Running head: FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 1

The Feasibility of Aquaponics in T.L.E. Garden

of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School

Brandon Cedrick G. Belga, 10- St. Thomas of Villanueva

Simone Emmanuel G. Ibarreta, 10- St. Thomas of Villanueva

Luis Sidney N. Mariano, 10- St. Thomas of Aquinas

Denise Marione P. Mondragon, 10- St. Thomas of Villanueva

Keith A. Ramirez, 10- St. Thomas of Aquinas

Mariaj Michaella S. Victorino, 10- St. Thomas of Villanueva

An investigatory research at Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School

Author’s Note

This research was supported and granted by the Science

coordinator, Principal and Director of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 2

Abstract

This study wanted to prove the feasibility of aquaponics system and yearns

to build a stable system using alternative materials. The trial was conducted to

prove the advantages of aquaponics system in terms of time, space, effort, and

money. In order to achieve the goal there was experimentation, observation and

data gathering. The outcome of the overall test and statistical analysis clearly

shows that the plants yield at the system is better than the traditional planting. The

interpretation of the results gathered states that aquaponics system is considerable

and is feasible in the T.L.E. Garden of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School.

The aquaponics system made by the researchers can still be developed in

making it free from danger. The use of detailed instructions is advised rather than

making one of your own. The future researchers can follow any instructions they

can find as long as it is applicable.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Doing an investigatory project is really a great experience for us. While

conducting this research we learned a lot of things particularly on our current

environment, it made us realize a lot of things that we can do in improving our

surroundings with the little spaces we have in our school even at home.

The researchers would like to acknowledge the following persons who helped in

making this study possible, first to the Man above who never leaves our side and

guide us in every step in making this study. To our dearest thesis advisers Mr.

Joseph S. Cruz and Mr. Ron John L. Villaseñor that gave us motivations to

continue this study and never fail to suggest new ideas to apply in our study. And

lastly to our loving parents who motivate and support us in our financial needs in

doing experimentations.

A thousand thank yous!

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 4

DEDICATION

More than anything else, the researchers dedicate this to our environment in

taking a small step of change on its way to sustainable development. And as well

as the families and friends of the researchers. A lot of people have given so much

to make this study possible. The people behind this study must say thank you for

their undying support throughout this journey.

This is a study to honor the mentors that taught us many lessons that we can

bring forever in our lives. The researchers cannot put into words how much

grateful they are.

All of the hard works is for our beloved Alma Mater, Sto. Tomas de

Villanueva Parochial School. The researchers will always look back to this place

because of the opportunity given by the school.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 5

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background………………………………….7

Introduction………………………………………………………………....7

Background of the Study…………………………………….……………..10

Statement of the Problem……………………………………….………….12

Theoretical Framework…………………………………………………….14

Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………….17

Assumptions and Hypotheses………………………………………………17

Null Hypotheses……………...……………………………………….……18

Alternative Hypotheses…………………………………………………….19

Scope and Limitations of the Study………………………………...……...19

Importance and Significance of the Study……………………...………….20

Definition of Terms…………………...……………………………………21

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature……………………………….……...27

Local Study and Literature…………………………………………………27

International Study and Literature………………………………………….30

Chapter 3: Methodology...………………………………………………………32
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 6

Methods of Research…………………………….…………..……………..32

Materials...…………….………………………………………..…………. 33

Equipments...………………………….………………………..………..…33

Procedure……………………………………………………………….......34

Research Design………………………………………………..………….35

Sampling Method…………………………………………………………..35

Data Collection Method…………………………………………..………..36

Statistical Treatment of Data……………………………………………….36

Chapter 4: Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data……………….38

Chapter Overview………………………………………..………………...38

Presentation of Data……………………………………..…………………39

Interpretation of Data…………………………………………..…………..49

Data Analysis and Interpretation of Results……………………………..…50

Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusion, and Recommendations…………………..52

Discussion………….………………………………………..……………..52

Conclusion………..…………………………..…………………………….53

Recommendation..……...……..……………………………………………54

Appendices…………………………………………………………………56

References………………………………………………………………….61
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 7

CHAPTER 1: The Problem and Its Background

The Introduction

Environment is very important in all organisms for it is where organisms live,

interact, and especially it is the one who provides all the important needs. Taking

care of this planet is necessary for it will affect all aspects of life if damaged

seriously. One of the many global priorities nowadays is to protect the environment

so people create ways in order to keep it. People started on planting new trees and

plants to improve the surrounding. In 2000, the Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change gathered the available evidence for a special report which

concluded that tree-planting could remove from the atmosphere around 1.1–1.6 GT

of CO2 per year. That compares to total global greenhouse gas emissions

equivalent to 50 GT of CO2. As we all know CO2 is a type of greenhouse gasses

that contributes to global warming. On the same page global warming is one of the

major environmental issues that our planet faces. Planting is one of the possible

solutions to help in resolving this matter.

