Aquaponic System Research Articles

Analysis of Aquaponics Solar Panel Innovation in Building C of Pembangunan Panca Budi University

Continued population growth and increasing food needs require more innovation in the agricultural sector to increase crop productivity sustainably. An interesting approach to this challenge is solar panel-based aquaponics systems. Solar panels are integrated as an energy source to drive water pumps, and other system components in aquaponics. Research was conducted on the production of electricity generated by solar panels in aquaponics in Building C of Pembangunan Panca Budi University. Data analysis was carried out to evaluate and provide innovations regarding the efficiency and reliability of solar panels in the environmental conditions of Pembangunan Panca Budi University.

High-Throughput Analysis of Leaf Chlorophyll Content in Aquaponically Grown Lettuce Using Hyperspectral Reflectance and RGB Images

Chlorophyll content reflects plants’ photosynthetic capacity, growth stage, and nitrogen status and is, therefore, of significant importance in precision agriculture. This study aims to develop a spectral and color vegetation indices-based model to estimate the chlorophyll content in aquaponically grown lettuce. A completely open-source automated machine learning (AutoML) framework (EvalML) was employed to develop the prediction models. The performance of AutoML along with four other standard machine learning models (back-propagation neural network (BPNN), partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) was compared. The most sensitive spectral (SVIs) and color vegetation indices (CVIs) for chlorophyll content were extracted and evaluated as reliable estimators of chlorophyll content. Using an ASD FieldSpec 4 Hi-Res spectroradiometer and a portable red, green, and blue (RGB) camera, 3600 hyperspectral reflectance measurements and 800 RGB images were acquired from lettuce grown across a gradient of nutrient levels. Ground measurements of leaf chlorophyll were acquired using an SPAD-502 m calibrated via laboratory chemical analyses. The results revealed a strong relationship between chlorophyll content and SPAD-502 readings, with an R2 of 0.95 and a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.975. The developed AutoML models outperformed all traditional models, yielding the highest values of the coefficient of determination in prediction (Rp2) for all vegetation indices (VIs). The combination of SVIs and CVIs achieved the best prediction accuracy with the highest Rp2 values ranging from 0.89 to 0.98, respectively. This study demonstrated the feasibility of spectral and color vegetation indices as estimators of chlorophyll content. Furthermore, the developed AutoML models can be integrated into embedded devices to control nutrient cycles in aquaponics systems.

Integrating Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal in Aquaponics System for Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Production

The adoption of aquaponics systems faces challenges due to the high cost of fish feed, lack of sustainability, and reliance on fishmeal as a primary input. One potential solution to replace fishmeal is the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in aquaponics. The study aimed to explore the effect of substituting fish meals with BSFL meals on the growth performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in aquaponics. The study employed the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). A total of 135 catfish fingerlings were divided into three groups and stocked in nine water barrels of 100 litres each (filled with 60 litres of water). The fingerlings were fed twice a day for a duration of 56 days after a two-week period of acclimatisation using commercial feed. Water was cycled through the hydroponic media grow bed using an automatic timer, with a 15-minute cycle every hour throughout the day and night. Fish meal was replaced with BSFL meal at three different proportions: 0% (BSFL0), 30% (BSFL30), and 50% (BSFL50). The data collected was analysed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Tukey's ad-hoc and Dunn's tests, respectively, utilising JMP 16 software. The results indicated that the fresh leaf weight was significantly influenced by the diet types (p<0.05). However, no significant effect was observed on root weight, total dry weight, number of leaves, or root length (p>0.05). This study suggests that black soldier fly larvae meal can successfully replace up to 50% of fishmeal in aquaponics without compromising lettuce growth performance. Therefore, promoting the use of black soldier fly larvae meal can contribute to the sustainability of lettuce production in aquaponics

Insect-based fish feed in decoupled aquaponic systems: Effect on lettuce production and resource use.

