Innovative aquaponic system for filtration in freshwater aquarium

This research focuses on designing an innovative solar energy aquaponic system for aquarium tank to address water quality and filtration challenges and improve fish health. By combining aquaculture and hydroponics, the system uses natural biological filtration through plants. Study was carried with duration of 56 days in Diploma in Fisheries Engineering College Ratnagiri, between 20th Dec 2022 to 13 Feb 2023.Three varieties of Epipremnum aureum for nutrient absorption from the water while supporting fish growth of Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii). The photovoltaic system was used to power pump of aquaponic system. The discharge voltage noted to determine system runtime. The experiment compared key water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate closely monitored for the solar energy aquarium aquaponic system and traditional aquarium (control). The results were estimated using independent sample t-test. Solar powered aquaponic system maintained optimal water conditions, with 100% survival rate and positive growth, while the control has 80% survival rate and suffered from stress due to low DO levels and ammonia spikes. The runtime of the system was 12 hours in total, with 3 of those hours runs exclusively on battery power. This study highlights the potential of integrating aquaponic systems into home aquariums, may work as good filtration system for aquarium promoting an eco-friendly approach to aquarium management. The system demonstrated effective biological filtration, ensuring a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional filtration methods.