Koen’s decision to move to Merweville at the beginning of 2023, was made for health reasons. In a quest to slow down, live off the grid and to grow their own fresh produce they loved the aquaponics system, as it ticked all the ecologically sustainable boxes – produce is grown organically, in a closed system, so scarce water is continually recycled and the fish give an added source of protein. 

 It soon became clear that there was a huge need for fresh produce in the Central Karoo and the idea of a small, home aquaponics system quickly turned into a commercial unit.

Dirk’s professional engineering background allowed him to redesign and develop an aquaponics system using low maintenance, cost effective and energy efficient solutions, that worked with mother nature and not against her.

With skills development very close to Dirk and Sam’s hearts, the construction phase gave many of the local community the opportunity to learn new building skills using only locally sourced materials; stone from the veld and the koppies and sand from the dry river bed – building skills which they can put to good use in future projects in the area. 

Our Journey — Lessons Learnt

Years of hands-on experience have taught us that success in aquaponics depends on understanding both nature and practicality.

  1. See before you buy.
    Before purchasing a system, visit a few systems that have been successfully operating for at least two years. Be wary of the “experts”. Experience is the best teacher.
  2. Aquaponics is not effortless.
    On its own, aquaponics can be labour intensive and not always cost-effective.
  3. Pest control is challenging.
    It requires adaptation and creativity, especially in enclosed environments.
  4. Energy efficiency is key.
    Pay attention to pipe sizing, pump types, and use gravity wherever possible. Small design choices make a big difference to running costs and sustainability.

Our System — What Makes It Unique

We’ve taken the standard aquaponics model and refined it through practical adaptation to suit our Karoo conditions — and yours.

  1. High pH Water, High Reward.
    We use our natural borehole water (pH between 8.4 and 9.2) — no Reverse Osmosis.
    Contrary to conventional belief, our system thrives! The result? Extended product shelf life and strong plant growth.
  2. We have included a barrier control system for pests and to maintain/ control  system temperatures.
  3. No Solid Removal.
    By removing unnecessary filters and equipment, we’ve reduced both labour and cost, while keeping the system naturally balanced.
  4. Media Beds for breakdown of solids and nutrient production
    Our extensive use of media beds increases oxygen levels naturally — eliminating the need for costly aeration systems.
  5. Nature Over Technology.
    We replicate Mother Nature’s processes as closely as possible. The only technology we use is for monitoring water temperature — resulting in healthier fish and a more resilient ecosystem.
  6. No Sludge Removal.
    We rely on worms and microbiology throughout the system to break down waste organically, maintaining a clean, thriving environment without manual sludge management.

the first products were harvested at the end of April 2024

After some hard lessons learnt and having overcome several tough challenges, the first vegetables were harvested at the end of April 2024 and Karoo Aquaponics Merweville now supplies mixed salad packs, celery, tomatoes and herbs to the local as well as Prince Albert retail and hospitality markets and have secured additional retail and restaurant markets, once  production increases.

Situated inside the Aquaponics farm is Karoo Koppie Tea Garden and Deli that gives visitors a chance to sit back and soak in the sounds of running water and lush greenery, in this Karoo oasis.

Local Community Project

A local community project is also in the planning stages, which will involve exchanging of plastic and tins for vegetables, giving the local community access to fresh, healthy, greens. The recycled material, in turn, will be made into useful products, helping with the development of small business and much needed employment in the Merweville community.

So, for Dirk and Sam, time to sit and snooze has taken a back seat. There is much to do at Karoo Aquaponics Merweville, for now and in the near future.

Our Philosophy

At Karoo Aquaponics Merweville, our mission is simple:

“To work with nature, not against it.”

We believe that true sustainability comes from observation, patience, and respect for natural processes.