The utilisation of insect meal-based fish feed as a substitute for conventional fish meal-based fish feed is considered as a promising innovative alternative to boost circularity in aquaculture and aquaponics. Basic research on its use in aquaponics is limited. So far, no reports on the effects of fish waste water, derived from a recirculating aquaculture system using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) meal-based diets, were available on the growth performance of lettuce. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of reusing fish waste water from tilapia culture (as a base for the nutrient solution) fed with a fish meal-based diet (FM) and a BSF meal-based diet on resource use and lettuce growth in decoupled aquaponic systems. A conventional hydroponics nutrient solution (HP) served as control, and inorganic fertilisers were added to all nutrient solutions to reach comparable target concentrations. The experiment was conducted in a controlled climate chamber in nine separate hydroponics units, three per treatment. Lettuce fresh and dry weight, number of leaves, relative leaf chlorophyll concentration, water consumption, and the usage of inorganic fertilisers were measured. Micro- and macronutrients in the nutrient solutions were monitored in time series. Similar lettuce yield was seen in all treatments, with no significant effects on fresh and dry weight, the number of leaves, and relative chlorophyll values. Water use per plant was also similar between treatments, while the amount of total inorganic fertiliser required was 32% lower in FM and BSF compared to HP. Higher sodium concentrations were found in the FM nutrient solutions compared to BSF and HP. The results confirm that BSF-based diet is a promising alternative to FM-based diet in aquaponics with no negative effects on lettuce growth. Additionally, BSF-based diet might be beneficial in intensive, professional aquaponics applications due to the lower sodium concentration in the nutrient solution.

Sustainability of Growth Performance, Water Quality, and Productivity of Nile Tilapia-Spinach Affected by Feeding and Fasting Regimes in Nutrient Film Technique-Based Aquaponics

Aquaponic systems offer an innovative approach to sustainable agriculture, where the interplay between fish and plant cultivation can be optimized. The choice of feeding and fasting schedules plays a crucial role in system efficiency and overall productivity. This study aims to investigate the impacts of various feeding and fasting schedules on water quality, and the growth performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings, and spinach productivity in an aquaponic system based on the nutrient film technique (NFT). O. niloticus fingerlings with an initial weight of 13.47 ± 0.14 g were randomly stocked at a density of 6 kg/m3, and spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea) were included. The study employed a completely randomized block design with five replications. Various water quality parameters were monitored, and the effects of different feeding/fasting schedules on fish and spinach were assessed. The data revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in water quality parameters, all of which remained within acceptable ranges for aquaponic systems. The one-day feeding/one-day fasting treatment resulted in reduced final body weight, weight gain percentage, and specific growth rate, compared to other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Higher levels of glucose and plasma cortisol were observed in this treatment. Economic efficiency was highest in the daily feeding treatment (40.05%), with no statistical difference (p > 0.05) observed in the group subjected to three-day feeding/one-day fasting (39.03%). Spinach yield varied significantly between treatments (p < 0.05), with the daily feeding treatment recording the highest yield (2.78 kg/m2) and the one-day feeding/one-day fasting cycle having the lowest yield (1.57 kg/m2). The findings suggest that the three-day feeding/one-day fasting regime in an NFT-based aquaponic system results in efficient nutrient utilization, higher productivity, and profitability for Nile tilapia. Additionally, this approach supports marketable biomass production for spinach. Different feeding and fasting schedules have distinct effects on water quality, fish growth, and spinach productivity in aquaponic systems. The three-day feeding/one-day fasting schedule emerges as an effective strategy for optimizing resource utilization and increasing overall productivity.

