comparison of reciprocating flow versus constant flow in an integrated, gravel bed, aquaponic test system

Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii, and Green oak lettuce, Lactuca sativa, were used to test for differences between two aquaponic flood regimes; reciprocal flow (hydroponic bed was periodically flooded) and constant flow (hydroponic bed was constantly flooded), in a freshwater aquaponic test...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Aquaculture international 2004, Vol.12 (6), p.539-553
Main Authors: Lennard, W.A, Leonard, B.V
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
animal growth
Aquaponics
aquatic plants
cod (fish)
dissolved oxygen
fish culture
Floods
Flow control
Freshwater
freshwater aquaculture
freshwater fish
Gravel
hydrochemistry
Hydroponics
Lactuca sativa
lettuce
Maccullochella peelii
Marine
Nutrients
Percichthyidae
plant growth
Water consumption
water flow
water quality
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Summary:Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii, and Green oak lettuce, Lactuca sativa, were used to test for differences between two aquaponic flood regimes; reciprocal flow (hydroponic bed was periodically flooded) and constant flow (hydroponic bed was constantly flooded), in a freshwater aquaponic test system, where plant nutrients were supplied from fish wastes, while plants stripped nutrients from the wastewater before it was returned to the fish. The Murray cod had FCRs and biomass gains that were statistically identical in both systems. Lettuce yields were good and a significantly greater amount of both biomass and yield occurred in the constant flow treatment. Constant flow treatments exhibited greater pH buffering capacity, required fewer bicarbonate (buffer) additions to control pH and maintained lower conductivity levels than reciprocal flow controls. Water consumption in the two systems was statistically identical. Overall, results suggest that a constant flow flooding regime is as good as, or better than, a reciprocating flooding regime in the aquaponic test system used.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0967-6120
1573-143X
DOI:10.1007/s10499-004-8528-2