A comparison of reciprocating flow versus constant flow in an integrated, gravel

bed, aquaponic test system

Aquaculture International, 12(6) 2004 , 539-553(15)
Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii, and Green oak lettuce, Lactuca sativa,
were used to test for differences between two aquaponic flood regimes; reciproc
al
flow (hydroponic bed was periodically flooded) and constant flow (hydroponic bed
was
constantly flooded), in a freshwater aquaponic test system, where plant nutrien
ts were
supplied from fish wastes, while plants stripped nutrients from the wastewater
before
it was returned to the fish. The Murray cod had FCRs and biomass gains that were
statistically
identical in both systems. Lettuce yields were good and a significantly greater
amount of
both biomass and yield occurred in the constant flow treatment. Constant flow t
reatments
exhibited greater pH buffering capacity, required fewer bicarbonate (buffer) add
itions to
control pH and maintained lower conductivity levels than reciprocal flow contro
ls.
Water consumption in the two systems was statistically identical. Overall, resu
lts suggest
that a constant flow flooding regime is as good as, or better than, a reciproca
ting flooding
regime in the aquaponic test system used.
Keywords: Aquaponics; Flood regime; Hydroponics; Lettuce; Murray cod
Introduction:
Naegel 1977, Lewis et al 1978; Waten and Busch 1984
McMurty 1993