Don Honorio Ventura State University

Bacolor, Pampanga

Department of Engineering and Architecture

A PROTOTYPE AQUAPONICS CENTER

Introducing Aquaponics and its Importance in
the Future

By

Clarisse C. Bonaobra

Student

Under Architect Hermel Sotiangco, uap

Instructor

A Design Project Study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for

Architectural Design 425
 February 28, 2020

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ABSTRACT

The world is facing a number of serious problems of which population continue to rise, climate
change, soil degradation, water scarcity and even food scarcity are among the most concerns.
Aquaponics, a closed loop system combining hydroponics (soil-less growing of crops) and
aquaculture (raising of fish) elements could contribute to address these following problems.
Aquaponics is emerging as a novel technology with particular potential for urban agriculture.
This study provides the possible social acceptance of aquaponics about its place in urban food
planning and how it can promote and provide a useful tool for teaching the people to address
issues like sustainable development, environmental science, agriculture, food systems, business
economics and health.

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1. INTRODUCTION

There is a global concern about how future generations will produce more food sustainably.
Agriculture has substantial environmental impact on natural resources: the conversion of
natural land to agriculture, nutrient leaching and the use of chemicals are all serious issues. 1 In
the last 20 years, nitrogen use in chemical fertilizers has exceeded by 20 times the nitrogen
content in the oceans.2 Closing the loop between crops and animals is therefore seen as the
only way to improve water and nutrient efficiency and reduce wastes. Reducing land use would
make a further contribution to sustainability. Aquaponics, by combining fish and vegetable
production and maximizing land, water and nutrient use efficiency appears to offer a possible
way forward in this regard and has particular attractions in locations where water is scarce
and/or soil is poor, and where there is strong demand for both fish and vegetables.

The popularity of Aquaponics has been increasing since the 1990s. Globally, there are hundreds
of small scale aquaponics initiatives and several larger semi-commercial operations .

1.1 Rationale for the Project

The Philippines rely greatly on agriculture as one of the primary sources of income and had
contributed much on the economic growth that we are currently experiencing. At present our
country is currently experiencing crisis in the agricultural areas which has affected much of the
society.3 These are the following concerns that we are experiencing right now:

1.1.1 Environmental Problems

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, particularly typhoons, floods, landslides,
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. The Philippines also suffers major human-
caused environmental degradation by a high annual population growth rate, including loss
of agricultural lands, deforestation, soil erosion, air and water pollution, improper disposal
of solid and toxic wastes, loss of coral reefs, mismanagement and abuse of coastal
resources and overfishing.4

1
Tillman, D., Cassman, K.G., Matson, P.A.,Naylor, R. and Polasky, S.2002. Agricultural sustainability and intensive production practices. Nature
418:671-677
2
Downing, J.A., Baker, J.L, Diaz, R.J., Prato, T., Rabalais, N.N. and Zimmerman, R.J. 1999. Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia: Land and Sea Interactions Task
Force Report No. 134. Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, Ames, IA
3
Information about Philippine Agriculture. (2016, March 13). Retrieved from http://countrystat.psa.gov.ph/?
cont=3
4

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 1.1.2 Food Scarcity
The Philippines is one of the fastest growing populations in the world today. As of February
1, 2020 (Saturday), the update estimated population of the Philippines is equivalent to
109,581,078 people which is equivalent to 1.4% of the total world population. 5 It increases
its number even more every second. All these people shall be relying on the agricultural
sector to provide sufficient food for all. The problem is, the supply of the food that the
country produces is not enough for the citizens consumption. Unfortunately, more and
more people are demanding food but our farmers and their crops are barely not enough. 6

1.1.3 Urbanization
As technology rose, our country has simultaneously developed which resulted to different
ways of life. After centuries of nonstop development, automobiles started to replace
traditional water vehicles. Older structures started to improve with the use of cement,
rocks and steel. New buildings started to rise up like Metro Manila. More and more
buildings are built since more families in rural areas migrate to these urban areas in hope.