There are many methods that people can do in planting like the traditional

way which is planting in soil that needs a lot of time, effort, and money. Since then
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 8

the community are having a hard time, so people create systems that would surely

be helpful and easy. One of the systems that had been created is the system of

aquaponics. It is an example of two different systems that involves two different

organisms combined by one major need.

Aquaponics is a combined system of aquaculture or known as the system

that ensures the quality of the fish or other aquatic animals. Conversely, system of

hydroponics is the method of planting using water than soil. Combining the two

into one system is undeniably beneficial for both organisms. This is because the

waste materials of fishes will be used as rich fertilizers by the plants. The clean

water will be then purified back to the fish tank. Therefore this system is self-

sustaining for both of the organisms help each other to survive. The fish and plants

in this system have the assurance of quality and safety as long as both of their

needs met.

Beyond adding this kind of system in any educational facilities like at Sto.

Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School were very helpful on making a progress in

terms of planting. The teachers and staffs no longer need to concern about

monitoring and watering the plants in the T.L.E. garden. Likewise students can
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 9

learn and expand their knowledge about the importance of environment. It is

because this system showcase many of nature’s natural cycles.

The system only used small space and can grow crops in a short period of

time. It could not only be beneficial for the organisms that lived in there but as well

as the people who own it. This is a less water method of growing a crop which

means it is great for conserving water not like the common planting in soil that

needs to be showered with water every time. Having this system is a lot less work

to do and small amount of money to be spent. The two organisms both benefit from

each other to sustain the system. There might be many kinds of weather but this

system could still work even in indoors or outdoors. These are the reasons why

aquaponics system is for long-term period.

One of the under systems of aquaponics is hydroponics which is a method of

planting using water. Through this system it proves that the elimination of soil does

not affect the chances of growing a high quality plant. Instead growing a healthy

plant is much more possible since the roots were directly suspended at the water

where nutrients are located.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 10

The aquaculture is another under system of aquaponics popularly known as

the farming of fish and other aquatic organisms. Farmers or growers of fish can

easily assure the quality of their fish using this system.

This aquaponics system was made possible to the T.L.E. Garden through the

experimentation of the researchers. It proved that it performs much more

successful than the regular soil planting. On the other hand, it also made the place

good looking because this is an eco-friendly system. Nowadays, the students are

having a hard time growing a healthy plant on the garden whereas hypothetically

the soil cannot provide enough nutrients. The implementation of aquaponics

system at the school could help in growing a plant on the garden.

Background of the Study

Ages ago the Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School started to build a

garden where students were asked to plant a variety of plants. Since then the school

community was having a hard time to produce a healthy plant. A year ago in the

month of July the garden was handed over the care of the T.L.E./Computer

Department in order for the students to get more involved. But still no progress

have been made, the plants being planted are still not growing as expected. This
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 11

scenario keeps on happening when student or group of students tried to plant a

seed.

This caught the attention of the researchers to come up with the idea of

putting a new method of planting. Based on the project conducted at Habarana

Village by Cinnamon the aquaponics farming model is a combination of

aquaculture and hydroponics, which combines farming fish and growing plants

using no soil in the process. The symbiotic relationship thrives because the

nutrient-dense fish waste similar to cow manure flows through the plant nursery

acting as a natural fertilizer to successfully grow crops. The system also eliminates

the use of pesticides and insecticides since it would kill the fish thereby harvesting

a super clean and pure produce.

The resort heavily promotes environmentally-friendly practices and a

village-way of life co-existing with neighbouring villages where most of their fresh

produce is currently purchased. This project aims to impress the significance of

climatically adaptable farming practices upon the community, and most

importantly the potential for multiple revenue streams; farming consumable fish

along with the produce.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 12

The researchers aim to resolve the problem on conducting a study about the

feasibility of aquaponics system in the T.L.E. Garden. The goal is to prove that

plants can grow faster with quality inside the system. Through trial and error of the

experimentation by the researchers it turned successful. The ability of the system to

produce high quality crops made this system greater than any other types of

planting.

Statement of the Problem

In the environment today people cannot say that it is healthy as it is before

so people seek for systematic way of improving the environment. People created

systems that could contribute in helping to bring progress in the current problem

faced by nature. Like the aquaponics system it helps on improving our

environment for it produce a healthy plant, as we all know a healthy plant can

reduce global warming. Also there are such places where soil does not contain the

proper nutrients that the plant needs reason why plants are not growing healthy,

assuming like in the case of the garden in Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parochial

School.
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 13

That leads the researchers to find a more stable, efficient, fast, type of

planting to the case of the T.L.E. Garden. And so the researchers proposed this. The

aquaponics system added to a specific place in the garden to measure its feasibility.

Moreover, the researchers sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the advantages of aquaponics system on the present planting

that the T.L.E. Garden is using?