Utilizing fish wastewater in aquaponic systems to enhance anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactive compounds in Sarcodia suae

Aquaculture wastewater, rich in organic nutrients, is an essential environmental factor. When applied to seaweed cultivation systems, this wastewater holds the potential to notably increase the growth rate and carbon capture of Sarcodia suae. Sarcodia suae has the potential to be a healthy food due to its various biological activities; however, its chemical composition has yet to be completely defined. In this study, we applied a UHPLC-HRMS-based foodomics strategy to determine and classify possible bioactive metabolites in S. suae. From pooled seaweed samples (S. suae cultured in filtered running, FR, aquaponic recirculation, AR systems), we identified 179 and 146 compounds in POS and NEG modes, respectively. These compounds were then classified based on their structures using the Classyfire classification. Results show that S. suae in AR exhibited higher growth performance, and ten upregulated metabolites were determined. We also validated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative bioactivities of some selected compounds. Our study provided important insights into the potential use of fish wastewater in aquaponic systems to profile and produce bioactive compounds in S. suae comprehensively. This has significant implications for the development of sustainable food and the promotion of environmental health.

Aquaponics as a climate‐smart technology for sustainable food production: A comparison with conventional production system in United Arab Emirates

AbstractThis research aimed to standardize the growth of two commonly cultivated herbs in the United Arab Emirates, basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), within an aquaponic system. The study compared a recirculatory aquaponic system (RAS) with static aquaculture systems (for fish performance) and irrigated greenhouse cultivation systems (for herb performance). The project assessed growth, element composition, and aquaponic efficacy to determine the viability of aquaponics for these herbs. In the soilless (aquaponic) system, both herbs exhibited significantly enhanced growth parameters, including plant height, root length, leaf count, and fresh and dry weights, compared to conventional soil‐based cultivation. This growth enhancement was attributed to the additional nutrients derived from fish waste in the aquaponic system. Furthermore, plants displayed significantly higher element levels, highlighting the effectiveness of aquaponics in nutrient delivery. Notably, the aquaponic system demonstrated superior antioxidant activity in both herbs. The study also revealed remarkable water use efficiency in the aquaponic system, with water savings exceeding 90% compared to conventional methods. These findings establish the efficiency and sustainability of aquaponic systems over traditional food production approaches, particularly in arid regions such as the United Arab Emirates. Utilizing an aquaponic system for these commonly cultivated herbs resulted in improved growth and resource efficiency, affirming its viability as an environmentally sustainable and efficient method of food production in desert climates.

COMPARING NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN DECOUPLEDAQUAPONICS SYSTEMS FOR GROWING Cannabis sativa

Aquaponics is an integrative aquaculture system that uses waste produced by farmed aquatic animals to supply nutrients to a hydroponic system for growing plants. The growth of Cannabis sativa in aquaponic systems displays the potential for well-managed aquaponic systems to produce a variety of crops. In this study, we examined the impact of nutrient management techniques on the growth of Cannabis sativa in a decoupled aquaponic system. Four treatments were assessed: (1) recirculating treatment using aquaponic system effluent plus nutrient supplementation (AqRN), (2) flow-through treatment with aquaponic system effluent (AqFT), (3) flow-through hydroponic treatment with aquaponic effluent supplementation (10% by volume) (AqHydro), and (4) flow-through hydroponic control treatment (Hydro). The results indicated that the AqFT and AqHydro systems provided comparable yields to the hydroponic system, while the AqRN treatment exhibited reduced trimmed yield with signs of plant stress and nutrient deficiency appearing toward the end of the trial. AqFT produced fewer terpenes than the other treatments and may benefit from micronutrient supplementation. AqHydro and Hydro treatments displayed no significant difference in water quality or yield. Notably, AqHydro treatment showed reduced water consumption, underscoring the potential for aquaculture effluent supplementation to cost-effectively enhance fertigation in hydroponic systems.

