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Concept - Note Aquaponic - Systems PDF
Concept - Note Aquaponic - Systems PDF
AQUAPONIC
SYSTEMS
AND
TECHNOLOGIES
To showcase sustainable food security initiatives
in urban and village-based communities
Subhrankar Mukherjee
PhD,MBA
Appropriate Technology
Division
CONCEPT NOTE:
INDEX
1
2
Introduction..............................................................................................................2
What is Aquaponics?...............................................................................................2
2.1
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Raft system............................................................................................................................ 3
Media-filled bed.................................................................................................................... 4
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)............................................................................................ 4
Aquaponics Day-to-Day Operation ...................................................................................... 4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
5
6
7
8
Financial analysis.....................................................................................................6
Holistic development model ....................................................................................7
Agri-tourism & Eco-Park Program Development ...............................................7
Conclusions...............................................................................................................8
Annex: Photo-diary of Aquaponics & Spirulina Eco-Park (ASEP) at Ullon
Keywords: Aquaponics, aquaculture, water, fish farming, vegetables, hydroponics, soil-less plant culture,
nutrient-rich water, natural fertilizer, natural microbial process, sustainable ecosystem, organic, raft system,
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), holistic development, agri-tourism.
Concept Note:
Aquaponic Systems and Technologies
Introduction
Water Reuse: Aquaponic systems are completely contained systems that reuse most of the water
from the fish holding tanks. Wastes are removed, water is treated and recycled back to the tanks.
Water loss during waste removal/evaporation is typically 1-1.5% of the total volume of water.
Space and Production Efficiency: The productivity is higher than conventional aquaculture,
while allowing for optimal year-round growth. Market-sized fish can be produced in 9 months
compared to 15-18 months in conventional fish farms. It takes 197.6 acres of open ponds to produce the same amount of shrimp that an aquaponic farm can raise on just 6.1 acres of land![5]
Biosecurity: Aquaponic fish farms, which are fully closed and controlled and operate without any
inputs of chemicals, drugs or antibiotics, are biosecureas diseases and parasites cannot get into
the system. This ensures a more natural product for consumers. AP systems can be (a) located near
markets or within urban communities that will use the fish, rather than by natural water sources
like oceans or rivers, thus having a smaller carbon footprint due to reduced transportation requirements; and (b) need not be located on water supply systems or for drainage requirements.
Aquaponic systems, which have been under progressive development for over 40 years, can be designed to
be economically and environmentally sustainable, while enhancing productivity, profitability and the quality of food security, through continuous improvements in both, hard and soft aquaponic technology.
Pleas turn to the annex to view a photo-diary of the Aquaponics & Spirulina Eco-Park (ASEP) at Ullon.
What is Aquaponics?
Concept Note:
Aquaponic Systems and Technologies
Hydroponics
Weeds;
Knowledge required to
know when to water,
when and how to fertilize, and what is the composition of the soil;
Presence of soil-borne
insects;
Pests.
Intensive Aquaculture
The problems with intensive
aquaculture are:
meters;
Water in hydroponic systems
needs to be discharged periodically, as the salts and
chemicals build up in the water which becomes toxic to
the plants. This is both inconvenient and problematic;
Aquaponics
The advantages of aquaponic
systems are:
We need to carefully
monitor the aquaponic system during the first month,
but once the system is established, we only need to
check pH and ammonia
levels occasionally, or if
plants or fish seem
stressed.
There are three primary aquaponic methods emerging in the aquaponic industry. The common components
are the fish tank and plant bed. The variables include filtration components, plumbing components, the type
of plant bed and the amount and frequency of water circulation and aeration. [3], [4]
3.1 Raft system
In a raft system (also known as float, deep channel and deep flow) the plants are grown on Styrofoam
boards (rafts) that float on top of water.Often, this is in a tank separate from the fish tank. Water flows continuously from the fish tank, through filtration components, through the raft
tank where the plants are grown and then back to the fish tank.
The beneficial bacteria live in the raft tank and throughout the system. The
extra volume of water in the raft tank provides a buffer for the fish, reducing
stress and potential water quality problems. This is one of the greatest benefits of the raft system. In addition, the University of the Virgin Islands and
other research programs have worked to develop and refine this method for
over 25 years. The raft system is a well developed method with very high
production per square foot.
In a commercial system, the raft tanks can cover large areas, best utilizing the
floor space in a greenhouse. Plant seedlings are transplanted on to one end of
the raft tank. The rafts are pushed forward on the surface of the water over time and then the mature plants
are harvested at the other end of the raft. Once a raft is harvested, it can be replanted with seedlings and set
into place on the opposite end. This method optimizes floor space, which is especially important in a commercial greenhouse setting.
