AQUAPONICS

What is aquaponics?

A system combining aquaculture and hydroponics where fish waste fertilizes plants and plants clean the water.

What is hydroponics?

Growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil.

Agriculture vs aquaculture advantages

Agriculture: large food production. Aquaculture: controlled environment, efficient protein.

Agriculture vs aquaculture disadvantages

Agriculture: soil depletion, weather risks. Aquaculture: disease/water quality risks.

Role of botanist

Plant care, germination, transplanting, harvesting.

Role of zoologist

Fish care, feeding, monitoring behavior.

Role of communications/media manager

Documentation, photos, announcements, reports.

Role of data analyst

Tracks water quality data and analyzes trends.

Role of test manager

Conducts water tests and identifies issues.

Role of system manager

Monitors pumps, valves, airflow, equipment.

Clarifier purpose

Removes solid fish waste.

Biofilter purpose

Houses bacteria that convert ammonia → nitrite → nitrate.

Raft bed purpose

Area where plants grow on floating rafts.

What is titration?

A test where reagent drops are added until color changes.

Which tests require titration?

Alkalinity, hardness, CO₂, ammonia (depending on test kit).

What is germination?

Seed sprouting.

When to place germination trays under light?

When seedlings emerge and have leaves.

What does lettuce need to germinate?

Moisture, warmth, darkness.

What goes on a plant label?

Date and plant type; later add tray/location after transplant.

What is biosecurity?

Preventing contamination or disease entering the lab.

How to biosecure entering lab?

Use biosecurity mats, sanitize hands, wear PPE.

Fish in the system

Channel Catfish – Ictalurus punctatus.

Characteristics of catfish

Barbels, no scales, bottom dwellers, tolerate low oxygen.

How to tare a scale

Zero the scale with the container so only fish weight shows.

Why remove dead leaves?

Prevent rot, pests, algae, and contamination.

What is the NFT system?

Nutrient Film Technique; nursery stage for seedlings.

Definition of an acid

pH lower than 7.

Definition of a base

pH higher than 7.

Where do we store fish tank biomass data?

In the fish biomass log sheets.

How do we determine feed amount?

Percentage of fish biomass.

Units for mass

Grams (g).

Units for water quality

PPM or mg/L.

Units for volume

Liters (L).

What does PPM stand for?

Parts per million; same as mg/L.

Signs of stress in fish

Gasping, clamped fins, lethargy, not eating, erratic behavior.

When do you retest water?

When results are outside ideal range or after adjustments.

When rinse testing materials?

Before tests; rinse with fish water 3 times.

Two factors bad ammonia depends on

pH and temperature.

Nitrogen cycle steps

Ammonia → Nitrite → Nitrate.

Nitrogen bacteria types

Nitrosomonas converts ammonia; Nitrobacter converts nitrite.

Categories of lettuce

Crisphead, butterhead, romaine, loose-leaf.

Ways to harvest lettuce

Whole head, cut-and-come-again, or leaf-by-leaf.

What is dissolved oxygen?

Oxygen available in water for fish/bacteria.

What to do if DO is low?

Increase aeration, fix air stones or pumps.

What do pH, alkalinity, hardness measure?

pH: acidity. Alkalinity: buffering. Hardness: minerals.

How to remove chlorine

Aerate water or add dechlorinator.

What to do if nitrite nitrogen is high

Add chloride (salt) and perform partial water change.

What to do if ammonia nitrogen is high

Stop feeding, do partial water change, check biofilter.

Why fish need magnesium

Metabolism.

Why fish need calcium

Bone and tissue development.

Why fish need iron

Blood formation.

Why fish need sodium chloride

Reduces nitrite toxicity; lowers stress.

Why plants need magnesium

Chlorophyll.

Why plants need calcium

Cell wall strength.

Why plants need carbon dioxide

Photosynthesis.

Coupled vs decoupled systems

Coupled = one-loop. Decoupled = fish and plants in separate loops.

Lab safety rules

PPE, no eating, cautious with chemicals, clean space.

Animal ethics rules

Handle fish gently and minimize stress.

How to identify tanks

Label numbers and system maps.

How to identify decoupled beds

Labels on beds and connected plumbing lines.

Water/air flow through system

Fish tank → clarifier → biofilter → plant beds → sump → back to tank.

How to refill biosecurity mats

Add disinfectant solution until fully saturated.

Catfish fins

Dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, anal, caudal – used for movement, steering, balance.

Fish classification

Animalia → Chordata → Actinopterygii → Siluriformes.

How to compromise plant vs fish water needs

Maintain mid-range pH (~6.8–7.0), good aeration, clean water.

What do valves do?

Control direction and flow rate of water/air.

Four types of lettuce

Crisphead, butterhead, romaine, loose-leaf.

Three ways to harvest lettuce

Whole harvest, cut-and-come-again, leaf harvest.