Aquaponic System Research Articles

Enhancing Rearing of European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in Aquaponic Systems: Investigating the Effects of Enriched Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Prepupae Meal on Fish Welfare and Quality Traits.

Within the modern aquaculture goals, the present study aimed to couple sustainable aquafeed formulation and culturing systems. Two experimental diets characterized by 3 and 20% of fish meal replacement with full-fat spirulina-enriched black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupae meal (HPM3 and HPM20, respectively) were tested on European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles during a 90-day feeding trial performed in aquaponic systems. The experimental diets ensured 100% survival and proper zootechnical performance. No behavioral alterations were evidenced in fish. Histological and molecular analyses did not reveal structural alterations and signs of inflammation at the intestinal level, highlighting the beneficial role on gut health of bioactive molecules typical of HPM or derived from the enriching procedure of insects' growth substrate with spirulina. Considering the quality traits, the tested experimental diets did not negatively alter the fillet's fatty acid profile and did not compromise the fillet's physical features. In addition, the results highlighted a possible role of spirulina-enriched HPM in preserving the fillet from lipid oxidation. Taken together, these results corroborate the use of sustainable ingredients (spirulina-enriched HPM) in aquaponic systems for euryhaline fish rearing.

Preliminary results of the combined production of duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in an aquaponic system

As a result of population growth, increasin amount of food is needed, and agriculture is under an increasing burden to meet these needs. Traditional agriculture is often attacked due to its environmental impact. We must find alternative, environmentally friendly ways to produce more food. Aquaponics is a closed system in which we can produce both fish and plants at the same time. Duckweed species are small, aquatic, floating plants belonging to angiosperms. It can potentially be an alternative protein source, due to its high protein content, good amino acid supply, and rapid growth. Under suitable conditions, it doubles its weight in 2–4 days, and can reach a yield of 30 t ha-1 year-1in dry matter. It forms a carpet on top of the water and can be found in slow-moving or still waters. Since they are resistant to a wide range of nutrient concentrations, they are also suitable for cleaning wastewater (such as eutrophicated lakes, sewage reservoirs, liquid manure storage). Fish feed is the primary nutrient source for aquaponic systems, which usually contains fishmeal. If duckweed can be used as an alternative for fishmeal in the feed, it could improve the sustainability of the aquaponic and aquaculture systems. In this study, the aim was to develop an optimal harvesting protocol for duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza under aquaponic conditions. In a four weeks experiments, four harvesting protocols were set up, a control where only biomass measurements were made, a 25% group where 25% of the biomass at the time of measurement was harvested, and a 50% and a 75% group where at the time of measurement 50% and 75% of the biomass was harvested. Three replicates were used per treatment. We weighed the biomass every week and removed the amount corresponding to the group. Based on the preliminary results, it can be said that more biomass was obtained in the groups with the 25% harvesting protocol and the control group.

Isolation and screening of indigenous nitrifying bacteria to enhance nutrient recovery in an aquaponics system

AbstractThe recycling processes of aquaponic waste into fertilizers are highly dependent on the type and activity of nitrifying bacteria in the system. This study aims to find indigenous nitrifiers to enhance nutrient recovery in an aquaponics system. Twelve indigenous nitrifiers consisting of ammonia and nitrite‐degrading bacteria were isolated from a local earthen pond of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and two isolates (AQ4 and AQ12) were selected due to their highest capacity to degrade either ammonia or nitrate respectively. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences, these isolates were identified as Marinobacter nauticus (AQ4) with 98.64% similarity, and Bacillus sp. (AQ12) with 99.89% similarity. When these bacterial isolates were applied in aquaponics systems with bacterial enhancement (aquaponicsBE), the nutrient recovery was significantly higher compared to the control (aquaponicsctrl), indicated by a 500 g higher total harvested biomass. With a significance value of p < 0.05, aquaponicsBE gives 17% higher crude fat and protein retention in vegetables while in fish 14% higher crude fat was found. Energy retention in vegetables was 23% higher than in the control. Furthermore, fish grew better in the aquaponicsBE system, with 0.6%BW/day higher specific growth rate, and 0.05 better feed conversion ratio compared to that of fish reared in the control.

