Líffræðifélag Íslands
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2015
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster V2
Ragnar Ingi Danner (1), Kesara Anamthawat-Jónsson (1), Ragnheiður Inga Þórarinsdóttir (1,2)
1. Háskóli Íslands, 2. Svinna-verkfræði ehf.
Kynnir / Presenter: Ragnar Ingi Danner
Tengiliður / Corresponding author: Ragnar Ingi Danner (rij4@hi.is)
Optimizing Pak-choi growth in aquaponics Ragnar Ingi Danner(1) , Kesara Anamthawat Jónsson (1) Ragnheiður Inga Þórarinsdóttir (1,2) Aquaponics is a food production method combining aquaculture with hydroponics. Nutrients in aquacultural wastewater can cause eutrophication in nature. In aquaponics those nutrients are used for growing vegetables or other useful plants. By recycling nutrients, water and energy, aquaponics presents a sustainable food production. The aim of the research project is to optimize the growth rate of Pak-choi (Brassica rapa var. Chinensis) in a deep water culture aquaponic system, mainly focusing on flow rate through the grow beds. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) are grown in a tank where they are fed daily, the water is filtered mechanically, in the sedimentation tank, and biologically, in the biofilters. The water then flows to the growbeds which are set up as pairs. Each pair has the same flow rate but different pairs have different flow rates. from the beds the water goes to the sump where it is pumped back in to the fish tank , closing the cycle. Preliminary results show that the beds with the fastest flow rate are the least productive, while the medium and lowest rate beds are somewhat similar. Fish are growing well (FCR: 1,5) and so are the plants (4 kg per 1 kg fish feed). First results of adding crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) to the system are promising. (1) Háskóli Íslands (2) Svinna-verkfræði