The effect of urbanization is very evident in terms of economy and environment. As a

result, agricultural lands are slowly being converted to industrial and commercial lands. A
rapid and uncontrolled development like these would probably result to a decline on the
quality of life and environmental degradation, acceleration of greenhouse gas emissions
and political turbulence.7

1.1.4 Food Sustainability

Food gives energy for us to be able to do work. Lately, there have been growing concerns
regarding food sustainability. Animal products and plant crops are increasingly raised only
for profit. This means raising to get the highest price in the market regards to no proper
health and stewardship. Marketed crops are raised with the use of harmful chemicals in
order to produce larger products to sell.

Sustainable food is what people are designed to eat. People are the most essential factor in
order to make an economy circulate. This is why it is important to consider the quality of

5
Philippines Population (2020) - Worldometers. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.worldometers.info/world-
population/philippines-population/
6
Briones, N. D. (n.d.). Environmental Sustainability Issues in Philippine Agriculture. University of the Philippines.

7
Gonzales, R. C. (2015). Clark Farm Park: an urban vertical aquaponics farm and leisure park (Master’s thesis,
University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines).

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 the food we are eating since unsustainable food system often result to destruction of soil,
water contamination, or worse, disease outbreak !8

1.1.5 Climate Change

The Philippines geographic setting is one of the reasons why we always experience natural
calamities like typhoons and earthquakes which can lead to many damaged casualties.
Aside from natural calamities, the effect of climate change such as unpredictable droughts
(El Nino), La Nina and irregular span of seasons affect crops since they are exposed to
these physical changes in the environment. The crops may be badly damaged and worse,
wasted.9

1.1.6 Main Project

The major concerns and issues mentioned earlier may be potentially solved through a
prototype aquaponics center facility. The goal of this proposed project does not only
provide sustainable food for consumers but also to help educate people with regards to
food production. Aiming to let people know how food is produced may actually help them
appreciate food sustainability more for future needs.

1.2 Background of the Project

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world currently produces
enough food for everyone, but the challenge is overcoming inequities caused by lack of
access, poor agricultural management practices, dwindling water resources, changing water
patterns and lack of knowledge about potential adaptive measures- all of which create food
insecurity and loss of livelihoods among the most vulnerable populations.

The municipality of Bacolor, located in the province of Pampanga, is a landlocked area

situated at Central Luzon, Region 3. As a landlocked province, it has always concerns with
regards to the supply of good quality of fish and vegetables goods in the market based on the
conducted survey. The supply of fresh fish is always obtained from adjacent municipalities
such as Guagua, Angeles, Baguio and Masantol. People and delivery vehicles have to travel
very early just so the goods would still be fresh when the markets start to operate. The same
situation is also evident in terms of the source of vegetables. Fresh vegetables had to come
all the way and had to be travelled almost half a day.

8
Gonzales, R. C. (2015). Clark Farm Park: an urban vertical aquaponics farm and leisure park (Marter’s thesis,
University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines).

9
Briones, N. D. (n.d.). Environmental Sustainability Issues in Philippine Agriculture. University of the Philippines

A Prototype Aquaponics CentrePage 6

 With both problems at hand, an aquaponics system can become a solution in at least
lessening these concerns since it becomes aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soil-
free crop production) into one farming system. This system produces sustainable food almost
zero waste. The proposed prototype farming system may not completely solve the problem
on daily product transport from other provinces but it may at least provide a portion for a
specific area in the province.10

2. PROBLEM SETTING

2.1 Statement of the Project

Aquaponics is a new farming system yet to be known and applied in the Philippines. The project
is a prototype center concentrating more on food organically grown through aquaponics.

The proposed project developments will be located at Baranggay Cabambangan, Bacolor

Pampanga. This prototype development will include a series of small portable greenhouse
which will serve as the production area for both crops and fish species and a recreation and
training area facility for the future aquaponics farmers.

The prototype structure will be a low-rise structure, thus, will be considering governing laws
and regulations on the construction of such facilities.

2.2 Delimitations of the Project

On this project study, the proposed prototype aquaponics center shall not compete the local
public market but shall be one of the primary food supply located in the community of
Cabambangan, Bacolor, province of Pampanga. It will not provide for the entire population of 1,
911, 951 of the whole province11 but rather just a portion of it which is mainly in Cabambangan
Baranggay of Bacolor, Pampanga.