Dietary inclusions of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae frass enhanced production of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) juveniles, stevia (Stevia rebaudiana), and lavender (Lavaridula angustifolia) in an aquaponic system

In aquaponic systems, adding supplemental nutrients to enhance plant production is common. Frass, which is the manure of insects, can be used to enhance fish and plant production, but no study has yet examined the potential to enhance both using a dietary approach in an aquaponic system. In this 8-week study, channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) juveniles were fed diets with, or without, 10% black solider fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) frass in an aquaponic system. Each aquaponic system had two different plant bed types; floating raft or media. Each plant bed consisted of three stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) and three lavender (Lavaridula angustifolia) plants in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with the main effects of dietary frass inclusion and media type. After 8 weeks, channel catfish grew significantly faster when fed a diet containing 10% BSFL frass compared to fish fed the control diet. Further, dietary frass upregulated the hepatic expression of IGFβ, IGF-1 and GHR as well as reduced intestinal inflammation based on histological observations and scoring. The muscle proximate composition of channel catfish was unaffected by diet, while only taurine was significantly reduced by dietary frass. Muscle calcium and phosphorus as well as C14:0 and C15:0 were significantly elevated by dietary frass. For plants, both stevia and lavender had significantly more biomass when frass was added to the system, while plants grown in media beds were larger than plants grown in a floating raft subsystem. Frass significantly increased phosphorus in both stevia and lavender at week 8. The higher water calcium, magnesium, and nitrate levels may have allowed for better plant growth as these are essential nutrients. The significant increase of catfish growth was likely due to the upregulation of genes responsible for growth, mitigating intestinal inflammation, and significantly enhancing diet intake. Thus, it may be recommended that feeding catfish with BSFL frass and culturing stevia and lavender in media beds can substantially improve overall productivity.

Growing Conditions and System Productivity in a Closed-Loop Aquaponic System Under Varying Stocking Density

Growing Conditions and System Productivity in a Closed-Loop Aquaponic System Under Varying Stocking Density

Impact of polyculture in aquaponics on the hemato-serological and health status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and carp (Cyprinus carpio)

ABSTRACT Aquaponics is an innovative, eco-friendly, and sustainable food production system that combines hydroponic crop production with recirculating aquaculture. This study aimed to assess the haematological, biochemical, and health status of Nile tilapia and common carp in monoculture and polyculture systems. A total of 800 (Oreochromis niloticus) and (Cyprinus carpio) with an average body weight of 1.1± 0.2 g were used. The fish were divided into three groups: (I) contained Nile tilapia only (monoculture), (II) contained common carp only (monoculture), and (III) contained polycultured tilapia and carp. The results of the study revealed a decrease in red blood cell counts, haemoglobin levels, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit in monoculture tilapia blood, indicating significant differences when compared to polyculture tilapia blood. The biochemical parameters except total protein, glucose, and urea were significantly higher in the blood serum of polyculture carp compared to tilapia. Immunoglobulin variables and lysozyme activity were the same in the blood of fishes, confirming that Nile tilapia and common carp were still fit with a good immunological status under monoculture and polyculture in an aquaponic system. Conclusion: Nile tilapia and common carp cultivated in aquaponic systems (monoculture and polyculture) still fall within the normal range for haematology and biochemistry.

Ebb and flow versus constant water level on the sweet banana chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) production in an aquaponic system

Bell siphons are used in aquaponic systems to create rising and falling water levels in plant culture beds that facilitates water exchanges and elevates dissolved oxygen (DO) although this may also remove nutrient rich organic debris from the plant culture bed. Sweet banana chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants were aquaponically grown until maturity and then further cultured in a media-filled bed with or without a bell siphon for one month in triplicate. Water quality was measured throughout as well as the total chili number, weight, mineral composition and sugar levels. Channel catfish (30 individuals/replicate; initial weight = 289 g ± 10.2) were fed twice/day for 5 days/week. Results showed that a bell siphon significantly increased DO in both the fish and plant culture tanks, but dissolved nitrogen and pH were similar. Fish growth, survival and feeding efficiency were similar among treatments. The total count (982 and 747) and weight of chilies (7450 and 7413 g) were similar without or with a bell siphon, but individually, chilies were significantly heavier with a bell siphon. Soluble and insoluble sugars were unaffected but among the tested minerals, sodium, potassium, calcium and zinc were significantly elevated in chilies cultured without a bell siphon. The lower mineral content was likely due to the bell siphon removing excess organic debris from the media-filled plant culture bed that would otherwise be mineralized. Based on these findings and under the culture conditions, bell siphons may not provide benefits to plant production and the lower DO may be mitigated by providing additional aeration in the plant culture bed.

