A Preliminary Research in Architectural Design 8

Submitted by:

Aquaculture and Hydroponics

BRAVO, Earl Patrick C. GUTIERREZ, Marlin Noah P. MENDOZA, Robiewill B. SEBIDO, Fevanne B.
BS Arch 4-3D

Submitted to:

Architectural Design 8 Adviser

Arch, Felicito Besinio

December 14, 2010

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A Preliminary Research in Architectural Design 8 | Arch. Felicito Besinio | BS Arch 4-3D

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I. AQUACULTURE AND HYDROPONICS CASE STUDIES I.I. MOTHER EARTH HYDROPONICS FARM
Hydroponics (from the Greek words hydro water and ponos labour) is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, or mineral wool using mineral wool. The farm (only about a thousand square meters) is located before the rotonda (left side going to Tagaytay) just a few meters after the road going to the Pink Sisters Chapel. It is on the right side going to Silang from the rotonda. The greenhouse is at the backside of the Brudrick Marion School. They do not use pesticides, fungicides and other harmful chemical in growing their vegetables.

The entrance to the greenhouse.

The outside of the greenhouse which is covered with plastic sheets.

They grow four varieties of salad vegetables. The Green Ice Lettuce, Romaine, Lollo Rosa and the Red Rapids. They sell a kilo of assorted vegetables at P100 which is definitely cheaper compared to buying in groceries. Keeping up with the demand can be sometimes hard for them especially during weekends when there are lots of tourists.

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I.I.I. SAMPLE OF PLANTS

The Romaine variety

The Lollo Rosa variety

The Green Ice variety

I.I.II. FACILITIES

The lettuces are arranged in rows of tubes where the water and nutrients flow and recirculate.

The tube setup

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The drums where the nutrient mixture is stored

The young lettuce seedlings grown in parallel tubes

I.II. LAPU-LAPU FARM

This 2.4 hectare multi-knitted fishpens or cages housing tons of Lapu-lapu started as a small group of Capiceo businessman in 1990 but later ballooned to a million earner industry for Capiceos. No trade secrets but sheer hardwork, dedication and teamplay. A cooperative was behind this huge success and committed members are running the show that particularly made this 12 year old venture as flourishing as it is today. Policarpio Kano Altamia, spokeperson for the cooperative attributed their success to some Capiceo entrepreneur who made good business contacts with businessmen in Metro Manila and the same delivers tons of live Lapu-lapu in various first class hotels and restaurants in the metropolis. Basing on the farms weekly harvest of 450 kilos plus an aggregate 550 kilos from other neighboring farms within the city, an approximate 2.5 tons of Lapu-lapu flows out of Capiz weekly (357 kilos/day) for domestic consumption. The farm is able to provide substantial share for the requirements in Manila as it is able to supply the demand locally in the province. During special occasions such as Sinadya sa Halaran Festival, Seafoods fest and religious fiestas in various Capiz Municipalities, more Lapu-lapu is being consumed locally which is prompting fish pen owners to expand its area to increase yield and supply the anticipated increase of demand. Along with its expansion plan, newer techniques of handling and feeding has been applied by farm technicians to insure health and freshness of fish when shipped to Manila.

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Starting with only P8,000.00 capital in 1991, members of Bangbang Inland Fish farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative were able to acquire 135 fingerlings of Lapu-lapu from Mindoro with only two fishpens or cages. Each year the Co-op has to construct more cages to increase yield and meet the increasing demand. Aiming to maintain an equilibrium between the supply and demand for Lapulapu, coop members rallied to increase number of fishpens and membership until breeding farm reached a total of 697 cages (including those owned by private individuals) with more than 20, 000 fingerlings to tend for. Spaces for more cages are ready for co-op members who would wish to join and invest. Each interested member where uniformly allocated with a 450 sq. meter space where they can construct at least 40 cages. The cooperative survived for more than ten years, diligently nurturing the industry to its peak. With the increasing demands, however, cooperative members recently opted to go separate ways and become independent fishpen owners. Today, the industry has flourished to an elevated stage and though the cooperative that initiated the business, has ceased to exist, the continuing supply and demand has continued to increase year after year. Independent owners with each having their own business contacts in Manila, have vowed to keep the supply of Lapu-lapu to a substantial level that it can continuously supply the demands of Manila without sacrificing enough supply for local consumption. After all, Roxas City, Capiz is the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.