Concept Note:
Aquaponic Systems and Technologies
Fish feeding
The key to a successful aquaponic system is the beneficial bacteria which convert the fish wastes into nutrients that the plants use. [5]
A key feature of aquaponic technology is that it re-uses water, which is re-circulated continuously throughout the system. All of the tanks and various aquaponic components are connected by pipes. Water flows
from the fish tank to the mechanical filter where solid waste is removed. The water then flows into a biological filter that converts ammonia to nitrate. Some systems use special tanks that are designed to promote
good bacteria growththe bacteria act as a filter. After being treated in the mechanical and biofiltration
components, the water flows back to the fish tank.
More than 50% of the waste produced by fish is in the form of ammonia, secreted through the gills and in
the urine. The remainder of the waste, excreted as fecal matter, undergoes a process called mineralization
which occurs when Heterotrophic bacteria consume fish waste, decaying plant matter and uneaten food,
converting all three to ammonia & other compounds. In sufficient quantities, ammonia is toxic to plants
and fish. Nitrifying bacteria, which naturally live in the soil, water and air, convert ammonia first to nitrite
and then to nitrate which plants consume. In aquaponic systems, the nitrifying bacteria will thrive in the
Sankalpa Research Center
Doc. No: SRC/ATD/AP.01 Revision 2 ; Date: 25th March 2013
Concept Note:
Aquaponic Systems and Technologies
gravel in the fish tanks and in the growing medium in the grow bed. The plants readily uptake the nitrate in
the water and, in consuming it, help to keep the water quality safe for the fish.
Briefly, some of the important factors to be considered for building and operating an aquaponic system are:
Concept Note:
Aquaponic Systems and Technologies
4.4 Aquaponic farms are more efficient than other forms of fish farming.
Aquaponic farms outperform other types of fish farming in growth rates, diverse revenue streams, scalability, array of products and flexibility of location. Importantly, they are more eco-friendly and can provide
better quality products for consumers. Production levels in aquaponic farms are often higher than those
from other forms of fish farming. Year-round growth is possible due to the controlled environmental conditions.
4.5 Aquaponic system eliminates mosquitoes
A network associate in Hawaii, Friendly Aquaponics, Inc., reports that an additional benefit of running an
aquaponic farmthat they noticed after the first system was operational for six monthswas that the mosquitoes on their seven-acre farm had COMPLETELY disappeared! A copy of their report documenting this
amazing benefit will be provided to anyone who is interested to know more about their studies. [8]
Financial analysis
Aquaponic enterprises, like any other commercial activity, shall require adequate investments in equipment, proper design of its facilities, and excellent management and marketing skills. Additionally, the entrepreneur needs to be a skilled fish culturist and plant grower. With these resources and qualifications, an
aquaponic farmwhich uses natural resources like water and land efficiently and produce multiple productscan be economically viable. For commercial ventures, Aquaponics can be highly profitable.
According to the literature[6][7], the aquaponic system at the University of the Virgin Islands (a) was constructed and fully outfitted for $40,490 (not including labor), which is equivalent to about Rs.18.6 Lakhs
(at an exchange rate of Rs.46 to US$1); and (b) uses 187,775 gallons (or 710,803 liters) of water annually,
to produce approximately:
11,000 pounds (or 5,000 kg) of fish per year; at Rs.100/kg, this translates to Rs. 5 Lakhs per year;
37,800 heads of lettuce with the estimated weight of 0.65 pounds per head, which equals to 24,570
pounds (or 11,168 kg) of lettuce per year; at Rs.40/kg, this translates to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs per year.
The direct economic value of aquaponic products comprising 5,000 kg of tilapia and 11,168 kg of
lettuce totals to about Rs.9.5 Lakhs per year.
Let us consider the cost of labor for construction to be 50% of material cost, so the facility cost in
the USA would be about (Rs.18.6 Lakhs x 1.5) = Rs.28 Lakhs; then, assuming that material and labor cost in India is half that of the US, derate that amount by 50% to reflect lower material and
construction costs in India, which means that an equivalent aquaponic facility in India would cost
about (Rs.28 Lakhs x 0.5) = Rs.14 Lakhs;
Thus, the [Facility Cost : Annual Sales Revenue] ratio is [Rs. 14 Lakhs/Rs.9.5 Lakhs] = 1.5.
A significant operational advantage of aquaponic systems over traditional fish and vegetable production
methods is the low labor cost. Most of the commercial aquaponic applications documented in the classic
manual, The IBC of Aquaponics [4], are run by family-oriented management systems. Large commercial
operations require one full-time, semi-skilled employee per 1,000 m2 of enclosed space; for each 4,000 m2
of enclosed space, an extra full-time person will be required to help with the fish and plant harvesting.
