Table A1.
Parameter range for small-scale aquaponics, suitable parameter range for each component of the system, sensors required for parameter detection, and budget.
| Parameter | Suggested Range | Aquaculture Range | Hydroponic Range | Nitrification | High Level Effect | Low Level Effect | Sensor | Budget USD | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.0–8.0 | 7.5–8.5 | 5.5–7.0 | 7.0–8.5 | Disrupt the fish’s osmoregulation; reduced nutrient uptake by plant | Decrease the oxygen-holding capacity of water; growth of harmful bacteria | Multifunctional sensor (pH, light, moisture, TDS, etc.) | $2.10–$5.30 | [101,102,103,104] |
| Water temperature |
21 °C–29 °C | 25 °C–32 °C | 18 °C–30 °C | 14 °C–34 °C | Heat stress; lower dissolved oxygen | Less active fish with poor feed conversion; reduced photosynthesis in plants | Water quality detector 5 in 1 (pH/EC/TDS/Salinity/Temperature) | $6.50–$13.20 | [77,105,106] |
| Air temperature |
18 °C–30 °C | 15 °C–40 °C | 25 °C | 20 °C–30 °C | Oxygen demand of fish increases; plant prematurely flowers | Slow down the fish’s metabolism and rate of plant growth | Thermistor | $0.21–$2.10 | [101,107,108] |
| Dissolved oxygen |
5.0–9.0 mg/L | 6.5–8.5 mg/L | 5.5–6.5 mg/L | 7.0–9.0 mg/L | Gas Bubble Disease in fish | Fish suffocate and die; anaerobic bacteria multiply | Dissolved oxygen meter | $73.40–$83.00 | [109] |
| Relative humidity |
50–80% | 52–87% | 50–60% | 50–80% | Fungal diseases on plants | High transpiration causes water loss | Hygrometer | $7.99–$54.99 | [110,111,112] |
| CO2 concentration |
<20 ppm | <10 ppm | 1000–2000 ppm | – | Fish become lethargic due to insufficient oxygen; plants need more micronutrients | – | CO2 sensor | $69.99–$75.99 | [113,114,115] |
| Light intensity |
300–500 lx | 20–40 lx | 300–400 lx | 350 lx | Increase cortisol levels in fish; higher anthocyanin and sugar in plants | Lower thyroid hormone levels; reduced shoot and root growth | Multifunctional sensor (pH, light, moisture, TDS, etc.) | $2.10–$5.30 | [20,105,116,117] |
| Illumination duration | 12 h | 10–14 h | 12 h | 10–16 h | Scorched and pale leaves | Decreases total biomass and dry weight | – | – | [20,118,119,120] |
| Flow speed | 0.8 L/min–8.0 L/min | 1.0 L/min–1.5 L/min | 2 L/min–4 L/min | – | Energy intensive; less nutrient contact for roots | Inadequate nutrient distribution; buildup of waste materials | Flow meter | $11.99–$29.99 | [103,121,122,123] |
| Water hardness |
50–150 ppm | 50–150 ppm | 100–150 ppm | – | Reduced oxygen exchange in root zone | Lack of micronutrients for plant growth | Water hardness test kit | $8.99–$17.99 | [113,124] |
| Total dissolved solid |
400–700 ppm | 400–600 ppm | 400–500 ppm | 750–1500 ppm | Increase water temperature; decrease photosynthesis | Lack some essential plant micronutrients | Multifunctional sensor (pH, light, moisture, TDS, etc.) | $2.10–$5.30 | [64,125,126] |
| Nitrites | <1 mg/L | <1 mg/L | <5 mg/L | – | Induce stress; impairs oxygen uptake | – | 7 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips | $8.99–$19.99 | [66,127,128] |
| Nitrates | 100–200 mg/L | 200–500 mg/L | 15–1000 mg/L | – | Algal blooms | Nutrient deficiency for plants | 7 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips | $8.99–$19.99 | [129,130,131,132] |