Long-Range Self-Powered IoT Devices for Agriculture Aquaponics

The aim of this project is to establish a controlled environment in the aquaculture industry by minimizing human errors and reducing the need for manpower. Additionally, the project seeks to enable remote monitoring of aquatic environments from any location in the world. By utilising mobile phone applications, the physical presence of humans can be significantly reduced. The device is capable of collecting and transmitting data from a variety of sensors, including those that measure temperature, humidity, and pH levels. This real-time monitoring and analysis of the aquaponics systems allows farmers and growers to make informed decisions about water usage, fish health, and other productivity-related factors. Ultimately, this system can improve productivity and efficiency in the aquaculture industry. Aquaculture is a growing industry worldwide, and the need for sustainable and efficient practices is increasing. The use of technology and automation has become more common in recent years as a means of improving productivity and reducing human error. The proposed system for aquaculture monitoring aims to address these issues by utilizing sensors and microcontrollers to create a controlled environment for aquatic organisms. The system employs various sensors to measure critical parameters such as water temperature, pH, and turbidity, and sends this data to a central monitoring system. Farmers and growers can then access this data remotely and make informed decisions about the health and productivity of their aquatic systems. This can lead to better control over water quality and temperature, improved feeding practices, and ultimately higher yields.

Mixed Methods Analysis of Two Inexpensive and Simple Aquaponics Systems for School Use

Mixed Methods Analysis of Two Inexpensive and Simple Aquaponics Systems for School Use

Study on growth performance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. communis L.) fingerlings at different stocking densities and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) plant, grown in deep water Aquaponics system

Study on growth performance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. communis L.) fingerlings at different stocking densities and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) plant, grown in deep water Aquaponics system

Leaf Mineral Contents and Growth Characteristics of Strawberry Grown in Aquaponic System with Different Growing Media in a Plant Factory

This study was aimed to determine the effects of grow media on the mineral contents of the leaves and growth characteristics of strawberry grown under aquaponics system in a plant factory. For aquaculture, 12 fish (Cyprinus carpio) (total weight, 2.0 kg) were raised in an aquaponics tank (W 0.7 m × L 1.5 m × H 0.45 m, 472.5 L) filled with 367.5 L of water at a density of 5.44 kg·m-3 and total 34 of strawberry seedlings were transplanted in the pots filed with 200 g of orchid stone, hydroball or polyurethane sponge in the growing bed (W 0.7 m × L 1.5 m × H 0.22 m) laid out with holly acrylic sheet (140×60 mm, Ø80) on the top of the system. The pH and EC of the aquaponic solution was ranged from 7.6 to 4.9 and 0.24－0.91 dS·m-1, respectively. The concentration of NO3-N was about 28% lower than that of the hydroponic standard solution, and K, Fe and B were 10, 27 and 3.8 times lower, respectively; however, the mineral contents of strawberry leaves were in the appropriate ranges with lower contents in the leaves grown with sponge media. The organic content (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) of the sludge were 61.5, 5.72, 8.92, and 0.24%, respectively. The leaf area, leaf number, and dry and fresh weights of shoot at 81 DAT were significantly higher in the hydroball, and the average number of fruits per plant was significantly higher in both the orchid stone and hydroball. There was no significant difference in the fresh and dry weights of fruits. Integrated all the results suggest that the orchid stone and hydroball media are more effective to utilize nutrients in solid particles of aquaponic solution, compared to the polyurethane sponge.