Aquaponics deals with many scientific intensive procesess in terms of its actual execution. This
project study will not delve deeply into its scientific process but rather focus more on
architectural details and construction system of the facilities. The scientific process will be

10
The Aquaonics Source. (2010, March). What is Aquaponics? Retrieved from
https://www.theaquaponicssource.com/what-is-aquaponics/

11
Republic of the Philippines: Philippine Statistic Authority . Retrieved from https://psa.gov.ph/content/total-
population-pampanga-nearly-hit-2-million-mark-results-2007-census-population.

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considered especially on the determination of the space requirements and basic needs of the
facilities.

Although aquaponics can produce various types of crops and raise variety of aquatic species, it
is still limited to small and ordinary crops since it tries to limit the use of soil in its production
process. The products will then be only particular to crops and vegetables cultivated locally
since other crops are also sensitive to climate conditions and settings.

2.3 Objective/s of the Proposed Project

The target goal of this project study regards a research about the surrounding and the
feasibility of whether or not the propose prototype aquaponic center will work on Baranggay
Cabambangan, Bacolor Pampanga. Also, to ascertain the possbility to, in an energy-effective
and cost-effective way, produce both fish and vegetables that be feasible to the community by
this method.

This proposed prototype aquaponics center has a bit different approach though, since it has a
learning and recreation building typology. Because of this, new architectural problems might
occur ones these different ideology combined. Below are some anticipated problems in the
design process of this project:

1. Create of a new building aesthetic that would fit both the production, tourism and
educational facility.

2. Determination of the size of each major use (agricultural production, learning spaces
and recreational spaces) of the facility.

3. Establishing privacy boundaries and spatial restrictions for each type of prospect user.

Therefore, this project shall take action regarding these problems. This will help examine
whether the acquisition of knowledge about food sustainability and production might actually
change the visitors’ way of thinking with regards to making better food choices. This project will
help discover how architecture can change people’s lives.

2.4 Importance of the Project

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Aquaponics is a possible way to food scarcity since it does not help generate supply for a
community’s food basket but it also promote sustainable food as well. If aquaponics can be
implemented in the Philippines, it might be one of the first of its kind that might spark change
for the betterment of agricultural sector. The project might serve as a vital experiment on how
to produce the same amount of food while minimizing the land that is used in producing it.

Also, the Province of Pampanga, being “The Culinary Capital of the Philippines”, have a great
potential in terms of farming and fishing. 12 Given that the target location of the project is
situated in Cabamabangan, Bacolor (which is famous in its historical attractions and local
restaurants), a prototype aquaponics center might likely be visited by many tourists, locals, and
probably students since it is near in Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU).

12
Brief Profile of Pampanga. Retrieved from https://www.alviera.ph/news/pampanga-philippines

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3. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
3.1 REVIEW OF RELATED PROJECTS
3.1.1 Clark Farm Park: Urban Vertical Aquaponics Farm and Leisure Park

The Clark Farm Park was an Architectural Thesis done by Rod Kevin Gonzales duringhis
thesis year in college back in year 2015. Somehow, this project have some similarities
to my current study. His study housed the same aquaponics farming system which is
the same system to be used in this study project. Gonzales’ proposed building in his
study is situated in Clark Freeport Zone and is meant to serve the suburban and highly
urbanized areas near the facility. It features a vertical farm, a food processing zone
and a market. It also incorporates a research facility an d educational zones. In order
to be consdered as a park, recreational spaces were also in egrated such as leisure
park, ampitheater, pond, and a restaurant in order to provide an experience which will
bring agriculture close to people.

Although various of spaces were provided in his design, Gonzales’ study focused
mainly in the production of food to be consumed by the community surrounding the
facility thus this resulted allocating a large portion of the site mainly for food
production.13

3.1.2 Multi-level Aquaponics Center

Erin Maryse Aralar’s thesis entitled the Multi-level Aquaponics Center is an

architectural thesis which includes a food production area for both crops and fish
species, a research and training area for future urban farmers and trainees, a market
for crop and fish trade, and a restaurant serving freshly grown food in the facility. The
project is a high-rise structure which takes into consideration the small lot area
chosen, building height and regulations and other important factors.This thesis has
helped provide an in-depth explanation of the aquaponics system that she used and
the constraints that the author encountered and how she solved it in the middle of the
design phase.14

3.2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

13
Gonzales, R. C. (2015). Clark Farm Park: an urban vertical aquaponics farm and leisure park ( Master’s thesis, University
of the Philippines , Quezon Cty, Philippines.)
14
Aralar, E. C. (2012). The Multi-level Aquaponics Center (Master’s Thesis, University of the Philippines, Quezon
City, Philippines).
 3.2.1 Environmental Sustainability Issues in Philippine Agriculture15
Farming, Fishing and Livelihood are the major sources of the households in
Pampanga, Philippines.