There are NO special skills required to operate any facet of the aquaponic systems. Therefore, the payback/break-even point from commercial aquaponic projects should be considerably less than two years. As
we gain from the learning curve, the cost economics of aquaponic systems should improve, whilst the cost
of production of traditional methods sharply increase, as the cost of land, water and labor resources continue to rise uncontrollably.
Aquaponic systems are not only eco-friendly, but they also makes good business senseespecially in
a world of dwindling but escalating costs of natural resources!
Concept Note:
Aquaponic Systems and Technologies
Agri-tourism is becoming more popular, as tourists, school groups and the general public wish to be rejuvenated by coming close to the rural life, meet and interact with individuals involved in agriculture and
learn how and where their favorite foods are grown. Agri-tourism in aquaponic-related theme parks highlight educational tours that include seminars and workshops, picnic and camping sites on aquaponic farms,
farmers markets and farm festivals. Increased revenue streams and product awareness are the primary
benefits for aquaponic mediated agri-tourism programs. [10]
An aquaponic facility is especially attractive as an Eco-Park2, because:
(a) The technology is unique, naturally simple and also high-tech, all at the same time;
(b) It draws on the curiosity of a wide variety of people and groups;
(c) School children of any age can learn about biology, horticulture and many other disciplines of science, all in a setting where the technology is implemented to grow food and earn a profit;
(d) Home gardeners, garden clubs, business groups, restaurateurs and traditional farmers are all candidates for joining the tours.
Please visit our Sankalpa Research CenterNadia website at: [www.sankalpacmfs.org/src/] for more details
Concept Note:
Aquaponic Systems and Technologies
Once having visited an aquaponic eco-tourist site, a visitor will be tempted to return again and again to see,
learn, enjoy and finally, purchase fish and vegetables for their own use, at special rebates.
Tours of an aquaponic facility provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the economic and practical side of modern urban aquaculture and high-tech farming, while incorporating the many facets of science involved in the daily operation of the business. The operators can offer tours and programs focusing
on specific areas of information. For instance, a workshop on plant propagation, culturing or lighting might
be just what a kitchen garden club is looking for, while a group of biology students is keen to learn more
about the species of fish being cultured.
One of the greatest advantages of agri-tourism is the diversification of the farm operation. Adding an EcoPark as a new enterprise, such as tours or on-site sales of produce adds another source of income to an aquaponic farm and provides an opportunity to increase agricultural awareness and education among the public. In addition, Eco-Parks and agri-tourism attract customers to farms. Adding a picnic site or beautiful
garden area to an existing operation will not only draw families to the facility, but they will stay longer if
interesting attractions are provided and continuously improved or changed.
Visitors will increasingly support agri-tourism, as they see that it contributes to the stability of the agriculture industry and helps support rural communities and businesses.
Conclusions
Aquaponic systems are not only eco-friendly, sustainable, provide food security and create sustainable livelihoods, but they are also commercially feasible and make good business senseespecially in a world of
dwindling and escalating costs of natural resources, such as land and water.
References:
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
ARTS Concept Note for creating sustainable livelihoods, health, food and energy security for target beneficiaries, download at: [http://www.sankalpacmfs.org/src/wp/Concept_Integrated_Bio_Spi.pdf] ~ 518 kb.
[10]
Aquaponics, Hydroponics and Agri-Tourism, by Rebecca L. Nelson and John S. Pade; Paper prepared for
International Conference and Exhibition on Soilless Culture, 2005, Singapore.
IHPASEP Ullon
Document #: AU.IH.PIX.6d
Title Update of Aquaponic & Spirulina Eco Park Photo-Diaryupto 13th February 2013
IHPASEP Ullon
Document #: AU.IH.PIX.6d
Title Update of Aquaponic & Spirulina Eco Park Photo-Diaryupto 13th February 2013
IHPASEP Ullon
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Title Update of Aquaponic & Spirulina Eco Park Photo-Diaryupto 13th February 2013
IHPASEP Ullon
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Title Update of Aquaponic & Spirulina Eco Park Photo-Diaryupto 13th February 2013
IHPASEP Ullon
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Title Update of Aquaponic & Spirulina Eco Park Photo-Diaryupto 13th February 2013
IHPASEP Ullon
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Title Update of Aquaponic & Spirulina Eco Park Photo-Diaryupto 13th February 2013
IHPASEP Ullon
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Title Update of Aquaponic & Spirulina Eco Park Photo-Diaryupto 13th February 2013
IHPASEP Ullon
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Title Update of Aquaponic & Spirulina Eco Park Photo-Diaryupto 13th February 2013
IHPASEP Ullon
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Title Update of Aquaponic & Spirulina Eco Park Photo-Diaryupto 13th February 2013
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