This study was conducted to determine the effects of hydraulic loading on deep-water culture design aquaponics particularly on Nitrogen level, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Temperature, Plant Height, Plant Weight, Fish Length, Fish Weight and its economic analysis. The hydraulic loadings were set at 4.6 m/day, 7.0 m/day and 9.1 m/day as treatments. The experimental units were composed of 200 liters fish tank, 60 liters on both biofilters and sump, and 1 m² grow beds. The fishes reared were Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) and the plants were Green Ice Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa).

Hydraulic loading of 9.1 m/day significantly decreases the levels of Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates to 0.23 mg/1, 0.30 mg/l and 5.74 mg/l respectively, which are lowest level observed from the treatments. Dissolved oxygen, pH, Temperature, Plant Height and Fish Length are not affected by the variation of hydraulic loadings. Average plant weight of 20.26 g/plant, the highest among the treatment, is measured at 4.6 m/day. Average fish weight of 192.73 g/fish, the highest recorded among the treatments, is measured from the 7.0 m/day. For the economic analysis, the 4.6 m/day showed the highest Return on Investment (ROI) of 18.54%.

Thesis (Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering - Soil and Water Management)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references