This activity aims to evaluate the impacts that canola supplemented fish feed will have on water quality and plant production in an aquaponics production model. An analysis will include a breakdown of where the nutrients generated from this feed consumption are deposited, whether in the water, solids, plant or fish matter.
The research will evaluate the following components in both rainbow trout and tilapia production: the utilization of canola supplemented diets in fish production systems that utilize the nutrients for plant production via aquaponics, the impact on the volume and quality of solids and fecal matter produced from this supplemented feed, and if and how water quality is impacted from using a canola supplemented fish feed. Plant nutrient content, fish growth rates, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), and plant yields will be measured. Weekly water samples will be analyzed for its chemical composition, including macronutrients and micronutrients.
Objectives:
1. Determine the effect of CM based fish feed on the performance and production of both plants and fish in aquaponics system.
2. Study and compare phosphorous and nitrogen cycling in CM and conventionally fed trout and tilapia aquaponics systems. Quantify nutrient allocation from feed to water, fish, waste, and ultimate plant utilization.
3. Assess the economic value of CM-based fish diets in aquaponics systems.