2. How will the aquaponics system be possible to the T.L.E. Garden?

3. How many fish and plant should be put in the aquaponics system?

4. What kind of fish and plant will be suitable in the aquaponics system?

5. Are there any factors that may affect the entire system?

6. What nutrients are found in the water which circulates in the system?

7. How fast will it take to grow a plant using aquaponics system?

8. Does a plant grown from the aquaponics system safe?

9. Will the plant from an aquaponics system be as healthy like the

traditional planting in soil?

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 14

Theoretical Framework

Here in the Philippines majority of the garden uses the traditional other than

various planting methods. Since Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School was

established its garden was facing drought and other problems in maintaining it.

This motivates the researchers to conduct a study about making a progress in the

T.L.E. Garden. The aquaponics system was assembled easily because the

researchers used alternative materials which cost them less.

Rakocy and Lennard said that aquaponics is the integration of recirculating

fish culture with hydroponic plant production. In this system, nutrient-rich water is

seen as a commodity instead of a waste and is used to grow plants. Also the water

from an aquaculture system is fed to a hydroponic system where the by-products

are broken down by nitrifying bacteria initially and subsequently into nitrites.

These will be utilized by the plants as nutrients and the water is then recirculated

back to the aquaculture system. Reason why aquaponics use less man power on

maintaining it and less amount of money to spent in terms of fertilizers and water

bill.
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 15

In an interview, De Leon (2013) states that using aquaponics is more

practical and easy to use than soil planting and taking care of an aquarium fish.

The process of aquaponics is both beneficial to plants and aquatic animals. The

plants benefit from the nutrients coming from the waste of the aquatic animals and

in return the water is purified and free from toxins. Likewise, in an article in World

Aquaculture (2009) said that aquaponics is a food production method that

combines the new traditional hydroponic with aquaculture. In a symbiotic

relationship that facilitates a sustainable system with little input necessary. All the

water and nutrients within are recirculated in order to grow terrestrial plants and

aquatic life.

But many factors can jeopardize this kind of self sustain system like the pH

levels. Based on Aquaponics Exposed. (2016), one of the challenges regarding the

pH levels in an aquaponic system is that fish, plants, and bacteria do not all agree

on the perfect level. Fish and bacteria tend to prefer a little more base whereas

plants like a little more acid. This makes aquaponic pH control an important focus.

To balance between the desires of your bacteria, plants, and fish you will need to

target a neutral pH range. The ideal target pH range is between 6.8 and 7.2. A pH

of seven is considered neutral. A little give to either side is okay, but too much base

or acid can be detrimental to one or more of the living components of your system.
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 16

In an article in Nelson Pade (early 2000’s) said that aquaponics is

an excellent means of demonstrating many principles of science, agriculture, math

and business in all grade levels and for home schooling. Applications of these

technologies are only limited by ones imagination. In addition to the plant

sciences, aquaponics incorporates and demonstrates many of nature’s natural

cycles, nitrification, biology, fish anatomy and nutrition and high-tech agriculture.

A unit in aquaponics enforces practical uses of chemistry, mathematics, physics,

economics and engineering. The monitoring and care of an aquaponic system by

students helps instill a sense of responsibility, inspires creativity and creates

excitement in the learning environment.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 17

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Materials:

Water
Electricity
Fish  Investigation
Variety of plants  Experimentation The Feasibility of
Hydroton  Observation Aquaponics System
Growbed  Questionnaire in T.L.E. Garden of
Anti-chlorine  Descriptive survey Sto. Tomas de
Water pump  Statistical Villanueva Parochial
Drum treatment School.
 Analysis and
 Equipment computation of
data
 Questionnaire

Assumptions and Hypotheses

The researchers’ investigated first before conducting an actual

experimentation, using this system is really expensive and can lead to

dysfunctional system if not built correctly. It is only cheaper as long as it is made

up of alternative materials. More than that, it ensures the good quality and nutrients
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 18

of the plant assuming that the system is made properly from the start. The plants

and fishes both develop at the same time in something more productive way. The

use of labor is totally become lessen because of the water pump which requires

electricity to work. It also does not need a lot of things to protect it from the

surroundings. Monitoring and caring an aquaponics system by the students could

help instill sense of responsibility, inspires creativity, and creates excitement in the

learning environment. Students can have an opportunity to explore a new career

path in this industry.

We, the researchers proved that constructing and making possible of an

aquaponics system was a big lift on making a progress in the T.L.E. garden. Also

the researchers proved that putting this aquaponics sytem is feasible than the

traditional soil planting of the T.L.E. garden.

Null Hypotheses

An aquaponics system functions by consumption of electricity through the

use of water pump which adds up to the monthly payment. The process of

producing electricity is caused by burning a lot of coal. It is highly polluting and

release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In terms of building the system it could
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 19

totally be expensive and hard if it is start from scratch. There are limits to the types

of plants you can grow and fishes you can thrive. Since aquaponics system stay at

a fairly neutral pH (6.8-7.2), and therefore not good for plants that requires an

acidic environment.

