Role of stocking density of tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) on fish growth, water quality and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant biomass in the aquaponic system

The present study reports the results of the production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the classical aquaponic system (one-loop) with different fish density. The experiment as the first scientific aquaponics study in Turkey was conducted at the Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, using in-door, small-scale classical aquaponic systems. Ninety six tilapia juveniles (O. aureus) were stocked at different ratio; 25 kg/m3 (Group I), 35 kg/m3 (Group II) and 50 kg/m3 (Group III) and fed with 45% raw protein feed at the level of 2% body weight for 126 days. Fish density affected the fish growth parameters and the most densiest group showed the best results in terms of fish growth and feed efficiency. Water quality parameters measured fluctated during the experiment even the exceed of the optimal ranges for the fish. However, tilapia tolerated the changes of water quality. Total plant biomass was low with the various limiting factors including insufficient lighting of in-door aquaponics system and low level of water potassium. The results of this study clearly illustrate the fish stocking rate has an impact on total biomass in the aquaponics and in one-loop aquaponics the water quality fluctation is the main challenging factor