Effect of Inorganic Substrates on the Water Quality and Growth of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in an Aquaponic System

Effect of Inorganic Substrates on the Water Quality and Growth of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in an Aquaponic System

Application of Aquaponic System as an Alternative for Medical Liquid Waste Containing Blood at the Dentist's Practice

The waste generated by the dentist clinic is in the form of non-medical waste and medical waste. Medical liquid waste containing blood can develop disease if not processing properly before entering the environment. Aquaponic system is a combination of hydroponics and aquatics, also the resirculation process using plants and animals as: convolvulus land (Ipoema Reptans) and catfishes (Clarias spp.) that able to survive the extremes. Aquaponic system has potential to be an alternative to treating medical liquid waste containing blood according to medical liquid waste standard in Regulation of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia Number 5 of 2014. The study aims to observe the value changes of the liquid waste parameter as: BOD, COD, TSS, pH; and compare them to medical liquid waste standard. The research is a pre-experimental on shot case study that done in four days and put the treatment on the first day then the sample were taken every 24 hours. The measurement result of the liquid waste parameter has an efficiency as: BOD 57, 1%, COD 40 %, TSS 53 %, and pH 4, 7 %. All the parameter not exceeding the medical liquid waste standard in Regulation of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia Number 5 of 2014. The conclusion is the application of an aquaponic system can be used as an alternative to medical liquid waste containing blood treatment

Tropical Aquaponic Production of Medicinal Plants in Association with Goldfish

Aquaponics is an emerging technology that synergistically combines aquaculture and hydroponic production through nutrient cycling and water recycling. As aquaponics grows exponentially, studies that evaluate the technique by testing different species in these systems make this choice fundamental to result in a high productivity and profitability. Ornamental fish, as well as medicinal plants, are interesting options for a more in-depth analysis of aquaponic systems. In this context, the objective was to analyze the performance of four plant species: boldu chilanum, Peumus boldus; peppermint, Mentha x piperita; Brazilian joyweed, Alternanthera brasiliana; and oregano, Origanum vulgare, as well as the growth of goldfish, Carassius auratus, and physicochemical aspects of water quality in identical aquaponic systems installed in a greenhouse during 91 days of cultivation. The experimental design consisted in four treatments and four replications, using in all treatments a density of 21 fish.310L and four seedlings, in cuttings, of each plant species studied. The vegetable cultivation systems were composed of expanded clay sediments in a 0.25m² planters, using a density of 16 plants.m², repeated, each treatment, in four aquaponic systems, totaling 16 aquaponic systems analyzed. The results showed that, for the parameters of weight and height, of the four plant species studied, only oregano did not develop as expected, while boldu chilanum, peppermint and Brazilian joyweed showed a representative increase in the analyzed parameters. The goldfish also showed representative increase for weight, total and standard length in all treatments. The water quality parameters analyzed did not showed differences between treatments and were within the range recommended by reference authors, as well as for the well-being of the goldfish. The systems have demonstrated efficiency in vegetative and animal growth, and can help to add value to products from aquaponics, corroborating the evolution of technology.

Closing Nutrient Cycles through the Use of System-Internal Resource Streams: Implications for Circular Multitrophic Food Production Systems and Aquaponic Feed Development

In order to further close nutrient cycles of aquaponic systems, it could be possible to integrate a third trophic level in the form of insect larvae production (i.e., black soldier fly larvae) to recycle internal waste streams into valuable nutrients. This would present opportunities to formulate sustainable circular aquafeeds that combine these internally available nutrients with complementary external raw materials. The ingredient composition of feeds for such circular multitrophic food production systems (CMFS) may affect fish performance as well as excretion of important dissolved plant nutrients such as N, P and K. Hence, fish meal from catfish processing (CM) as base ingredient was combined with variable levels of poultry by-product meal (PM) and black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFM) into three marine-ingredient-free experimental diets corresponding to hypothetical production scenarios of a CMFS that aims to integrate aquaponics with insect larvae production. These experimental diets and a commercial diet (COM) were compared using isonitrogenous and isolipidic formulations. They were fed to African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and evaluated concerning growth performance and nutrient excretion. All diets resulted in similar total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) excretion, whereas the increase of dietary PM inclusion from 0% (BSF diet) to 20% (MIX diet) and to 41% (PM diet) and concomitant reduction of BSFM inclusion led to increasingly higher soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) excretion per unit of feed compared to the COM diet. While the PM diet enabled the best growth and feed conversion performance, the MIX and especially the BSF diet produced more similar performance to the COM diet, which generated the highest dissolved K excretion. The MIX and the PM diet resulted in the highest Ca and P, yet lower N content in the fish feces. Results indicate that combining CM with elevated levels of PM in the diet of African catfish could improve growth performance and reduce the need for P fertilization in aquaponics when compared to industrial diets optimized for low environmental impact. Findings are discussed regarding their implications for CMFS and aquaponic feed formulation.

