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Aquaponics
R.GobirajBSc in Fisheries Science,University Of Jaffna,Sri Lanka.
Contents Introduction History Essential components of an Aquaponic unit Water quality in Aquaponics Aquaponics Plants and requirements Aquaponics Fishes and requirements Functioning of Aquaponics Aquaponics in Sri Lanka Advantages and disadvantages Other Possibilities in Aquaponics Conclusion Reference
Introduction Aquaponic is a fast growing and more sustainable method of food
production. Aquaponics is a system that combines hydroponics with intensive
aquaculture bio-integrated food production system.
Historyhydroponics Hydroponics is the production of plants in a soilless medium where by all of
the nutrients, which are supplied in aqueous solution
In China it was reported that "frame fields" for growing water spinach were
widespread in ancient times
The raft gardens were made with a frame of bamboo and a layer of soil and
supplied leaf vegetables for home consumption
In Mexico and Bangladesh organic matter from plants was used to create rafts
for floating agriculture
ChinampasBuilt by Incas and Aztecs Between 14th -16th century A.D
intensive aquaculture intensive aquaculture in which fish are kept at high density in tanks or
raceways and fed a high quality food US only since the mid-20th century As production intensified it was realized that the effluent was high in nutrients
and could cause eutrophication and other environmental impacts
Aquaponics it has an ancient history, Plants have been grown using fish farm wastes either directly or
indirectly in China and SE Asia for thousands of years aquaponics has been strong since the 1960s, in US at Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institute awareness of impact of nutrient wastes on the environment while at the same time
increasing the requirement of food production developed the aquaponics Globally there are now hundreds of small scale aquaponic initiatives and several larger
scale commercial or near commercial enterprises
Essential components of an aquaponic unit
fish tank
mechanical filter
bio filter
hydroponic containers
Water circulation unit
aerators
fish tank essential component in every unit Shapes
round Square Oval
material plastic Fiberglass Cement ground pond
Colour White or other light colours
mechanical filter separation and removal of solid and suspended fish waste from fish
tanks
It is essential for the health of the system
Type of filter
Screen filter
sedimentation tanks
sand or bead filters
Bio filter The bio filter is installed between the mechanical filter and hydroponic
containers
living bacteria
Nitrosomonas
Nitrobacter
volcanic gravel, plastic bottle caps, netting, PVC, shavings and nylon scrub
pads are act as substrate for bacteria
Nitrosomonas bacteria convert ammonia (NH₃) into nitrite (NO₂-)
Nitrobacter bacteria then convert nitrite (NO₂-) into nitrate (NO₃-)
Hydroponic components the plant-growing sections in the unit Three designs are more familiar with aquaponics
media bed /particulate beds
nutrient film technique (NFT) deep water culture
Water circulation unit Water circulation is fundamental for keeping all organisms alive in
aquaponics
The water moves from the fish tanks, through the mechanical filter and
the bio filter and then to the plants in their media beds and finally to the
collecting tank
Water quality in aquaponics Oxygen pH Temperature Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate Water hardness
oxygen
plants, fish and nitrifying bacteria all need oxygen to live.
fish may die within hours when exposed to low DO within the fish tanks
adequate DO levels is crucial to aquaponics
pH
The pH of the water has a major impact on all aspects of aquaponics, especially the plants and bacteria
the pH controls the plants’ access to micro- and macronutrients
Nitrifying bacteria difficult to survive below a pH of 6, and the bacteria’s capacity to convert ammonia into nitrate reduces in low pH conditions. This can lead to reduced bio filtration and fish mortality
Temperature general compromise range is 18–30 °C. Temperature has an effect on DO as well as on the toxicity of ammonia
high temperatures have less DO and high temperatures more unionized (toxic) ammonia
Ammonia Most of the fish waste is form of ammonia (NH3) ammonia is then nitrified by bacteria and converted into nitrite (NO2-) Ammonia is toxic to fish, Commonly in fishes can show symptoms of ammonia
poisoning at levels 1.0 mg/ liter high level of ammonia damage to the fishes’ central nervous system and gills
Nitrite
High levels of NO2- can immediately lead to rapid fish deaths.
Again, even low levels over an extended period can result in increased fish
stress, disease and death
NO2- prevent the transport of oxygen within the bloodstream of fish its
called as brown blood disease
Nitrate
Nitrate is a far less toxic than the other forms of nitrogen It is the most accessible form of nitrogen for plants, and the production of
nitrate is the goal of the bio filter
Fish can tolerate levels of up to 300 mg/ liter.
