Optimization of hydraulic loading rate in aquaponic system with Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Mint (Mentha arvensis)

Abstract

Aquaponics is the combined culture of fish and plants in recirculating aquaculture systems, considered to be an innovative, eco-friendly and sustainable technology. The present study on bio-integration of Common carp and Mint in aquaponic system was aimed at determining the optimum hydraulic loading rate (HLR) for the aquaponic system. Three treatments having different HLRs viz., T1 (3m day−1), T2 (6m day−1) and T3 (12m day−1) were compared and their effect on fish growth, survival, mint growth, yield and various water quality parameters were observed to find the most efficient HLR for Common carp and Mint in aquaponic system. Different HLRs showed significant effect on fish growth in terms of length and weight gain, survival, specific growth rate (SGR). Higher growth rate was observed in treatment T2 (6m day−1) as compared to other treatments and control having different HLRs. Mint growth rate at the end of both the harvests showed significant variation and got affected by different HLRs with better results obtained in treatment T2 (6m day−1). Overall water quality parameters, nutrient removal and biofilter performance were better at HLR 6m day−1 i.e., treatment T2. Hence, HLR of 6m day−1 can be recommended for culturing Common carp and Mint in aquaponic system.