Performance of Water Treatment Techniques on Cocopeat Media Filled Grow Bed Aquaponics System

Abstract

Aquaponics system is an innovative idea which combined both aquaculture and hydroponics systems. In this study performance of four different types of water treatment technique was investigated in cocopeat media filled grow bed aquaponics system. The techniques that had been investigated were mechanical filter, biological filter, combination of both mechanical and biological filters and grow media (cocopeat) itself as filtration media. The effectiveness these techniques were assessed through (i) water quality and nutrients level of circulated water and (ii) growth rates of plant (Gynura procumbens) and Red Nile Tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) The (i) water quality (pH, temperature, total suspended solid and dissolved oxygen) (ii) nutrient level (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) and (iii) grow rates of plant and fish were weekly measured for this study. The results revealed that cocopeat media filled grow bed only was insufficient to act as water treatment unit in the aquaponics system studied. The aquaponics system required at least a biological or mechanical filter to produce acceptable yields of fish and plant. For the long term, the combination of axial flow and biofilter with superlative ratio was suggested in order to produce the best performance of parameters studied. This integrated technique was able to maintain the water quality within the tolerance limit of fish besides supplying enough amount nutrients (especially nitrate) for the plant growth and easier maintenance work in terms of cleaning and disposal of sludge.

The effectiveness of filters on catfish Clarias gariepinus fry performance in the aquaponic system

“…This condition followed the study results of Kamauddin et al (2019) who stated that the use of cocopeat as a physical filter was insufficient to be utilized for water treatment in aquaponic system. The capability of water spinach as a good biological filter for catfish in aquaponic system was strengthened by the study results of Zahidah et al (2018) and Nazlia and Zulfiadi (2018).…”

Analysis of application of aquaponic system as a model of the circular economy: A review

“…Hitherto, in practice, three cultivation techniques in aquaponics systems are used: Nutrient film technique (Castillo-Castellanos et al, 2016), Media bed technique (Kamauddin et al, 2019), and Deep water culture technique (Somerville et al, 2014). The nutrient film technique ( Figure 5) is a hydroponic method that uses horizontal pipes (Somerville et al, 2014).…”

Equipment and Intelligent Control System in Aquaponics: A Review

“…Cronin et al [102] used a new filtration method to provide mechanical filtration by changing the flow direction of water so that heavy solids could be precipitated at the bottom of a radial flow separator/settler (RFS). Kamauddin et al [103] designed experiments to compare and analyze different water treatment technologies. The results showed that the plant growth rate and yield of the aquaponics system with mechanical filtration were the highest, and there was adequate quality of water.…”