solar systems integrated in aquaponics

Aquaculture is fish farming in tanks and hydroponics is the cultivation of plants in water. Aquaponic is the combination of these two systems in a symbiotic environment. 

In an aquaponic system the water of the aquaculture with the secretions of the cultivated animals, feeds to the hydroponic system. Waste, such as feces, is subsequently decomposed into nitrites and nitrates by nitrification bacteria.

Thus both systems take advantage. Wastewater from fish serves as an organic fertilizer for plants, while plants clean the water from feces and urine.

Aquaponic is a closed system, the only exception is the food for the fish. It works independently and without common and necessary inputs in traditional agriculture - no soil is needed. It can be installed and operated anywhere, including in a high density urban environment. The idea is to put the systems on a roof or to use marginal land. Compared to conventional acuiculture methods, aquaponics use 90% less fresh water and need significantly less nutrients for the growth of the same amount of fish. Also, fruits and vegetables are being grown without pesticides or other synthetic chemicals.

There are 12 systems in the renewable energy laboratory. Each system contains 40 Pacu species, native to the Amázonic rivers. Above we grow lettuce which is used in the cafeteria of the university. 

RESEARCH:

• We have 2 different types of systems. As there are problems with biofilters, we built a system that works without biofilter.
• In biofilters we are investigating three different materials: gravel, hydroton and a mixture of the two.