Alternative Hypotheses

Aquaponics may require electricity to work, but there are a lot of ways of

having an electric power. Just like using solar panels that is now easy to set up and

to use. In these times it is easy to buy fixed aquaponics system or its parts from

near and far. There are a millions of instructions and procedures just only on the

internet which will make everything easier for anyone. There is an alternative

which balance all of the bacteria, plants, and fish to target a neutral pH range.

Meaning, any plants and fishes can be develop together as long as it is balance to

the pH it both needed.

Scope and Limitations

This study generally looked into the feasibility of aquaponics system as it

was putted in the T.L.E. garden. The researchers only regrow various kinds of
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 20

plants and did not start from a seed. The roots of the plants were only measured,

and nothing more than that. Entire experimentation cost is 133.173936 Php from

the water pump that has 12V/W. While the water in the container was not changed

in a span of 47 days but rather just added when needed. Difficulties encountered by

the present garden in school and putting the aquaponics system will also be

included. This research will also be limited on giving information about the other

methods or strategies on planting. This study focuses more on building and

maintaining aquaponics. Its advantages from other planting methods and its

feasibility in the T.L.E. Garden of the school.

Importance and Significance of the study

Despite of the undisputed fact about current livelihoods, there are still a lot

of people who wants to contribute on giving solution to this kind of environment

related problems, specifically through planting. The traditional planting way

requires a large space for the soil or sand, an active planting because you have to

water it at least twice a day, provide fertilizers, remove weeds and pests.

The researchers aim to find an alternative method that the people can grow

both healthy crop and fish. They come up with aquaponics which is the
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 21

combination of aquaculture and hydroponics that uses the waste matter from the

fish tank. Having it treated with natural bacteria that convert the fish waste to

nutrients that are usable by plants. It is very efficient to use in school or in the

community because of the different types of weather, where it is applicable both

indoors and outdoors. Additionally, many things can be realized and learned in this

system. Like the importance of healthy vegetables and fish to all of us especially to

the ones that need energy to perform better like students and teachers. People

particularly students need to eat healthy foods in order to achieve academic success,

experience proper growth, and development. Nowadays kids do not know how to

eat vegetables and fish. They often eat meat and as we all know eating too much

meat is not fine for the body.

Definition of Terms

Aquaponics

 The topic that the researchers wanted to prove the feasibility in

the T.L.E. Garden. A new method of planting that could be more

convenient and easier than the traditional planting.

Agriculture
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 22

 The cultivation and breeding of animals, plants and other

organisms to sustain and enhance human life.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

 A colorless, odorless gas produced by burning carbon and

organic compounds and by respiration. It is naturally present in air

(about 0.03 percent) and is absorbed by plants in photosynthesis.

Crop

 A cultivated plant that is grown as food, especially a grain, fruit,

or vegetable.

Dysfunctional

 State of not operating normally or properly that can occur

when there is a big or small problem in the aquaponics system.

Environment

 Refers to something vulnerable. Currently facing human

destruction that constantly affecting it throughout time. If not

resolve ahead of time, mankind might not have a place to live in

again.

Farming

 The typical growing of crops and rearing animals, especially

commercially.
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 23

Feasibility

 The examination of aquaponics system if it is possible and

reasonable in the T.L.E. Garden.

Fertilizer

 A chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to

increase its fertility.

Fish

 A limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins

and living wholly in water, one of the dominant character on the

aquaponics system. The one whose waste materials is used as food

by the plants as the aquaponics system circulates.

Gigatonne (GT)

 A metric unit of mass that measures the number of atoms in it.

Nutrient

 A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and

the maintenance of life, one of the component that the current

garden is having a shortage for the growth of the plants.

Manure

 An animal waste used for fertilizing land.

Organism
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 24

 An individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form,

components of the study. Specifically, plants and fishes that

establish a very systematic way of producing crop.

Oxygenate

 A supply or enrich with oxygen.

Pest

 External factor that may damages or attacks plants.

pH

 A figure expressing the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a

logarithmic scale on which 7 is neutral, lower values are more acid

and higher values more alkaline.

Plant

 The other dominant character in aquaponics system that filters

the water from the fishes.

Possible

 Able to be done; within the power or capacity of someone or

something.

Purify

 Removing contaminants from the water that came from the

container where fish is raise.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 25

Soil

 Medium that is used in most places and in T.L.E. Garden to

grow plants.

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School

 A coeducational catholic school located in Santolan, Pasig City.

Sufficiency

 The condition or quality of being adequate or sufficient.

Survive

 The continuity to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or

hardship.

T.L.E. Garden

 A specific area of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School

where plants are located and used for educational purposes.

Maintained by teachers or staffs from T.L.E./Computer

Department.

Toxin

 An antigenic poison or venom of plant or animal origin.