GIS-based land suitability analysis for the optimal location of integrated multi-trophic aquaponic systems

Aquaponics has witnessed global proliferation and a notable enhancement in sustainability in recent years. Consequently, it assumes paramount importance to delineate optimal locations for its implementation, in fact, the success of an aquaponic facility also depends on its geographical placement, necessitating consideration of many variables encompassing natural resources, socioeconomic factors, infrastructural availability and environmental constraints, whether natural or artificial. This paper focuses on the definition and test in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) of a GIS-based multi-criteria land suitability assessment model aimed at allowing the diffusion and environmental integration of innovative integrated multi-trophic aquaponic systems. The process has been implemented with a Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) model, where decisions and criteria were selected via a participatory mechanism involving experts in various fields. The region has been subdivided into 50 × 50 m grid cells, with each grid cell being associated with a value ranging from 0 to 8. In this context, a rating of 0 means unsuitability, while a rating of 1 denotes minimal suitability, and the highest rating of 8 designates maximal suitability. Notably, a substantial portion of the surveyed territory has been found to be completely unsuitable for the establishment of aquaponic facilities. More than 86.4% of the remaining suitable areas were rated 6, 7, or 8, affirming the overall favourability of the Emilia-Romagna region for aquaponic installations. Finally, the veracity and robustness of the results have been tested through a one-at-a-time sensitivity analysis, that has proven the appropriateness of the proposed model.

Automation of aquaponics systems through integration of RTC modules, turbidity sensors, and water level sensors

Automation of aquaponics systems is key in increasing agricultural efficiency and productivity. A system considered an innovative method of sustainable food production that combines fish farming with agriculture simultaneously. The problem that often occurs is crop failure, due to the lack of technology that can monitor automatically, so that farmers experience losses as a result of fish and plant growth does not thrive, and problems in urban areas that require land for planting and fish farming due to limited land in urban areas. There is another problem with the lack of accurate timing and monitoring of water quality in aquaponics. The purpose of this research is to implement an IoT system in aquaponics that is connected to various sensors, such as Turbidity sensors, Water Level sensors, and RTC Modules. To monitor water quality conditions in tilapia habitat and accurate time measurement to provide fish feed automatically so as to improve fish health and growth and support better and consistent yields. The findings of this study show that the implementation of IoT systems in aquaponics can overcome environmental monitoring and control problems effectively. Using the integration of RTC modules, turbidity sensors, and water level sensors effectively improves the automation of aquaponics systems. This optimized system provides better monitoring of environmental conditions, reduces reliance on manual maintenance, and increases overall productivity. It helps increase tilapia growth and plant productivity in a modern aquaponics system. This research demonstrates the great potential of IoT technology in increasing efficiency and productivity in aquaponics aquaculture, so that it can push the fisheries sector towards a more advanced and competitive direction. So the main conclusion is expected that this automation can increase the productivity of ecosystem balance, and can face food security challenges and move towards more environmentally friendly solutions, towards effective management in the future.

Metataxonomic Analysis of Microbial Communities in Aquaponic Systems at Two Facilities in the Midwest United States

Aquaponic production relies on microbial activity to convert fish wastes into nutrients for plants. An aquaponic system contains multiple compartments that each have varying environmental pressures that can impact the types of microbes living in the compartment. Furthermore, differences in fish and plant species, system startup and management, and water source can impact microbial communities that colonize an aquaponic system. In this study, we sampled two aquaponic facilities that each operated six replicate aquaponic systems. Metataxonomic analyses were performed on the samples to compare the microbial communities of aquaponic facilities in Minnesota (MN) and Wisconsin (WI), assess the consistency of the microbial communities across multiple systems within a single facility, and evaluate the abundance and types of microbes present within each compartment of a system. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were common in both facilities, but nitrifying organisms were in greater abundance at the WI facility. Microbial communities were largely consistent among systems within a facility, but microbial communities among different compartments of the systems varied. Nitrifying organisms were primarily associated with the biofilter compartment of the MN systems but were found throughout the WI systems, which do not have a dedicated biofiltration compartment. While nitrifying organisms have an important role in an aquaponic system, they comprise less than 10% of the total microbial community of the aquaponic systems we sampled. Other taxa are likely to have equally important roles in the productivity of an aquaponic system, but those taxa and their functions have not been well characterized, and it is unclear how system startup, management, and other factors impact colonization and maintenance of these taxa.