Aquaponics Plants and requirements most popular vegetables are leafy vegetables and herbs-especially lettuce
and basil less suitable for fruit vegetables suitable vegetables
Lettuce Basil Spring onion Fruit vegetables such as tomato, cucumber Beets Okra Blueberries
Plants require sunlight, air, water and nutrients to grow Essential macronutrients include: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium,
magnesium and sulphur Micronutrients include iron, zinc, boron, copper, manganese and
molybdenum Deficiencies need to be addressed by supplying the limiting nutrients with
supplemental fertilizer or increasing mineralization The suitable temperature range for most vegetables is 18–26 °C, although
many vegetables are seasonal. pest/disease management uses physical, mechanical and cultural practices
to minimize pests/pathogens uses fish-safe chemical and biological treatment in targeted applications,
when necessary
Aquaponics Fishes and requirements High tolerance and high marketable fishes are more suitable
Tilapia, carp, and catfish are highly suitable for aquaponics
Common culture fishes Tilapia Catfish common carp (Cyprinus carpio) Mullet perch bester sturgeon grass carp
Tilapia
possibilities
preferred species for tropical and sub-tropical situations
easy to breed
tolerates low Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels (0.2 ppm)
high Total Ammonia Nitrogen levels (>90 ppm @ pH 6.0)
low pH levels (< 5.0)
Problems
It will breed very readily
Breeding will reduce fish production rate/quality
Requirements
the correct balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals
needed for fish
never overfeed the fish, and remove uneaten food after 30 minutes
Poor / changing water quality, overcrowding, and physical disturbance can cause
stress
which may lead to disease outbreaks
Take the time to observe and monitor the fish in order to recognize symptoms
early and provide treatment
Functioning of Aquaponics
Hydroponics
Bacteria
Aquaculture
Functioning of Aquaponics ….
The Aquaponics cycle
Aquaponics in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka aquaponics introduced as a Agriculture Tourism
E.g - Gadadessa is a Holiday Resort in Kandy
Advantages Reduced labour
Aquaponics uses 90% less water than traditional farming
NOT require farm land and soil
Fish feed is the only nutrient inputs
Aquacultural waste products are used
Aquaponics protects our rivers & lakes
Health & Nutrition value high
Higher production rate
Provides income from two separate products
A lot of current research and improvements going on
Disadvantages High initial cost
To fill up water tanks To build the system (Greenhouse, pumps etc.)
Difficult to grow root crops Requires skill and experience Constant monitoring of water parameters Pests and diseases can be devastating Limitations concerned with fish species reared Competitive market prices Requires electric energy to maintain and recycle water within the system
Other Possibilities in AquaponicsOrganic Aquaponics Natural fertilizer Natural minerals (snail shells) Good marketing – labelling
Use of Technology Smart phone applications Pipe blockage warning System automation
Other Possibilities in AquaponicsGrowing Indoors
Can be used underground and indoors
Artificial lighting
Other Possibilities in Aquaponics ……
Growing Upwards
Futuristic Concepts
Growing locally
Dedicated Skyscraper
Farms
Makes use of limited
space availability
Space missions
Conclusion Aquaponics is a more sustainable food production systems It involves the production of both fish and vegetables, using
a single nutrient source (fish feed) however that aquaponic systems are primarily vegetable
production systems, simply because of the biological nature of the relationship between fish nutrient production and plant nutrient uptake
The primary advantage of aquaponics is water use efficiency. Other oft-cited advantages include nutrient utilization efficiency, product quality and food security
Reference Bakhsh, H.K. (2008) Integrated culture, Hydroponics &Aquaponics systems. Universiti
Malaysia Terengganu.
Bernstein, S. (2011) Aquaponic gardening: A step-by-step guide to raising vegetables and
fish together. New York, NY, United States: New Society Publishers.
Long, B. (2012) The EZ guide to aeroponics, hydroponics and aquaponics: [how to create
a sustainable food supply]. Texas: Bonjour Limited Holdings.
Staff, P.S. (2007) Great source aim new jersey: Student edition Workbook 5pk grade 3
(level C) 2007. United States: Great Source Education Group.
Somerville, C. (2014) Small-scale Aquaponic food production: Integrated fish and plant
farming. Rome, Italy, Italy: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Thank you