Vegetable

 A plant or part of plant that used as food, one of the dominant

character in aquaponics system.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 26

Waste

 The extras or the ones that the fish produce whereas the plants

use as a fertilizer.
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 27

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature

This chapter contains all gathered related information, ideas, studies, and

findings that will support the present study. A number of local and foreign studies

were gathered and reviewed.

These made the researchers dive deeper on relevant facts about aquaponics.

We reviewed studies about building aquaponics system and how it works. These

studies provide further information about plants, fishes, undersystems and the

system’s condition on different places inside and outside the Philippines which are

the main subject matter involve in the study.

Local Study and Literature

The research of Espelita (2009) entitled Real Time Automated System: A

Hydroponics Prototype says that Hydroponics is an alternative gardening system

without the benefit of the soil. It is more efficient way to provide water and

nutrients such as the food is directly by its root. Thus, plants can grow up faster

with larger amount than conventional soil gardening.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 28

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

(2019).Aquaculture in the Philippines has a long history and involves many species

and farming practices in diverse ecosystems. Most of the production comes from

the farming of seaweed, milkfish, tilapia, shrimp, carp, oyster and mussel.

Aquaculture contributes significantly to the country's food security, employment

and foreign exchange earnings. Aquaculture is growing much faster than capture

fisheries.

Last 29th of March 2014, the TM 291 class under Prof. Glen A. Imbang put

their project management skills to action by heading an aquaponics awareness talk

along with the launch of their class project, Aquaponix™. It was held at the

Technology Management Center, University of the Philippines, Diliman.

With the mentoring of our Aquaponics 101 trainer and help from solar

project team – Helios Power, the class was able to put together a self-sustaining

aquaponics set-up with a pump and aerator that solely runs on solar power. The set-

up boasts of a thriving array of different plants including thai and purple basil,

kangkong, and green pepper. The system was later on awarded to the University of

the Philippines Integrated School.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 29

The team presented a class report of their first hand account in maintaining

an aquaponics set-up. Included were the problems and difficulties such as the fish

kills. There are several variables in which fish kills can occur, such as low

dissolved oxygen, pH swings and too hot/cold water temperature. It can also be

caused by toxic chemicals that are present in the IBC plastic due to the substances

it previously contained. Naturally, this meant inevitable death for the fish. Our

advice is that in buying IBC tanks for aquaponics purposes, one must ensure that

the previous substances it contained are non-toxic.

Aquaponics in Bulakan, Bulacan. Newly setup system owned by Arnold and

Anna Liza Salvador. The original idea was to produce tilanggit (tilapia processed

like danggit), but when the couple found out about aquaponics, they thought of

setting up a better and sustainable system in their backyard.Hence a semi-

commercial aquaponics system that will provide fresh fish and vegetable for their

locality was born.

Aquaponics in Lucena by Philippine Aquaponics Club team- Carlo,Lance,

and Gab. This is just one simple and neat system among many others they have

already built. The group also came out with new designs which you can view from

their social media accounts.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 30

Aquaponics in Pasig from Modular aquaponics founders Engr. Martin De

Leon and Erwin Leonor. They grew lettuce, okra, and tanglad among others. They

also grew duckweed and azolla for feeding to the tilapia.

International Study and Literature

A study of Petrea, Mihai, et. al. (2016) entitled Comparative Cost –

Effectiveness Analysis in Different Tested Aquaponic Systems says that one of the

main global priorities nowadays is finding sustainable methods of increasing food

production. That can ensure the quality in terms of taste, nutrients, and cleanliness

of the food.

The research of Dedlaide, Delhaye, et. al. (2016) on Plant and Fish

Production Performance, Nutrient Mass Balances, Energy, Water Use of The PAFF

Box said that a small scale aquaponic system is an integrated farming concept that

combines fish and hydroponic plant production in a recirculating water system.

This food production system promises an reduce environmental footprint when

compared to conventional farming systems. Plants and aquatic animals grow at the
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 31

same time in aquaponic system. It provides enough nutrients they need to both

plants and aquatic animals.

Depommier a Professor of Public Health at Columbia University says that

hydroponic farming in general has been on the upswing in general, particularly

because of severe weather patterns. This is a high speed bullet train. Growing

hydroponically allows farmers to cheat the seasons.

But it is also brought fresh produce to places where there is no room to grow

the traditional way. (Depommier) helped create the concept of Vertical Farming,

which is just what it sounds like growing food from the bottom up. It is happening

around the world, like in Newark, where one of the world's largest vertical farms,

Newark Urban Farms.

First Tank Guide. (2016-USA). Ammonia Stress and Ammonia Poisoning. The

signs of ammonia stress are usually pretty easy to detect, especially if you are

paying attention to your fish regularly. Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Hovering at the

bottom of the tank (especially for surface dwelling fish), Gasping at the surface,

Inflamed gills, Red streaks or inflammation in the fins, and Inflamed eyes or anus.
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 32

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

This chapter display analysis of the materials and equipments needed for this

project. The entire content of this chapter is based on the internet, related studies,

and experimentation of the researchers.

