Aquaponics Proposal
Aquaponics Proposal
Aquaponics Proposal
R. LeRoy Creswell
Florida Sea Grant
Fort Pierce, FL 34945
creswell@ufl.edu
INTRODUCTION
Figure 1. Optimum arrangement of aquaponic system components (not to scale). From Rakocy
et al. 2006.
Effluent from the fish-rearing tanks is treated first to reduce organic matter (settleable
and suspended solids), then biofiltration removes ammonia and nitrates; the hydroponic
component utilizes dissolved nutrients and additional ammonia and nitrates by the plants, and
finally, water collects in a reservoir sump for return to the fish-rearing tanks (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Layout of proposed aquaponic system, based on University of the Virgin Island
prototype.
The biofilter and hydroponic components of the system are often combined by using
plant support media, such as gravel or sand, which also serves as a biofiltration media. However,
raft hydroponics, which consists of floating sheets of polystyrene and net pots for plant support,
can be equally efficient if space is not limited. Figure 3 demonstrates the commercial-scale
aquaponic system that has been developed at the University of the Virgin Islands which employs
raft hydroponics for lettuce production. System component specifications are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Aquaponic system specifications based on UVI system (SRAC 2006).
Rearing Tanks
Diameter
Height
Volume
Number = 4
10 feet
4 feet
2,060 gallon each
Clarifiers
6 feet
4 feet (cone 3.6
1,000 gallon
Number = 2
feet; slope 45)
Filter/degassing
Length/width = 6 2 feet
185 gallon
Number = 2
feet/2.5 feet
Hydroponic
Length/width =
tanks
100 feet/4 feet
Number = 6
Sump
4 feet
Total system water volume
Flow rate
Water pump
Air Blowers
16 inches
3 feet
180 gallon
1.5 hp fish
Growing area =
2,304 feet
29,375 gallon
100 gpm
hp
1 hp plants
1/8 acre
FISH PRODUCTION
Although the aquaponic system at UVI has grown a variety of plant crops, most of its
analysis has been on lettuce varieties. Other aquaponic systems (e.g. Rutgers University, Cropt
Diversification Center in Alberta, Canada) have cultivated a host of plant crops, including:
tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, melons, okra, Swiss chard, bok choi, Chinese cabbage, collard,
watercress, basil, cilantro, chives, parsley, and flowers (marigolds and zinnias). Some crops,
such as lettuce may have a production cycle as short as 3 to 4 weeks, while seasonal crops or
those that have long growing periods (> 3 months), such as tomatoes and cucumbers, may be
intercropped with other vegetables. For example, if lettuce is intercropped with tomatoes and
cucumbers, one crop of lettuce can be harvested before the tomato plant canopy begins to limit
light. The choice of plants to raise will likely be determined by demand, environmental
conditions, and space availability.
COMPONENT RATIOS: FISH SPACE TO PLANT GROWING AREA
Without delving into technical details of solids removal, biofiltration, and other water
treatment components, the water surface area for hydroponic plant production (basing
this on a floating raft design rather than gravel or sand media) is related to the amount of
fish feed provided to the system daily (since that is the primary source of nutrients). As a
general guide, a ratio in the range of 60 100 grams of fish feed/m2 of plant growing area
should be used. In raft hydroponics, approximately 75% of the system water volume is in
the plant component. Estimated production for fish/lettuce in the system described herein
is 11,000 pounds of tilapia and 1,400 cases of leaf lettuce per year.
COST ESTIMATES
CONCLUSION
Although the design of aquaponic systems and the combination of fish and plant
production in a single system may seem complex, it is in fact quite simple to operate when the
fish are stocked and fed at a rate that provides a good feeding rate ratio for plant production.
Aquaponic systems are easier to operate than recirculating fish culture systems or hydroponic
systems because they require less monitoring and have a wider margin of safety with regard to
water quality. Aquaponic systems also provide excellent educational opportunities and are
becoming increasingly popular in public schools. Finally, regardless of scale or purpose, the
culture of fish and plants through aquaponics is a gratifying endeavor that is a sustainable
approach to food production.