The major problems out the country’s agricultural sector revolves around the
urgency for: increased production to sustain food needed by the population, greater
competitiveness, and employment generation in order to meet political promises by
officials in the terms. Aside from achieving these goals however, the country must
also contend with the threat of sustainability of the croplands and fishery resources.

Shown in Table 1 are the summarized effects of agricultural practices and farming
systems in the Philippine environment.

TABLE 1. EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND FARMING SYSTEMS ON THE PHILIPPINE

ENVIRONMENT

Some
Environmental
Farming Problems
Problems
System Addressed
Created
Practices
Mechanization Soil erosion, energy
of land dependency, and
Labor inefficiency.
preparation, labor reduction.
planting and
harvesting.

Ground water
contamination,pests,
Intensive use Low crop yield.
soil an d water
of inorganic
pollution.
nitrogenous
fertilizer.

15
Briones, N. D. (n. d.). Environmental Sustainability Issues in Philippine Agriculture. University of the Philippines.

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 New pests,
resistance of pests,
Continuous
water pollution,
and
Crop loss to pests human poisoning,
indiscriminate
chemical
use of
dependencies.
chemical
pesticides.

Aggravated pest
problems, loss of
Planting of Low crop yield and
local adaptations,
hybrids and non-uniform traits
chemical
genetically
dependency,high
varieties.
input expenses.

Reduction of Low production Accelerated soil

fallow periods errosion.
of shifting
cultivation
areas.

Deforestation,
accelerated soil
Cultivation of Inadequacy of land
erosion,
fragile, for farming
sedimentation of
marginal
river systems,
upland areas.
biodiversity loss.

Philippine aquaculture is also suffering the same environmental stress like agricultural lands.
The major threats that the Philippine Aquaculture is having are:

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  siltation due to deforestation and improper agricultural practices,

 settlements and coastal land development,

 industrial pollutants,

 destructive fishing methods,

 overfishing,

 storms and typhoons,

 Nutrient enrichment due to agricultural fertilizer run-off and sewage.

The framework within which agricultural production can increase without have a massive
environmental damage to an ecosystem should have these four elements:

 Initiation of dynamic, community-based, and participatory land-use planning

processes that identify and mitigate the risks of natural resource degradation

and other adverse environmental impacts;

 Socioeconomic support to improve the capacity of farmers and fisher folks in

poorer areas to manage efficiently their resources through holistic

management systems.

 Greater investment ion human capital and rural infrastructure, including the

improves use of information and communication technology, and training and

empowering municipal agricultural workers to work with farmers and fisher

folks in applying environmentally sound production methods;

 Ongoing assessment, monitoring and evaluation of environmental impacts in

all segments of the food production chain.

4. Aquaponics Farming and its Systems

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 The fishes and the plants interact with each other through a symbiotic relationship
where both parties are essential for the life of the other. The fish wastes provide an
organic food source for the growing plants while the plants on the other hand, provide a
natural filter for the water where the fishes lives. A third participant is actually included
between this symbiotic relationship where microbes (nitrifying bacteria) and
composting red worms that thrive in the growing media convert the ammonia from the
fish waste into nitrates and then nitrates which serves as food for the plants. 16

Figure 1. The Aquaponics Cycle17

Aquaponics reuse resources which are ‘’wastes’’ in conventional farming systems. There
are no more toxic run-off from either hydroponics or aquaculture. This farming system
also uses 1/10th of the water in soil based gardening and even less than in hydroponics

16
The Aquaponics Source. (2010, March). What is Aquaponics? Retrieved from
https://www.theaquaponicssource.com/what-is-aquaponics/

17
Aquaponic Gardening: Growing Fish and Vegetables Together. Retrieved from
https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/aquaponic-gardening-growing-fish-vegetables-
together.jpg Figure 2

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 or in aquaculture. Watering and fertilizing are also an easy task in aquaponics since
these two elements are already present in the system itself. 18

One slight disadvantage of the aquaponics system is its limited crop and fish options.
Since plants and fishes live in different kinds of environmental conditions, only a limited
number of species of plants and fishes are raised on aquaponics systems. Fortunately,
the species of fish and types of plants are the ones which are in demand in the market.