A Preliminary Research in Architectural Design 8 | Arch. Felicito Besinio | BS Arch 4-3D

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II. CONCEPTUAL DIAGRAM OF AQUACULTURE AND HYDROPONICS OPERATION II.I. BASIC HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS AND HOW THEY WORK
There are 6 basic types of hydroponic systems; Wick Water Culture Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain) Drip (recovery or non-recovery) N.F.T. (Nutrient Film Technique) Aeroponic

There are hundreds of variations on these basic types of systems, but all hydroponic methods are a variation (or combination) of these six. Scroll down this page (or click on the system names) to see drawings and a description of each type of hydroponic system. II.I.I. WICK SYSTEM The Wick system is by far the simplest type of hydroponic system. This is a passive system, which means there are no moving parts. The nutrient solution is drawn into the growing medium from the reservoir with a wick. This system can use a variety of growing medium. Perlite, Vermiculite, Pro-Mix and Coconut Fiber are among the most popular. The biggest drawback of this system is that plants that are large or use large amounts of water may use up the nutrient solution faster than the wick(s) can supply it. II.I.II. WATER CULTURE The water culture system is the simplest of all active hydroponic systems. The platform that holds the plants is usually made of Styrofoam and floats directly on the nutrient solution. An air pump supplies air to the air stone that bubbles the nutrient solution and supplies oxygen to the roots of the plants. Water culture is the system of choice for growing leaf lettuce, which are fast growing water loving plants, making them an ideal choice for this type of hydroponic system. Very few plants other than lettuce will do well in this type of system.

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This type of hydroponic system is great for the classroom and is popular with teachers. A very inexpensive system can be made out of an old aquarium or other water tight container. We have free plans and instructions for a simply water culture system. The biggest drawback of this kind of system is that it doesn't work well with large plants or with long-term plants. II.I.III. EBB & FLOW - (FLOOD AND DRAIN) The Ebb and Flow system works by temporarily flooding the grow tray with nutrient solution and then draining the solution back into the reservoir. This action is normally done with a submerged pump that is connected to a timer. When the timer turns the pump on nutrient solution is pumped into the grow tray. When the timer shuts the pump off the nutrient solution flows back into the reservoir. The Timer is set to come on several times a day, depending on the size and type of plants, temperature and humidity and the type of growing medium used. The Ebb & Flow is a versatile system that can be used with a variety of growing mediums. The entire grow tray can be filled with Grow Rocks, gravel or granular Rockwool. Many people like to use individual pots filled with growing medium, this makes it easier to move plants around or even move them in or out of the system. The main disadvantage of this type of system is that with some types of growing medium (Gravel, Growrocks, Perlite), there is a vulnerability to power outages as well as pump and timer failures. The roots can dry out quickly when the watering cycles are interrupted. This problem can be relieved somewhat by using growing media that retains more water (Rockwool, Vermiculite, coconut fiber or a good soiless mix like Pro-mix or Faffard's).

