Aquaponics: alternative types and approaches

Whilst aquaponics may be considered in the mid-stage of development, there are a number of allied, novel methods of food production that are aligning alongside aquaponics and also which can be merged with aquaponics to deliver food efficiently and productively. These technologies include algaeponics, aeroponics, aeroaquaponics, maraponics, haloponics, biofloc technology and vertical aquaponics. Although some of these systems have undergone many years of trials and research, in most cases, much more scientific research is required to understand intrinsic processes within the systems, efficiency, design aspects, etc., apart from the capacity, capabilities and benefits of conjoining these systems with aquaponics

Biofloc technology on the zootechnical performance of tilapia: effect of strain and stocking density

The necessity of new technologies for the culture of aquatic organisms is becoming more evident, and thus, the biofloc system, a technic created to perform zero or minimum water exchange, starts to become more useful not only in shrimp culture, but also in finfish culture. This research purpose was to evaluate the growth and survival of Nile tilapia or “gray” (Oreochromis niloticus – GIFT strain) and red tilapia “Red Florida” strain (Oreochromis sp.) in biofloc system stocked in different densities (400 e 800/m3) in brackish water (8‰). Sixteen 26L plastic bins (19L usefull) were used and 192 fingerlings (3,06 ± 0,2 g) were stocked. A factorial experimental design was adopted (strain vs density) and a “macrocosm-microcosm” device system. For42 days, the animals were fed on a 45% CP commercial diet, three times per day. Water quality parameters and microbial community were monitored. At the end, proximate analysis of biofloc biomass was performed. The results suggested that Nile tilapia was the most appropriate for this phase (3-20 g) in biofloc system in brackish water. Furthermore, no negative effect was observed when 800 fish/m2 stocking density was considered.A necessidade de novas tecnologias para o cultivo de organismos aquáticos se faz cada vez mais presente, assim, o sistema de bioflocos, tecnologia concebida para trabalhar com nenhuma ou pouca renovação de água, começa a ter uso não somente na carcinicultura, mas também na piscicultura. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento e sobrevivência de tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus – linhagem GIFT) e tilápia vermelha (Oreochromis sp.) em sistemas de bioflocos sob diferentes densidades de estocagem (400 e 800/m3) em água salobra (8‰). Foram utilizadas 16 caixas plásticas de 26L (19L útil) e estocados 192 alevinos (3,06 ± 0,2 g). Adotou-se um delineamento fatorial (linhagem x densidade) e um sistema macrocosmo-microcosmo. Durante 42 dias os animais foram alimentados três vezes ao dia com ração comercial contendo 45% de proteína bruta. Foram monitorados os parâmetros de qualidade de água e o perfil de microrganismos da mesma ao longo do experimento. No final, foi realizada uma análise bromatológica da biomassa de bioflocos. Os resultados sugerem a tilápia do Nilo (O. niloticus) a mais adequadas para esta fase (3-20 g) em um sistema de bioflocos em água salobra. Observou-se ainda que não houve efeito negativo no crescimento quando empregado densidade de 800 peixes/m³