Comparison Study of Water Quality and Organoleptic Analysis of Catfish (Clarias sp.) From Conventional Pond and Aquaponic Systems

Catfish is one of the most popular in Indonesia because it is easy to maintain. Catfish can be cultured in ponds or together with plants, known as an aquaponic system. This study aimed to compare water quality and the quality of catfish cultured using conventional systems in concrete ponds and an aquaponic systems in plastic fiber ponds. This study has the results of water quality testing showing a difference in the ammonia value of 3 ppm in concrete pond using conventional system and 0.5 ppm in plastic fiber ponds using an aquaponic system. Meanwhile, the results of organoleptic test show that catfish cultured using an aquaponic system provide higher value comparison to the conventional system. Catfish cultured with an aquaponic system is better than conventional systems in ponds.

Multi-loop Aquaponics Systems: A Review and Proposed Multi-loop Agrogeological Aquaponics System

The achievement of the second sustainability development goal, targeting zero hunger by 2030, faces considerable challenges if the current food security landscape persists. Traditional agricultural practices remain inefficient and compete for space with the expanding global population. In contrast, urban agriculture presents a more resource-efficient and high-yield alternative by exploring soilless or alternative growing mediums in urban areas. Among the urban farming methods, aquaponics emerges as a noteworthy technique. A recent development in decoupled or multi-loop aquaponics systems aims to address the shortcomings of traditional systems. This paper, therefore, reviews various implementations of multi-loop aquaponics systems in literature, delving into their advantages and limitations. Incorporation of agrogeology into multi-loop aquaponics systems is potentially a strategy to tackle potential nutrient deficiencies that aquaponics systems may encounter. The design and construction of a proposed conceptual multi-loop aquaponics system with agrogeology are presented and discussed with suggestions for future research and development.

Design, Development, and Performance Evaluation of Plastic-based Radial-flow Settling Unit for NFT Aquaponics

Highlights Inclusion of the designed radial flow settler to the aquaponic system helps to remove more than 80% TSS, which is on par with or better in comparison to the TSS removal efficiency of the existing models. Removing excess suspended solids in traditional aquaponic setups could help prevent biofilter choking and hence, water contamination further down the line. The developed radial flow is simple in design, cost-effective, and yet, efficient. Abstract. One cylindrical settler of capacity 200 L (Ø 0.6×0.7 m) with a center-bottom inlet has been designed and developed in High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) under the All-India Co-ordinated Research Project on Plastic Engineering in Agriculture Structures & Environment Management (AICRP on PEASEM) center at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar for fitting to the developed Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) aquaponics system. The water flow into the settling unit comes from a single-drain fish culture tank with the outlet at the bottom-center with a downward slope of 1:22. The experiment was carried out for the evaluation of the efficiency of Total Suspended Solid (TSS) removal in the developed radial-flow settling unit. The performance is assessed in terms of capturing the suspended solids from the water of aquaculture operation with varying specific gravity (1=SG>2) as well as the skimming of the floating organic surfactants before entering into the biofilter. During the 90 days of study, a total of 60 water samples were collected from the outlet of the fish culture tank and the overflow of the settler, which were filtered through the standard 11 µm pore paper filter for further processing in the laboratory. The average TSS concentration removed was calculated to be 128.55 mg/L on dry weight basis and a mean efficiency of 80.06 ± 9.36% was observed in the experiment with a surface loading rate of 0.00103 m3/min-m2 of the radial flow settler. The right-angle submerged overflow of the settler helped in complete surfactant removal. Keywords: Aquaponics, NFT, Radial-flow, Specific gravity, Suspended solid.

