CA-04-01-001
Applying aquaponics to treatment of dissolved wastes in warmwater and coldwater recirculation systems in a northern climate

Aquaponics facilities contain contains plant and fish components together in one recirculation system. Water leaving the fish tanks, rich in nutrients, is used for plant growth, while the plants are used as biofilters to reduce the build-up of nitrogenous and mineral wastes in water returned to the fish tanks. An aquaponics module was constructed at the Crop Diversification Centre South, Brooks, Alberta, in 2002. An extensive study during first year of operation demonstrated the technical feasibility of aquaponics technology under Alberta growing conditions. More than 60 different crops and varieties were tested in the greenhouse. Production trials for 24 crops (5 greenhouse vegetables and 19 herbs) were conducted to evaluate which crops would grow well under this system. These trials produced the highest plant yields reported in the literature for aquaponics technology. The yields of two major greenhouse crops, cucumber and tomato, calculated on annual basis exceeded average values for commercial greenhouse production based on conventional hydroponic technology in Alberta. Trials are continuing with a variety of plant species in warm water (tilapia) and cold water (rainbow trout) environments.