Methods of Research

This project used the experimental method and research together with data

gathering for it is where researchers tested on how to make this aquaponics system.

Through testing and using the procedures given will determine the advantages of

aquaponics system as a modification to the garden in school and its effectiveness to

the plants by improving their growth.

The data gathering will help this project if it would be better than the

traditional planting in soil and could enhance the quality of the plants. This chapter

is also based on the related studies reviewed by the researchers. These turned out to

be the source of the procedure, experimentation, data analysis and interpretation of

results, conclusion, recommendations and references.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 33

Materials:

 Anti-chlorine

 Bamboo

 Black container

 Drum

 Fish

 Hydroton

 Pellets

 pH

 Plastic tubes

 Plants

 Water

 Water pump

Equipment:

 Cable wire zip

 Hammer

 Nail
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 34

 Saw

 Scissors

 Tape measure

Procedures:

1. Wash the black container and it will be the substitute for fish tank.

2. Fill the black container with water and put anti-chlorine then wait for (30)

minutes before putting the fish.

3. Place the water pump at the one side of black container where the plug is

closer.

4. Cut the drum with a saw (9) centimeters high starting from the bottom part.

Put (9) holes with a measure of (1) centimeters at the middle of the drum

using nail and hammer.

5. Pour (1 ½) kilograms of hydroton in the drum.

6. Use the saw to cut (4) pieces of bamboo with a height of (18) inches.

7. Cut (2) pieces of bamboo with a height of (14) inches.

8. Cut (2) pieces of bamboo with a height of (20) inches.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 35

9. If you are done cutting the bamboos make the feet of the stand by using the

(4) pieces of bamboo with (18) inches height positioned in (4) corners. The

distance of the stand must be (14) x (20).

10. Place the remaining bamboos on their respective areas where distances are

the same. Then nail the parts together using the hammer.

11. Place bamboo stand above the black container.

12. Place the drum at the top of the stand. Then put the water tube in it and

lock it with a cable wire zip.

13. Finally, shove the plant into the drum filled with hydroton and ensure that

the plant will not fall.

Research Design

The researchers are going to conduct an evaluation survey about the study to

some teachers of T.L.E. and Science Department that will observe the system.

Sampling Method

The chosen teachers will be given time for them to observe the system. The

evaluation sheet will only be given to the teachers who observed the system made
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 36

by the researchers. It also limits the teachers in observing the system for a

convenient statistical computation. In addition, the researchers will have to figure

out whether the system produced a good quality of plant or at least have reached

the expectations of the respondents. The sample size will be four for this study.

Data Collection Method

The primary data, evaluation sheets, will be collected from the teachers who

was able to observe the system made by the researchers. The data will be gathered

directly from the respondents. Data collected will serve as bases for study and

analysis.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The researcher’s used this method in getting the total percentage of the data

collected from the respondents.

∑𝐟
X= (100)
𝒏

f=frequency
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 37

n= number of respondents

∑fx= summation of x
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 38

CHAPTER 4: Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

In this chapter the data from the evaluation and experimentation were

gathered together. The outcome will be display and discuss through tables and

charts. The main objective is to prove that aquaponics system is visible and it is

possible in the T.L.E. Garden of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School.

This chapter shows the findings from the experimentation, detailed

examination and the interpretation of data gathered whose aim is to prove the

feasibility of aquaponics sytem.

As a further matter the researchers sought to give answers to the following

questions:

1. How many fishes and plants did the researchers put to make it self-

sustaining?
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 39

2. In the scale of days what changes can be seen in the different types of

plant?

3. Are the fishes and plants were compatible to each other?

4. What are the factors that may affect the whole system?

Presentation of Data

Table. 1 Numbers of fishes put in the system and the scale of days alive

inside the system.

Number of fishes Day/s alive

5 (gold fish) 1(lived for four days and die)

4 (gold fish) 47 Days/Until the end of

experimentation

In the table. 1, number of fishes and the scale of days it was alive were

shown. The researchers took the one dead fish (gold fish) on the fourth day of the

experimentation for a better development of the system. The water is mixed with a

substance (anti-chlorine) that neutralizes water against chlorine. The researchers

did not replace the fish because the system is still in state of stability. The
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 40

remaining set of fishes (gold fish) up until now is alive, healthy, and has the ability

to maintain the system.

Table. 2 The kind of plant and its development rate in the system.

Kind of Plant Development or Changes

Fortune Plant The leaves became greener than before.
The roots changed in its size, it became
longer.
Chinese Cabbage From a 2 inches cut it grew to a 5 ½
centimeters
Chinese White Cabbage From a 2 inches cut it grew to a 6 ½
centimeters
Fortune Bamboo Stick Plant The leaves became greener and healthy.
Watercress Taller than before.