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II.I.IV. DRIP SYSTEMS (RECOVERY / NON-RECOVERY) Drip systems are probably the most widely used type of hydroponic system in the world. Operation is simple; a timer controls a submersed pump. The timer turns the pump on and nutrient solution is dripped onto the base of each plant by a small drip line. In a Recovery Drip System the excess nutrient solution that runs off is collected back in the reservoir for re-use. The Non-Recovery System does not collect the run off. A recovery system uses nutrient solution a bit more efficiently, as excess solution is reused, this also allows for the use of a more inexpensive timer because a recovery system doesn't require precise control of the watering cycles. The non-recovery system needs to have a more precise timer so that watering cycles can be adjusted to insure that the plants get enough nutrient solution and the runoff is kept to a minimum. The non-recovery system requires less maintenance due to the fact that the excess nutrient solution isn't recycled back into the reservoir, so the nutrient strength and pH of the reservoir will not vary. This means that you can fill the reservoir with pH adjusted nutrient solution and then forget it until you need to mix more. A recovery system can have large shifts in the pH and nutrient strength levels that require periodic checking and adjusting. II.I.V. N.F.T. (Nutrient Film Technique) This is the kind of hydroponic system most people think of when they think about hydroponics. N.F.T. systems have a constant flow of nutrient solution so no timer required for the submersible pump. The nutrient solution is pumped into the growing tray (usually a tube) and flows over the roots of the plants, and then drains back into the reservoir. There is usually no growing medium used other than air, which saves the expense of replacing the growing medium after every crop. Normally the plant is supported in a small plastic basket with the roots dangling into the nutrient solution. N.F.T. systems are very susceptible to power outages and pump failures. The roots dry out very rapidly when the flow of nutrient solution is interrupted.

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II.I.VI. AEROPONIC The aeroponic system is probably the most high-tech type of hydroponic gardening. Like the N.F.T. system above the growing medium is primarily air. The roots hang in the air and are misted with nutrient solution. The misting is usually done every few minutes. Because the roots are exposed to the air like the N.F.T. system, the roots will dry out rapidly if the misting cycles are interrupted. A timer controls the nutrient pump much like other types of hydroponic systems, except the aeroponic system needs a short cycle timer that runs the pump for a few seconds every couple of minutes.

II.I.VII. SAMPLE SYSTEM PLANS

II.II.VII. I. HAND-WATERED BUCKET

Simple and inexpensive, this very basic and easy to build system will still deliver impressive results. The series of holes that ring the bucket are about 1 1/2" inches above the bottom. This makes a small reservoir of nutrient solution that will be wicked up to the plants roots by the capillary action of the growing medium. Perfect for large plants, it can easily handle a single tomato or pepper plant or do equally as well with a couple of smaller plants like lettuce or herbs. NOTE: With large plants you may need to supply external support to help hold the plant upright.

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II.I.VII.II. WATER CULTURE SYSTEM Convert an aquarium into a simple hydroponic system. The plants are suspended on a floating Styrofoam platform. This system is popular for classrooms because the roots of the plants are visible hanging below the floating platform.

II.I.VII.III. EBB & FLOW SYSTEM (FLOOD AND DRAIN) This system uses two 5 gallon buckets or equivalent. One is filled with growing medium and the other holds the nutrient solution. The plants are watered by lifting the bucket containing the nutrient solution. This allows the solution to flow into the bucket containing the growing medium and Plant(s). To drain, simply lower the nutrient bucket and gravity drains the solution back into the reservoir (see drawing on left).

