Materials and Methods

This chapter discusses about the methodology and tools in the research that are used in the
process. This methodology is the backbone of the research and plays a very important role in making the
proper design implementation. Figure 3.0 is the flow chart of the method to be followed.

Figure 1.0 Methodology Flow chart

Materials Selection and Data Gathering

The researcher gathered the plant and fish temperature requirement to come up with a
structural design for proper plant and fish growth. Sizing of the components is needed so that the
design can accommodate the plant and fish in its entire growth cycle. This section shows the
methods used in designing the structural system of a small scale water temperature monitoring
system. Given in the figure 3.1 is the data gathering chart.
 Aquaponics
System

selection of Selection of
Data
feed for plant and
fish Gathering fish

water pipes
and pump

Figure 3.2 Data Gathering Flow Chart

Site Selection

The aquaponics system will be constructed inside the plastic greenhouse located at Agromet
Station, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

Selection of Plant and Fish

The design of the water temperature monitoring system varies on the type of plant and fish
grown. Every plant and fish has a suitable temperature to effectively grow. As a general rule for
aquaculture warm freshwater fish like Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) the lower and upper lethal
temperatures are 11-12 degrees celcius and 42 degrees celcius, respectively, while the preferred
temperature ranges from 31 to 36 degrees celcius and leafy crops like pechay which is 18 to 20 degrees
celcius. As to the number of plants and fish in the tank it will be computed using its tank capacity, fish
size, and spacing reqiorement for the plant being used.

Selection of Feed

Feed can also affect the growth of the fish in an aquaculture system it must consider mainly
three things water temperature, the average weight of each tilapia, and the the biomass; which is just a
fancy word for the total weight of the living organisms per cubic foot of water, or for our purposes, just
the total weight of all of the tilapia. As the water gets colder, tilapia metabolize food slower and grow
slower so they need less food. The opposite is also true as the water gets warmer. The researchers will
choose a floating pellet that will suit the proper nutrition needed by the fish.
Aquaponics Structural System

The aquaponics system composes 2 IBC fish tank, 2 water barrel , 2 PVC pipe, 2 barrel
connectors, 2 PVC adaptor (female), PVC elbow (female), PVC T connector, rubber washer, submersible
water pump, 2 polysthyrene (Styrofoam), air pump, 3 stones, hallow blocks and 50 hydroponics cups.

Fish tank

The dimension of the fish tank is 1 m x 1.2 m with a capacity of 1000 L. There are 2 IBC fish tanks
to be used. The upper cover of the first IBC tank that will be used for fish storage will be removed.

Deep Water Culture grow canals

Canals can be of variable with length from one to tens of meters, enabling an adequate nutrient
supply due to the large volume of water used in the system. As far as the width is concerned, it is
generally recommended to be the standard width of a sheet of polystyrene. However, narrower and
longer canals enable a higher water speed that can beneficially hit the roots with larger flows of
nutrients. The choice of width should also consider accessibility by the operator. The recommended
depth is 30 cm to allow for adequate plant root space. For small scale- units, popular materials include
fabricated Intermediate bulk containers (IBC) for which the other IBC tank will be The other IBC tank will
be divided into two equally parts that will be utilized for the deep water culture for plants.

Filtration

For the filtration of the aquaponics which will be a physical trap to catch the solid wastes and
then a biological filter for nitrification. A swirl filter is used to trap particulate wastes, with periodic
venting of captured solids. On exiting the swirl filter, the water passes through an additional mesh screen
to trap any remaining solids and them reaches the biofilter. The biofilter is well oxygenated with air
stones and contains a biofiltration media, usually Bioballs, a nylon netting or bottle caps, where the
nitrifying bacteria transform the dissolved wastes. With insufficient filtration, the DWC units would clog,
become anoxic and exhibit poor growing conditions for plants and fish alike. When stocking density of
fish is used, the system can be designed without filters.

3.2.2 Data Analysis

The data gathered is then processed into information which is essential for the research. The
data gathered will then be interpreted and analysed through the process. The research can begin with
the development process of the system design by analysing the data gathered. This is the stage where
data are processed to become useful information necessary for decision making. It helps answering the
problems encountered and test the hypothesis established. In data analysis, one of the methods that is
used is comparing the cons and pros. After the data gathered is interpreted, the selection of components
starts.

Dimensions, specifications, and other physical consideration of the structural design are determined thru
the data gathered such as plant and fish requirements.
 3.2.3 System Design Requirement

The researcher analyse the gathered data for a better view of the aquaponics system design. The
researchers can now develop a system design that is fit based on the gathered data. The system design
development includes the determining the tank dimensions, pipe size and structure. Given in figure 3.2.3
are the steps in system design development.

Calculations using data Determining

Topology Selection Design Finalization
gathered component specs

Figure 3.2.3 System Design Development Flow Chart

3.2.3.1 Calculation, Sizing, and Components Selection

This section presents the methods used in calculation and selection of the size and specifications
of the components needed for the structural design.