In the table. 2, all the kind of plants that the researchers put and the

development it has made in the system is shown. The experimentation started with

a fortune plant then as days passed by the researchers added more kind of plants

for better results of the experimentation and more gathered data to support the

study.

Table. 3 Detailed Calendar Progress of The System

Monday Tuesday Wednesda Thursday Friday Saturday Sunda

y y
28 29 30
(September Chinese
) Cabbage
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 41

The whole were

set up was added in
stabilized. the grow
Fortune bed.
plant is
putted.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
(October) The
The researche
researche rs added
rs took a set of
one dead watercres
fish from s in the
the grow bed
system. and
another
type of
Chinese
cabbage.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
The resear-
chers added
again a set
of water-
cress in the
grow bed.
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
A problem
occured
in the
system,
the water
over-
flows
because
of the
hydroton
blocking
the hole.
The
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 42

Chinese
Cabbage
were
damaged.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
The
observa-
tion from
the water-
cress
were
finished
therefore
the
resear-
chers
removed
it.
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
(November
)
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Fortune
Bamboo
stick plant
and
Chinese
white
cabbage
were
added.
12 13
End of
Experiment
a-tion.
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 43

Chart. 1.1 Results of Evaluation of the system (Appearance)

In the span of 47 days does the appearance of the plants change in any form?

FORTUNE PLANT

NO
SOMEHOW
YES
NO IDEA

Chart. 1.1 indicates that the 50% of them think that somehow the fortune

plant changed in any form, while the other 50% agreed that the fortune plant did

make a difference in any form.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 44

Chart. 1.2 Results of Evaluation of the system (Appearance)

In the span of 22 days does the appearance of the plants change in any form?

CHINESE CABBAGE

NO
SOMEHOW
YES
NO IDEA

Chart. 1.2 indicates that the 25% of them think that somehow the chinese

cabbage changed in any form, while the other 75% agreed that the chinese cabbage

did make a difference in any form.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 45

Chart. 1.3 Results of Evaluation of the system (Appearance)

In the span of 6 days does the appearance of the plants change in any form?

CHINESE WHITE CABBAGE

NO
SOMEHOW
YES
NO IDEA

Chart. 1.3 indicates that the 25% of them think that somehow the chinese

white cabbage changed in any form, while the other 75% agreed that the chinese

white cabbage did make a difference in any form.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 46

Chart. 1.4 Results of Evaluation of the system (Appearance)

In the span of 6 days does the appearance of the plants change in any form?

FORTUNE BAMBOO STICK PLANT

NO
SOMEHOW
YES
NO IDEA

Chart. 1.4 indicates that the 75% of them think that somehow the fortune

bamboo stick plant changed in any form, while the other 25% agreed that the

fortune bamboo stick plant did make a difference in any form.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 47

Chart. 1.5 Results of Evaluation of the system (Appearance)

In the span of 13 days does the appearance of the plants change in any form?

WATERCRESS

NO
SOMEHOW
YES
NO IDEA

Chart. 1.5 indicates that the 100% of them agreed that the watercress did

make a changed in any form.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 48

Chart. 2 Results of the Evaluation of the system (Compatibility)

Do the plants and fishes that the researchers placed in the system is compatible?

PERCENTAGE OF RESULTS

NO
SOMEHOW
YES
NO IDEA

Chart. 2 indicates that the 100% of them state that somehow the fish and the

plant are compatible. This means that the compatibility of the plants and fishes

placed is on average rate.

 FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 49

Chart. 3 Results of the Evaluation of the system (Feasibility of the system)

Is aquaponics system possible in the T.L.E. garden of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva

Parochial School?

PERCENTAGE OF RESULTS

NO
SOMEHOW
YES
NO IDEA

Chart. 3 indicates that the 75% states that somehow it is possible, while the

remaining 25% answers yes it is possible. This means that the visibility of the

aquaponics system in the T.L.E. garden is on average rate for the teachers.

Interpretation of Data

The fast process of producing a plant depends on its type. The by-product of

the system is indeed healthier and can regrow in a small period of time than the
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 50

traditional method of planting. The fishes and plants were compatible to each other

to maintain the system. Factors that may affect the system can only occur if not

prevented immediately. Assuming if the system did not have a problem the chinese

cabbage might reach its growth length.

Data Analysis and Interpretation of Results:

 It takes 4 fishes and different types of plants for the researchers to make

their aquaponic system self-sustaining and prove its feasibility.

 Many physical changes can be seen on the variety of plants putted in the

system like the changes on its height, color, shape and number of leaves in

the stem.

 Based on the result of the experimentation, the plants and fish putted in the

system are compatible.

 Many factors can bring danger to the system, like the ammonia toxins that

the researchers assumed the reason of the sudden death of the gold fish. The

chlorine contamination and the misplacement of the tubes.

 The aquaponics system can produce a variety of healthy plants.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 51

 Aquaponics is feasible in the environment of the T.L.E. Garden of Sto.

