10: AQUAPONICS

HYDROPONICS

technique of growing plants using a water-based

nutrient solution rather than soil, and can include an

aggregate substrate, or growing media, such as

vermiculite, coconut coir, or perlite.

water-culture or medium-culture

HYDROPONICS IS classified as either _______

Water culture systems

do not use a medium to

support the roots, only the nutrient solution.

Medium culture systems

use a solid substrate,

such as sand, to support the plant root structure.

NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE
DEEP WATER CULTURE
AEROPONICS
EBB AND FLOW (FLOOD AND DRAIN)
DRIP SYSTEM
WICKING SYSTEM
KRATKY METHOD

Types of Hydroponic Systems

NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE

thin film of water flows continuously over the roots

DEEP WATER CULTURE

roots suspended in a highly oxygenated, nutrient-rich water

AEROPONICS

roots are misted with nutrient solution

EBB AND FLOW (FLOOD AND DRAIN)

grow bed periodically flooded and drained

DRIP SYSTEM

nutrients dripped slowly to the base of each plant; efficient water use

WICKING SYSTEM

uses a wick to draw nutrient solution to the root zone; suitable for small plants

KRATKY METHOD

roots hang in a container; water level drops as plants grow

NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE

DEEP WATER CULTURE

WICK SYSTEM

EBB AND FLOW

DRIP SYSTEM

AEROPONICS

AQUAPONICS

Integrated fish and plant farming (FAO)

• a technique for combining hydroponics and

aquaculture in a system that cultivates plants in

recirculated aquaculture water

soil-less culture

method of growing agricultural

crops without the use of soil

hydroponics

most common method of soil-less

culture, includes growing plants either on a

substrate or in an aqueous medium with bare roots

FISH Component
PLANT Component
BACTERIA Component

biological components

FISH Component

provide essential nutrients for the plants through their waste

• source of natural fertilizer for the plants

PLANT Component

converts nutrient-rich water from the fish tank into biomass, while

simultaneously purifying the water for the fish

BACTERIA Component

An aquaponics system requires beneficial bacteria (Nitrosomonas & Nitrobacter, etc)

for the fish and plants to thrive.

• transforms fish waste into nutrients for the plants (nitrification).

Nitrosomonas
Nitrobacter

beneficial bacteria for the fish and plants to thrive.

NITRIFICATION

transforms fish waste into nutrients for the plants

Role in nitrification
Surface area
Cycling process
Maintenance

growing the beneficial bacteria:

Role in nitrification

converting toxic ammonia and nitrites produced by fish waste into less

harmful nitrates, which are readily taken up by plants.

Surface area

Providing ample surface area in the grow beds enhances bacterial colonization and

promotes efficient nitrification.

Cycling process

During the initial cycling phase, ammonia levels rise as fish waste accumulates,

providing substrate for bacterial growth.

Maintenance

Regular monitoring of water parameters to ensure that beneficial bacteria

populations are thriving. Adequate aeration and oxygenation of water also support the growth and

activity of beneficial bacteria.

Culture tanks
Grow beds
Pumps
Pipes and fittings
Filtration
Waste management
Sump tank
Aeration

system components for aquaponics

Culture tanks

where the fish live during their growth to the desirable market size.

• It is important to maintain good water quality, adequate oxygen levels,

ideal flow rates, and waste removal in this area.

Grow beds

are essential containers where plants are cultivated, supported by a

specific media that helps filter nutrients and support the growth of

beneficial bacteria

• The growing media provides physical support for the plant roots and

aids in maintaining a healthy root environment.

Pumps

used for moving water among the various system

components.

• circulation ensures that nutrients are delivered to the plants and the

water is filtered.

Pipes and fittings

used to transfer water among the system components and can be a

range of sizes and materials depending on the purpose.

• The pipe diameter should be sized appropriately for the volume,

pressure, temperature, and head loss of the water that will be

experienced in the different areas of the system.

Solids filtration

fish are not able to fully utilize the feed; approximately

25-50 percent of the feed will become waste that must be removed

from the system quickly to prevent degradation in water quality.

Biological filtration

It takes advantage of bacterial processes to

convert toxic byproducts of fish feeding into non-toxic forms that can be

used by plants.

Waste management

Solid waste removal is critical for maintaining high water quality for the

fish to live and grow

Sump tank

the ultimate collection area for water that flows by

gravity and is located at the lowest elevation in the entire system. also a reservoir that generally contains no plants or

fish and is a good addition point for mixing chemical and nutrient

additives that must dissolve before entering the system.

Aeration

The process of aeration agitates the water, creating a large surface area

for contact between air and water, thus enhancing gas exchange.

• to aid the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) and increase the dissolved

oxygen (DO) concentration.

Media-based Systems
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems
Deep Water Culture (DWC) Systems

Types of Aquaponics Systems

Media-based Systems

Plants are grown in a bed filled with a growing medium such as

gravel, clay pebbles, or lava rock.

• The media provides support for the plants and acts as a biofilter,

hosting beneficial bacteria that convert fish waste into nutrients.

• Water from the fish tank is pumped through the grow bed, where

it is filtered by the media before returning to the tank.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems

Involve growing plants in channels where a thin film of nutrient-

rich water flows over the roots.

• The water is pumped from the fish tank into the channels and

then flows back into the tank. This method ensures that plant

roots receive a constant supply of nutrients and oxygen. efficient and suitable for growing leafy greens

and herbs but may require more precise monitoring of water flow

and nutrient levels.

Deep Water Culture (DWC) Systems

Also known as Raft System

• Plants are grown on floating rafts with their roots submerged

directly in nutrient-rich water.

• The water is continuously circulated between the fish tank and the

plant raft, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen.

pH fluctuations
Ammonia spikes
Nutrient deficiencies
Pest infestations
Equipment failures

challenges in aquaponics

pH fluctuations

Fluctuations in pH levels can affect nutrient availability

and impact fish health. Adjust pH as needed using pH buffers to maintain

stability within the optimal range.

Ammonia spikes

High levels of ammonia can be toxic to fish and

indicate problems with filtration or nutrient cycling. Increase aeration,

perform water changes, and monitor feeding rates to prevent ammonia

buildup.

Nutrient deficiencies

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and poor fruit

development are signs of nutrient deficiencies in plants. Supplement

nutrients as needed and ensure proper nutrient cycling in the aquaponic

system.

Pest infestations

Common pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and mites

can affect plant health in aquaponic systems. Implement integrated

pest management strategies such as introducing beneficial insects or

using organic pest control methods to manage infestations.

Equipment failures

Malfunctions or breakdowns in pumps, heaters, or

aeration devices can disrupt the balance of the aquaponic system. Have

backup equipment on hand and perform regular maintenance to

prevent unexpected failures. During equipment failure, troubleshoot the

issue promptly and implement temporary solutions to minimize impacts

on fish and plants.

method of aquaponic production
types of fish (carnivorous vs omnivorous)
types of fish (protein level)
types of plants
type of plant production

main variables to consider when balancing a unit

40-50 grams of feed per square meter per day

recommended daily fish feed rate for leafy green vegetables

50-80 grams of feed per square meter per day

recommended daily fish feed rate for fruiting vegetables