4.1 FISH AND PLANTS SPECIES

4.1.1 Plants Species
The most popular plants grown in aquaponics are leafy vegetables and herbs-
especially lettuce and basil. Theses systems are generally less suitable for fruit because
of the longer production system and preference for different nutrient ratios. However
many species can be grown especially in media based systems.

Shown on the table 2 below are the types of fish capable of thriving in an aquaponics
system.

4.1.2 Fish Species

Although a wide variety of fish can be grown at high density in tanks in recirculated
aquaculture or aquaponic systems, Tilapia (usually Oreochromis niloticus) is by far the
preferred species for tropical and sub-tropical situations. This is because it is very easy
to breed, tolerates low Dissolved Oxygen, high Total Nitrate levels, high Total
Ammonia Nitrogen levels and low pH levels . 19

Shown on the table 3 below are the types of fish capable of thriving in an aquaponics
system.

18
Sawyer, J. (2012). Aquaponics: Growing Fish and Plants Together. Colorado : Author.

19
Aquaponics Research Project. 2013: The Relevance of Aquaponics to the New Zealand aid programme,
particularly in the Pacific. Retrieved from www.mfat.govt.nz

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 TABLE 2. LIST OF PLANTS SPECIES GROWN IN AQUAPONICS SYSTEMS 20

SPECIE VEGETABLES FRUITS FLOWERS and HERBS

 Lettuce  Strawberries  Basil

 Beans  Watermelon  Thyme

 Squash  Tomatoes  Cilantro

 Brocolli  Cantaloupe  Sage

 Peppers  Blueberries  Lemongrass

PLANTS SPECIES  Cucumber  Taro  Wheatgrass

 Peas  Oregano

 Spinach  Parsley

 Zucchini  Most garden

varieties
 Spring Onion

 Bok/ Pok Choy

 Okra

These plants differ in terms of their nutrient needs and nutrient uptake. Fruit
vegetables typically have higher nutrient demand and may need different nutrient
levels at different stages of growth.They are therefore more difficult to grow
successfully in aquaponic systems. Basil and Pak Choy have a higher nitrogen content
than (for example) lettuce or coriander, and the balance between fish feeding and
plant density may need to be adjusted accordingly.

20
Aquaponics Research Project. 2013: The Relevance of Aquaponics to the New Zealand aid programme,
particularly in the Pacific. Retrieved from www.mfat.govt.nz. Table 2

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 TABLE 3. LIST OF FISH SPECIES CAPABLE ON AQUAPONICS SYSTEMS 21

SPECIE GROWN FOR CONSUMPTION AQUARIUM FISH

 Tilapia  Goldfish

 Catfish  Koi

 Perch  Tetra

FISH SPECIES  Trout  Pacu

 Bass  Danios

 Carp  Guppies

 Bluegill  Oscar

 Freshwater Prawns  Cichlid

5. THE TECHNOLOGY
Aquaponic systems integrates recirculated aquaculture system (RAS) and hydroponics. It is
therefore worth reviewing the technology associated with both these components.

5.1 METHODS OF AQUAPONICS SYSTEMS THAT IS WIDELY USED IN PRESENT

5.1.1 Floating Raft System

Rafts are usually made from polystyrene
with holes for seedlings/pots set around
13 cm apart. This system uses a foam raft
that is floating in a channel filed with fish
effluent water that has been through
filtration to remove solid wastes. Plants
are placed in holes and the roots dangle
freely in the water. This method is most
appropriate for growing salad greens and
other fast growing, relatively low-nutrient plants.
21
Sawyer, J. (2012). Aquaponics: Growing Fish an Plants Together. Colorado: Author. Table 3

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 Figure 2. Floating Raft Based Aquaponics22

Figure 3. Floating Raft Based Aquaponics System23

5.1.2 Media or Substrate Based System

Plants are grown in a bed, bag or in inert planting media (gravel, expanded clay
pellets, coir, etc.). The media provides both the biological (ammonia based waste) and
mechanical (Solid waste) filtration , so requires far less maintenance than raft-based
systems. Large, fruiting plants are also grown much more successfully in this system
than in raft-based system. Also, this system is popular with aquaponic producers
partly because they can work effectively even in a very small-scale.