Feeding Mars: A pilot study growing vegetables using aquaponic effluent fertiliser in simulant and analogue Martian regoliths

The Feeding Mars study was devised as a small, pilot proof of concept study to research the potential for using aquaponic effluents as an additive to regoliths which on Mars and the Moon are devoid of organic material and thus lacking microbes which assist in the delivery of water and nutrients to the plants via their roots. This research investigates aquaponics as a way to potentially produce fish and vegetal products in regoliths on Mars and the Moon as well as in extreme environments on Earth. In order to settle on Mars, settlers will have to grow their own food in systems that are self-perpetuating, with little or no inputs being brought from Earth once these systems have been established. This means that nutrients from the fish water can be used to grow plants in the hydroponic parts of the aquaponic system but also potentially in the Martian regoliths which are treated with effluents taken from aquaponic systems. Once production is established additional nutrients can be sourced from the arisings and waste, both from the fish (that are processed and eaten) and the plants, which can be used as compost to turn the regoliths into soil. In order to have fish in space, there is also the need for the systems to be self-sustaining in the production of fish feed. The key outcomes of the project were that all the species grown (potatoes, tomatoes, dwarf beans, carrots, lettuce, spring onions, chives and basil) indicate the potential to be grown in regoliths with the addition of aquaponic effluents. A significant result was that on the whole the plants that were grown with the addition of aquaponic effluents were greener than those grown in the horticultural soil, indicating that the nutrient supply was adequate. However, a key lesson learned is that germination and thus development of the plants grown in the Mars simulant and analogue was slower than those grown in the horticultural soil. Thus, developing nutrients in the soil before planting is necessary as it is with agriculture and horticulture practices on Earth, where manuring/fertilization occurs before planting. The consequence of this research, and the envisaged research to follow is not only for extra-terrestrial environments. The Earth has its own hostile environments, characterised with regoliths and other unproductive soils, and aquaponic water and aquaponic wastes can readily be envisaged as providing solutions to growing nutritious food in areas where agriculture is not currently viable. The research was undertaken in an exhibition gallery setting at the University of Greenwich in order to encourage public interest and dialogue, which it did.

Aquaponics Revolution: Reinforcing performance by means of Apache Spark and Apache Kafka

Many studies provide ways to monitor and manage the aquaponics system, a closed-loop ecosystem that combines hydroponics—growing plants without soil—and aquaculture—raising fish—using cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart sensing technologies. A system operating at peak efficiency yields organic, healthful food with little water and no chemical fertilizer usage, therefore contributing to food security and sustainability. In order to develop our proposed aquaponic system based on Internet of Things technologies, this paper will centralize our endeavor to integrate big data tools, namely Apache Spark and Kafka, into the previous architecture for data collection and processing, as well as for the prediction of any anomalies in the system.

Hemato-biochemical profile of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1816) comparing different growth phases in aquaponic systems

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os parâmetros hemato-bioquímicos do tambaqui Colossoma macropomum em diferentes fases de crescimento em cultivo integrado com açaí Euterpe oleracea. Para isso, 240 tambaquis juvenis, com peso e comprimento médio inicial de 21,8 ± 7,74 g e 11,28 ± 6,88 cm, foram cultivados em sistema aquapônico integrado ao açaí por 180 dias. No período, 107 tambaquis saudáveis foram amostrados e categorizados em cinco fases distintas de crescimento. Em cada fase de crescimento foram coletadas alíquotas de sangue para análises. A 1ª fase avaliou peixes com peso médio de 103,1 ± 5,27 g; a 2ª, peixes com 823,4 ± 42,6 g; a 3ª, peixes com 1.087,75 ± 16,38 g; a 4ª, peixes com 1402,0 ± 76,6 g e a 5ª, peixes com 1815,0 ± 65,1 g. As variáveis de qualidade da água permaneceram dentro dos parâmetros aceitáveis para ambas as culturas. Eritrócitos foram significativamente diminuídos na 1ª e 2ª fase. Hemoglobina foi significativamente diminuída na 1ª fase. O hematócrito manteve-se igual a partir da 2ª fase. O VCM foi significativamente inferior nos peixes com 1815,0 ± 65,1 g. Os níveis de glicose plasmática foram significativamente diminuídos na 1ª e 2ª fases. Colesterol, triglicerídeos e proteínas totais foram significativamente aumentados nos peixes na 5ª fase. AST foi significativamente diminuído nos peixes na 3ª fase, comparado com a 1ª e 5ª fases. ALT foi significativamente aumentado nos peixes na 1ª fase, comparado com a 3ª, 4ª e 5ª fases. Os resultados são ferramentas importantes para avaliar a saúde e o bem-estar do tambaqui em pesquisas futuras envolvendo culturas aquapônicas.