Web Resource: http://www.simplyhydro.com

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II.II. AQUACULTURE
Aquaculture, also known as aqua farming, is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks and aquatic plants.[1][2] Aquaculture involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions, and can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is the harvesting of wild fish. Mariculture refers to aquaculture practiced in marine environments. The output, as reported, from aquaculture would supply one half of the fish and shellfish that is directly consumed by humans. However, there are issues about the reliability of the reported figures. Further, in current aquaculture practice, products from several pounds of wild fish are used to produce one pound of apiscivorous fish like salmon. Particular kinds of aquaculture include fish farming, shrimp farming, oyster farming, algaculture (such as seaweed farming), and the cultivation of ornamental fish. Particular methods include aquaponics, which integrates fish farming and plant farming. II.II.I. METHODS II.II.I.I Mariculture Mariculture is the term used for the cultivation of marine organisms in seawater, usually in sheltered coastal waters. In particular, the farming of marine fish is an example of mariculture, and so also is the farming of marine crustaceans (such as shrimps), mollusks (such as oysters) and seaweed. II.II.I.II. Integrated Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is a practice in which the by-products (wastes) from one species are recycled to become inputs (fertilizers, food) for another. Fed aquaculture (e.g. fish, shrimp) is combined with inorganic extractive (e.g. seaweed) and organic extractive (e.g. shellfish) aquaculture to create balanced systems for environmental sustainability (biomitigation), economic stability (product diversification and risk reduction) and social acceptability (better management practices). "Multi-Trophic" refers to the incorporation of species from different trophic or nutritional levels in the same system. This is one potential distinction from the age-old practice of aquatic polyculture, which could simply be the co-culture of different fish species from the same trophic level. In this case, these organisms may all share the same biological and chemical processes, with few synergistic benefits, which could potentially lead to significant shifts in the ecosystem. Some traditional polyculture systems may, in fact, incorporate a greater diversity of species, occupying several niches, as extensive cultures (low intensity, low management) within the same pond. The "Integrated" in IMTA refers to the more intensive cultivation of the different species in proximity of each other, connected by nutrient and energy transfer through water. Ideally, the biological and chemical processes in an IMTA system should balance. This is achieved through the appropriate selection and proportions of different species providing different ecosystem functions. The co-cultured species are typically more than just biofilters; they are harvestable crops of commercial value.[32] A working IMTA system can result in greater total production based on mutual
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benefits to the co-cultured species and improved ecosystem health, even if the production of individual species is lower than in a monoculture over a short term period. Sometimes the term "Integrated Aquaculture" is used to describe the integration of monocultures through water transfer. For all intents and purposes however, the terms "IMTA" and "integrated aquaculture" differ only in their degree of descriptiveness. Aquaponics, fractionated aquaculture, IAAS (integrated agriculture-aquaculture systems), IPUAS (integrated peri-urban-aquaculture systems), and IFAS (integrated fisheries-aquaculture systems) are other variations of the IMTA concept. II.II.II. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Mariculture has rapidly expanded over the last two decades due to new technology, improvements in formulated feeds, greater biological understanding of farmed species, increased water quality within closed farm systems, greater demand for seafood products, site expansion and government interest . As a consequence, mariculture has been subject to some controversy regarding its social and environmental impacts. Commonly identified environmental impacts from marine farms are: 1. Wastes from cage cultures; 2. Farm escapees and invasive; 3. Genetic pollution and disease and parasite transfer; 4. Habitat modification. As with most farming practices, the degree of environmental impact depends on the size of the farm, the cultured species, stock density, type of feed, hydrograph of the site, and husbandry methods. The adjacent diagram connects these causes and effects. II.II.III. AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS A proper system is required for a successful aquaculture operation. When designing one you need to take several things into consideration. First is the species and the amount of the fish you wish to raise. Different species require a variety of different setups therefore it is important that you know the needs of the fish you want to raise. One such factor that is important to know is the climate of the area in which you wish to raise fish. The temperature throughout the year can greatly determine you success in the production of your operation. Areas with colder winters might need a heating system built into the rest of the design. Same as with hot summers, a cooling system might need to be put in.
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It is also good to leave room for future expansion. When planning your design you will want to make it so that if in the future you wish to expand your operations then you will not have to re-work your whole setup. Also, you will want to make it so that any repairs that might be necessary can be easily fixed without a lot of work.