Shown on Figure 4 below is the sample photo of a Medium Based Aquaponics System

22

Gaston, C. (2009, July 28). Aquaponics in Fishponds on Floating Rafts. Retrieved from
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K1uGf7yROag/Sm4jmvcQwIIAAAAAAAAADI/C7DKvxedSN4/s400/unhealthy+raft_640.j
pg Figure 2

23

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 Figure 4. Media Based Aquaponics: Gravel Growing beds above Fish Tanks24

Figure 5. Media Based Aquaponics System25

24
Sawyer, T. (2013, September 9). Hybrid Aquaponics – The Marriage of Media and Raft |The Aquaponic Source.
Retrieved from https://www.theqauaponicssource.com/blog/hybrid-aquaponics-the-marriage-of-media-and-raft/
Figure 4
25

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 5.1.3 Hybrid Aquaponics System
A combination of Floating Raft Based and Media Based Aquaponics Systems. The media
bed becomes the pre-filter for the solid waste before the water enters the raft system.
This Hybrid system style provides planting flexibility , high productivity and low
maintenance.

Figure 6. Hybrid Aquaponics: Mixing media and raft aquaponics. 26

5.1.4 Strength and Weaknesses of Alternative Aquaponic Systems

A summary of analysis of strengths and weaknesses of alternative

aquaponics production technologies is presented in Table 4. The relative
advantages of the various systems are the subjects of much debate and
comparisons being put forward by proponents of a particular technology.

26
Sawyer, T. (2013, September 9). Hybrid Aquaponics – The Marriage of Media and Raft |The Aquaponic Source.
Retrieved from https://www.theaquaponicssource.com/blog/hybrid-aquaponics-the-marriage-of-media-and-raft/
Figure 6

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 TABLE 4. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF ALTERNATIVE PLANT GROWING
TECHNOLOGIES USED IN AQUAPONICS SYSTEMS27
ALTERNATIVE STRENGTHS
TECHNOLOGY
 Can withstand temporary
pump failure better than
media-based system.
 Larger water volume relative
to fish and plant stock
increase systems’ buffering
capacity against ammonia.
 Larger volume of water
equates to a significant
reserve of nutrients in the
Floating Raft System water column , even when
fish are temporarily
removed.
 Insulated system with high
water volume and thermal
mass reduces temperature
fluctuation.
 Rafts provide some bio
filtration surface; easy
moving; easy production
management ; easy
maintenance.
 Suitable for a greater range
of plants including root
crops.
 Substrate doubles as
biofilter (nitrification)-
allowing for technical
Media Based System
simplicity and/or a higher
ratio of fish and plants
rather than raft systems.
 Probably less pumping head
27
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WEAKNESSES
 Mosquito breeding.
(However, these may be
controlled using guppies
or mosquito fish).
 Escaped fish may graze
roots.
 Unsuitable for root and
fruit and some other
plants.
 High water volume
implies higher cost for
nutrient supplements
such as iron, in order to
maintain optimal
concentration.
 Insulation may reduce
desirable warming from
sunshine in temperate
regions.
 Higher risk to the plants
in the event of pump
failure .
 Accumulation of organic
matterin substrate-
leading to chanelling
and anaerobic
conditions (may be
tackled using worms).
 loss compared with systems  Imperfect exposure to
that incorporate separate nutrient solution.
biofilter.  Less convenient for
 Substrate may also perform harvesting/ production
buffering (increase pH) scheduling.
function.
 Direct costs and indirect
 Ebb and flow trickle allows
costs associated with
for passive aeration of media
media (e.g. due to
and roots and lower energy
weight, handling).
costs.
 Abrasion of stems in
 Trickle or sub-irrigation
outdoor /windy
systems may be more
conditions.
efficient regarding use of
nutrient supplements.
 Broadcast sowing on the
media surface is possible,
avoiding the need for a
separate nursery/ seedling
installation.

