MEDIA BASED AQUAPONICS SYSTEM FOR THE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF GIFT TILAPIA

Aquaponics is a combined system of aquaculture and hydroponics. A 90 days culture trial of GIFT Tilapia (5±0.05g) was conducted in 30 m² pond with the stocking density of 100 / m². The experimental group consists of two treatments namely T1- tomato, ladies finger, palak keerai and T2- bottle gourd, cucumber, broad beans (3 beds for each plant in a media based aquaponics system). Water quality and growth parameters were analysed on weekly basis. Water quality parameters were found to be significantly different between the treatments. Nitrite, nitrate and ammonia levels were found to be lesser in T2 when compared to T1. Weight gain (120±1.6g) were found to be significantly higher in T2 than T1. Lower survival rate was found in T1(80%) than T2 (85%). The vegetable yield was found to be higher in guard variety plants (T2) as the  ideal water quality level was maintained with the improved growth and survival rate. Aquaponics system adds an advantage for the sustainable production of fish and vegetable.