PH Dynamics in Aquaponic Systems: Implications for Plant and Fish Crop Productivity and Yield

The pH range of 7.0 to 7.2 is recommended to ensure reasonable nitrification rates in aquaponics; however, this range is conducive neither to nitrification, a critical process that occurs at pH 8.0, nor to plant growth. To determine the effects of pH in an aquaponic system, Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.), kale (Brassica oleracea L.), mustard green (Brassica juncea L.), cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), and arugula (Eruca vesicaria L.) were cultured with tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in 5-year-old coupled aquaponic systems at three pH levels, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0, in comparison with hydroponics. Morphological and physiological growth parameters of vegetable and fish crops were measured regularly, and the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in the aquaponic system were analyzed by qPCR at the end of the production. This study found that feed conversion ratio, fish biomass, and copy number of AOB were not affected by different pH, but similar to hydroponic systems, lower pH in aquaponic systems increased fresh and dry mass and nutrient levels of all plant species tested. This study suggests that pH has a significant impact on plant performance and yield in both aquaponic and hydroponic systems and that, similar to hydroponics, a pH of 6 is desirable for aquaponic systems to improve plant crop yield without compromising nitrification activity and fish yield.

Effect of Stocking Density on Sustainable Growth Performance and Water Quality of Nile Tilapia-Spinach in NFT Aquaponic System

In Saudi Arabia, there is a scarcity of water used for agriculture and human consumption. Therefore, the aquaponic technique needs to be considered. Aquaponics is a modern, environmentally friendly agricultural technology that combines hydroponics and aquaculture into one system. However, the key to a successful aquaponic system is optimizing the stocking density for the target species. This study estimates the effect of three stocking densities—3 kg/m−3, 6 kg/m−3, and 9 kg/m−3—in five replicates on the growth performance and water quality of fingerling Nile tilapia (Oreochomis niloticus), as well as the yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) grown in the nutrient film technique (NFT) aquaponic system. As for the planting density, 36 spinach plants are planted per m−2 for each replicate. The experiment is set up for 8 weeks. The findings reveal that the average final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate of Nile tilapia were significantly higher in the 3 kg/m−3 treatment. It is evident that the total yield of spinach increased as the stocking density increased (p < 0.05). Most of the water quality measurements are significant, pH values range from 6.74 to 7.47, dissolved oxygen is 4.33 to 6.35, ammonia is 0.13 to 0.17 mg/L−1, nitrite is 0.045 to 0.089, and nitrate is 2.44 to 3.35. Therefore, to maximize the productivity of spinach and tilapia while achieving the maximum benefit from fresh water, it can be recommended to use the stocking density of Nile tilapia fingerlings in the range of 6 kg/m−3 in the aquaponic system.

