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Aquaponics
An integrated agriculture system combining…
Aquaculture – production of aquatic animals, and
Hydroponics – production of vegetables without soil
… in a recirculating system
◊ Fish provide nutrients required by plants
◊Hydroponic component serves as a biofilter
◊Integrated systems increase efficiency of water and nutrient use |
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System Design
1-2: biofilters; 3-6: fish tanks;
7: clarifier; 8-9: fine particle filter; 10: degasser;
11-12, 14-15: hydroponics units; 13: sump; 16: air pump; 17: purge tank; 18: drain; 19: rain storage |
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SENS Aquaponics
◊ Beginning Fall 2009, students converted the Ecological Machine wastewater treatment facility into an aquaponics system
 
◊ Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are raised along with oregano and basil.
 ◊ Solar panels heat fish tanks
◊ Greenhouse gutters collect rainwater for use in system
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Design Principles
The design of the SENS Aquaponics Facility is based on principles developed by the Aquaponics Program at the University of the Virgin Islands:
◊ Fish feces and other solids are removed before water enters the hydroponics units
◊ Plants are grown in raft hydroponics systems, which also serve as bio-filters
◊ Optimum feeding rate, 60-100 g fish feed/m2 plant area/day, prevents nutrient accumulation or deficiency |
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Click on Interactive map to navigate around the Ecovillage 
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