Tomas de Villanueva Parochial School

 The electrical usage: 24h × 12V/W = 288 and 0.288 kwph × 9.8385 kwph =
2.833488 in 47 days the water pump consumed 133.173936 Php.
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 52

CHAPTER 5:

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary of the findings, conclusions and

recommendations based on the data analyzed in the previous chapter. Some

limitations have been identified. This study is the feasibility aquaponics system.

Discussion

The interpretation of the results of all data gathered states that aquaponics

system is considerable and is feasible in the T.L.E. Garden of Sto.Tomas de

Villanueva Parochial School. The researchers might not be able to build the ideal

system, but they have proved that aquaponics system is possible after eliminating

those hazardous factors that keeps on ruining the system. Nevertheless, the

researchers have gone through several trial and errors to make the system sustain

its own.

Many factors can jeopardize this kind of self-sustained system. For example

the ammonia toxin-which the researchers assumed might be the cause of the

sudden death of the fish inside the system, overflowing of water, and wrong type of
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 53

food given to the fishes. One wrong placement of tubes can affect the whole

system and may harm the health of the plants and fishes. And enough to destroy

the system when there is no one to look after it. Since the system has stocked of

water that can cause the production of mosquito. But with running water and fishes

it is not capable of being the home of eggs laid by mosquito. Clearly, aquaponics

cannot be the source of mosquito that can bring dengue to the people around.

The researchers had a hard time on figuring out the right materials for the

reason that it takes too long for them to build the stable aquaponics system. As a

result of starting from scratch and use only alternative materials found in home.

When there were no problems from the start of building the system it will sustain

and can produce healthy crops.

Conclusion

The researchers conclude that this study needs further improvements of

investigation and experimentation. But all the data gathered by the researchers is

enough to state that this study is successful, for the system have produced a well-

structured plants and able to stabilized the entire system. There might be some

factors that the researchers failed to eradicate early to avoid the plants and fishes in
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 54

dying. Still thru varied attempts and problem solving, the researchers study, and

found out those factors, and take actions immediately.

This study is a total success, the researchers just had a hard time in building

the system at first. The prosperous experimentation was a great help to answer the

problems from the system.

Recommendation:

The researchers had dedicated a lot of time in making this study possible,

however it needs further improvements and investigations. In the process of

making this study the researchers learned a lot of lessons regarding the status of

our current environment. This motivates the researchers to persevere in making and

proving that this study is applicable in the T.L.E. garden.

The people behind this study highly recommend this investigatory research

to the following:

1. Students- for early application on minimizing the use of things that can

harm our environment, to have further learning in making sustainable things.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 55

2. Teachers- for more knowledge about the different way on planting, their

unique attributes, advantages and disadvantages. To extend their thinking

capacity about the environment, the issues it faces and the possible solutions

for the problems.

3. Parents- to have deeper understanding about the different ways on

improving our surroundings even in the little spaces they have on their

houses.

4. Community- in encouraging the families and especially the youth to make

importance of our remaining natural resources.

5. People- that this study is a product of hard work that they will learn a lot

of things from it.

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 56

Appendices:

Figure 1.2 Hydroton

Figure 1.1 Drum

Figure 1.3 Gold fish Figure 1.4 Water Pump

FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 57

Figure 1.5 Black Containter

Figure 1.6 Chinese Cabbage

Figure 1.8 Watercress

Figure 1.7 Anti-chlorine

Figure 1.9 Water

Figure 1.10 Pellets
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 58

Figure 1.11 Fortune plant

Figure 1.12 Chinese White Cabbage

Figure 1.14 Bamboo

Figure 1.14 Fortune Bamboo Stick

Plant
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 59

Figure 1.15 Day 1 of Chinese Figure 1.16 Day 19 of Chinese

Cabbage Cabbage

Figure 1.17

Day 15 of Chinese Cabbage

Day 7 of (1) Watercress

Figure 1.18 Day 5 of Fortune
Day 1 of (2) Watercress
Bamboo Stick Plant
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 60

Figure 1.19 Day 47 of Fortune

Plant
FEASIBILITY OF AQUAPONICS 61

References

Petrea, Mihai, et. al. (2016) entitled Comparative Cost – Effectiveness

Analysis in Different Tested Aquaponic Systems

Amigable, Barcena, et. al. (2007) entitled Factors Affecting Tilapia

Production and Its Contribution to Philippines Aquaculture

Dedlaide, Delhaye, et. al. (2016) on Plant and Fish Production Performance,

Nutrient Mass Balances, Energy, Water Use of The PAFF Box

Espelita (2009) entitled Real Time Automated System: A Hydroponics

Prototype

Depommier a Professor of Public Health at Columbia University

https://www.theaquaponicsource.com/what-is-aquaponics/

http://aquaponicsphilippines.com/

https://aquaponics.com/recommended-plants-and-fish-in-aquaponics/