Growth and Quality of Leaf and Romaine Lettuce Grown on a Vertical Farm in an Aquaponics System: Results of Farm Research

The integration of indoor vertical cultivation with a recirculating aquaculture system into an aquaponic system has the potential to become one of the most effective sustainable production systems for fish and leafy vegetables. In this study, lettuce was produced on rafts in a coupled recirculation aquaponic system in the plant factory under controlled environmental conditions. The aims of this study were to evaluate the yield, mineral status, and health-promoting bioactive compounds of leaf and romaine lettuce cultivars grown in a recirculating aquaponic system. The yield and biometric parameters and quality parameters of lettuce leaves (nitrate, mineral, L-ascorbic acid, carotenoid, phenolic compound, and total polyphenolic contents) were examined. Monitoring of the water in the aquaponic system showed a low concentration of nitrates, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), but the proportion of mineral nutrients as well as pH were stable throughout the lettuce cultivation period. The heads of romaine lettuce ‘Yakina’, ‘Pivotal’, and ‘Waygo’ reached a fresh weight of 86 g, on average, 23% higher than the leaf lettuce ‘Nordice’ over a three-week cultivation period. Despite the low nutrient concentration in the aquaponic solution, the nutrient status of the romaine lettuces ‘Yakina’ and ‘Pivotal’ was within the optimal range. The concentrations of chlorophyll a and carotenoids in ‘Yakina’ and ‘Pivotal’ were higher than those in ‘Nordice’ and ‘Waygo’. The nitrate, phosphorus, and potassium contents in the leaves of ‘Nordice’ and ‘Waygo’ were below the optimal range; however, their polyphenol concentrations were the highest. Our results indicate that the effectiveness of aquaponic cultivation of lettuce in terms of biomass production and the nutritional and health-promoting value of lettuce depends on the plant genotype.

The effect of aquaponics on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) sensory, quality, and safety outcomes.

Resource-efficient food production practices are needed to support a sustainable food system. Aquaponics, a system where fish and produce are grown symbiotically in the same water circulating system, minimizes water usage, fertilizer input, and waste production. However, the impact of aquaponics on produce quality is underexplored. We utilize objective testing, descriptive analysis, and consumer acceptance to characterize the impact of aquaponics on tomato quality. Two tomato varieties were grown in an aquaponics system and compared with soil-grown controls across 3years. Safety was assessed by analyzing coliforms and confirming the absence of Escherichia coli. Weight, texture, color, moisture, titratable acidity, brix, and phenolic and antioxidant measurements were assessed. A semitrained descriptive sensory panel assessed 13 tomato attributes and acceptance was determined using untrained participants. Aquaponic tomatoes were frequently lighter and yellower in color and lower in brix. Descriptive analysis indicated significant differences in several sensory attributes, though these findings were inconsistent between years and varieties. Nutrient deficiencies may explain quality differences, as iron supplementation improved outcomes. Notably, the objective and descriptive differences minimally impacted consumer acceptance, as we found no significant differences in taste, texture, or appearance liking between production method in either variety. Despite variation in produce quality across years, aquaponics tomatoes pose minimal E. coli risk and are liked as much as soil-grown tomatoes. These findings demonstrate that aquaponics can produce products that are as acceptable as their soil-grown counterparts. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Aquaponic tomatoes are as safe as soil-grown tomatoes. Furthermore, aquaponics tomatoes are liked as much as soil-grown tomatoes. Careful monitoring of nutrients in an aquaponic system may optimize quality. Overall, aquaponics has a minimal impact on tomato quality and thus is a sustainable food production method that can compete with conventional products on quality.

Aquaponic production of strawberries: Influence of boron and media on their mineral and sugar composition

AbstractStrawberries can fetch high market prices, but this is often based on their sweetness. Previous studies have shown that sugar content in fruits is elevated by boron (B), but this has not been tested on strawberries in an aquaponic system. In this study, strawberries were aquaponically cultured with or without B supplementations and with or without media (2 × 2 factorial design) over 2 months. Each of the six identical aquaponic units contained 30 catfish juveniles (initial weight = 2.1 g) and two plant culture units; one with a floating raft (without media) and one with expanded lava rock (with media). Borax was the source of B, which was weekly added at 0.01 mg/L. Water quality and fish growth were unaffected by B additions. Total number of strawberries and their total weights were unaffected by B or media. Media caused strawberries to be individually heavier with higher sodium, iron and moisture but significantly less glucose and fructose. Supplementations of B significantly increased and decreased the B and zinc content of strawberries, respectively, as well as causing significantly shorter roots. Growing strawberries with or without media in an aquaponic system provided different advantages but B supplementations appeared unnecessary and may have caused some toxicity to the strawberries.