Hybrid System

5.2 BASIC CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPONENTS

Aquaponics systems may include the following components, though not all are required if the
system is to be run at low intensity and primarily for plant production.

 Sump
 Fish Tank
 Settling Tank or Clarifier
 Physical Filter (which may also serve as an aerobic , denitrifying filter)
 Aerobic bio-filter
 Degassing unit
 Grow-beds or tanks
 Blower/ aerator/diffuser
 Pump

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Fish tanks are typically round in shape to improve water flow and prevent ‘’ dead ‘’ areas
where solids can build up.

In all systems, aeration is provided to optimise conditions for fish and plant growth, allowing
for high stocking densities, reduce the risks associated with water supply failure (e.g. blockage
or pump failure), and facilitate nitrification.

A variety of physical and/or biological filters may be used for further reduce suspended and in
some cases to contribute to bio-filtration.

In systems designed to produce significant quantities of fish, more efficient dedicated aerobic
and anaerobic bio-filters may be installed. Some of the nitrate will be removed as gaseous
nitrogen from the anaerobic filter and this will allow for a higher ratio of fish to plants.

Degassing tanks may be necessary to eliminate hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide after the
anaerobic phase. The former gas is extremely exotic for fish and may be removed efficiently.

A blower or air pump is required to keep oxygen level as high as possible for the health and
growth of fish and plants . Aeration is also desirable backup for fish in case of pump or pipe
system failure.

The sump is a collecting or storage tank from which water is pump to the fish tanks and to
which water from the plat bed drains.

6. FEASIBILITY STUDIES
6.1 What is the Proposed Project?
The proposed project is to design a prototype aquaponics center which focuses on
aquaponics as its farming system. The center shall include recreational, educational and
production spaces which will be accessible to the public community.

The center shall house aquaponic set ups which aims to produce organic plants and fish.
These products shall be trade and sold in Baranggay Cabambangan Public Market and
be featured as a learning area for those who wants to have social knowledge about
aquaponics such as future farmers and students attending in Don Honorio Ventura State
University (DHVSU).

Educational spaces like training and research areas shall be provided for visitors for
further research and modifications to this farming system.

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 Various processes such as background research, contextual analysis, design
programming and schematics shall be conducted during the actual design process.

6.2 Key Elements of the Project

6.2.1 Target Location of the Project

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 6.2.3 Clientele
Since the project is a prototype aquaponics centre development, a type of development
overlapping in two different fields, the centre shall also have two types of clientele:

1. As a learning facility, the centre shall be accessible to anyone who wishes to visit
it. Thus, no restrictions shall be made on whoever are allowed to use/ see the
centre.
2. As an agricultural farm, the centre shall serve the community surrounding it. In
particular, it shall be one of the food source of the Barangay Cabambangan,
Bacolor. Based on the projected population and employment by the
municipality, it has 615 population.

6.2.4 Costs and Benefits

The cost of the project is marginally higher than other ordinary

construction projects since it needs proper site development with nice
aetrhetics and requires a very specific lists of materials and equipment to
make an aquaponic system operable.

Shown below is the assumed general cost estimates of the project.

General Cost Estimate Amount In Philippine Peso

Project Cost per square meter 25,000-30,000
Total Project Construction Cost
Operating Cost per Month
Land Acquisition Value

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 6.2.5 Organization and Management Structure
Project management and operations shall be done through the cooperationof these
three government agencies: Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Department of Science and Technologies (DOST). These
three agencies will be in-charge of monitoring the crop and fish production as well as
the research department.

BFAR shall assist cooperation in specializing aquaponics farming while DOST shall have
future proposals on developing an aquaponics exhibit spaces. The Department of
Agriculture shall help since this is a food generating facility in the first place.

6.3 Important Aspects to Consider

6.3.1 Marketing
Having an aquaponic centre development which doesn’t just aim to offer
knowledge to people but also can act as a food production facility would make a
perfect fit. The fact that the centre shall be producing sustainable food and sell
and trade it to the market and nearby community would mean an additional key
point in making Barangay Cabambangan a sustainable community.

6.3.2 Technical

Aquaponics

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