The method of complex biological water treatment in aquaponic recirculation systems

The article discusses the results of experimental research work on the development of technical solutions aimed at creating an integrated innovative biotechnology for recycled water treatment in recirculating aquaculture systems. Schemes and descriptions of experimental units using the multitrophic approach when creating water treatment systems are given. The system is completed according to the principle of integration into a single multitrophic system of spatially delimited biomodules with various types of hydrobionts, where particular types of organisms serve as a food base for subsequent trophic levels. As a result of trophic chains, phytoplankton and zooplankton are cultivated and used as starter live food when rearing juvenile fish. Natural food base contributes to the production of high-quality viable fish stock, which is essential for commercial fish farming. The use of tiered units can significantly reduce the need for production space. Polyculture cultivation of various species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks together with hydroponic plants allows to diversify production for obtaining additional profit and reducing the risks. Cultivation of high-value fish species (e.g. sturgeon) or crustaceans (Australian red claw) together with less valuable cyprinids, tilapia or African catfish allows to promote products in different market segments.

Development and research of the effectiveness of using an automated aquaponic system for home cultivation of microgreens

In this study, an automated system was developed for the home cultivation of microgreens using aquaponics technology using modern technologies and a review of literary sources. The researcher was convinced that the automation system of the aquafarm is able to significantly simplify human care of the aquarium. Experimentally, the advantage of using this system over the "classic" method of growing microgreens, in terms of the rate of ascent of the stems, was tested. It was also verified that the developed automated system for a home aquapon installation has a positive effect on the biological ecosystem. Monitoring of the main indicators of water quality has shown sufficient effectiveness of this method to neutralize indicators such as nitrates. In the future, this work can become the basis for conducting a large number of experiments for longer periods and monitoring a wide range of water quality indicators and growing large types of seeds.

Perfil hemato-bioquímico do tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1816) comparando diferentes fases de crescimento em cultivo aquapônico

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the haemato-biochemical parameters of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum in different growth phases in an integrated culture with açai Euterpe oleracea. For this, 240 juvenile tambaqui with initial average weight and length of 21.8 ± 7.74 g and 11.28 ± 6.88 cm were cultured in an aquaponic system integrated with açai for 180 days. During the period, 108 healthy tambaquis were sampled and categorized into five distinct growth phases. At each growth phase blood aliquots were collected. The first phase being fish with an average weight of 103.1 ± 5.27 g; second phase with 823.4 ± 42.6 g; third phase with 1087.75 ± 16.38 g; fourth phase with 1402.0 ± 76.6 g and fifth phase with 1815.0±65.1 g. Water quality variables remained within acceptable parameters for both cultures. Erythrocyte was significantly lower in the first and second phase. Haemoglobin was significantly lower in fish in the first phase. Haematocrit remained the same from the second phase onwards. MCV was significantly lower in fish with 1815.0 ± 65.1 g. Plasma glucose levels were significantly lower in the first and second phases. Cholesterol, triglycerides, and total proteins were significantly higher in fish of the fifth phase. AST was significantly lower in fish from the third phase when compared to fish from the first and fifth phases. ALT was significantly higher in fish from the first phase when compared to fish from the third, fourth, and fifth phases. The results are important tools for assessing the health and well-being of tambaqui in future research involving aquaponic cultures.