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Aquaculture System is an easy way to get started in fish farming. Simple to set up and maintain, it incorporates everything thats great about aquaculture on a manageable scale. Use it to produce clean, wholesome fish for you and your family year-round, for an excellent introduction to fish farming if youre considering commercial scale production, or as an outstanding teaching tool for the classroom. Growing a fish like tilapia is easy and you can grow over 100 lbs at a time in the Aquaculture System! An optional window in the tank makes learning fun because students can make observations as the fish interact with each other and their environment. The System is suitable for many other species as well, including catfish and ornamentals. Daily maintenance consists of feeding your fish and the simple act of opening a valve to flush the solids from the collection chamber. Thats it! Extremely economical to operate, your Aquaculture System uses less than 10 gallons of water a day and less electricity than a 60 watt light bulb.

Web Resources: http://en.wikipedia.org/aquaculture http://www.gothicarchgreenhouses.com http://www.growfish.com

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III. APPLICABLE SUSTAINABLE POWER SUPPLY III.I. SUSTAINABLE POWER SUPPLY FOR HYDROPONICS
III.I.I Solar Powered Hydroponics Hydroponics gardening is fast becoming a popular alternative to the traditional home garden. Because these systems do not require soil and use much less water than a conventional garden, they are an ecologically friendly way to raise the freshest produce within a minimal amount of space. Modern technology can further reduce the environmental footprint of these gardens through the use of solar powered hydroponics. The benefits of a Hydroponics garden are being enjoyed by thousands of people throughout this country, as well as others. Growing produce though the use of Hydroponics is usually much less expensive than conventional farming, and requires significantly less man power. In many cases the only requirement for a healthy Hydroponics garden is to maintain the water and nutrient level in the reservoir. With the exception of passive systems, which are generally only used for smaller operations, most hydro-gardens require a pump of some kind to circulate the water and nutrients. These pumps require electricity, which in most cases is supplied through a common wall outlet. However, Solar powered hydroponics can help eliminate the need to plug in, making these gardens completely self-sustaining. Solar power is a quickly developing industry. The solar panels that are available today are much more efficient than those of just twenty years ago. The technology has advanced to the point that even smaller solar panels can provide more than enough electricity to run the pumps necessary for a Hydroponics garden. Because of these advances, many people are turning to solar powered Hydroponics as eco-friendly way of gardening. Solar powered hydroponics can be applied to nearly any active hydro-garden. It is important to know exactly how much current and voltage is required for your particular set up. A small operation will normally not need the power that a larger, multi-unit system will require. Therefore, knowing your system requirements is an important first step to making the conversion to solar power. The average solar cell is capable of producing approximately 45 milliwatts of electricity per square inch. Depending on the power needs of your particular pump, you can calculate how many square inches, or feet, of solar panel will be required. In most cases, these panels end up being less than a few square feet.

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Solar powered hydroponics is dependent on sunlight for power, and as such there is a need to store excess power for use on cloudy days. A common solution to this problem is to purchase a solar battery. Depending on the electricity requirements of your system, these can be as simple as a single storage battery, or can sometimes require several batteries that are linked together. Either way, a storage battery system is an essential part of an efficient solar power supply for your Hydroponics garden. Solar powered hydroponics is an excellent way to conserve energy and save money. In todays economy, it is important to keep expenses to a minimum wherever possible. Growing your own food is generally much less expensive than having to purchase it from your local market; and because you grow it yourself, you can be sure that its free from additives and other chemicals.

III.I.II. Solar Energy Basics Sunlight solar energy can be used to generate electricity (now for hydroponics pumps, lights, etc), provide hot water, and to heat, cool, and light buildings. Photovoltaic (solar cell) systems convert sunlight directly into electricity. A solar or PV cell consists of semi conducting material that absorbs the sunlight. The solar energy knocks electrons loose from their atoms, allowing the electrons to flow through the material to produce electricity. PV cells are typically combined into modules that hold about 40 cells. About 10 of these modules are mounted in PV arrays. PV arrays can be used to generate electricity for a single building or, in large numbers, for a power plant. A power plant can also use a concentrating solar power system, which uses the sun's heat to generate electricity. The sunlight is collected and focused with mirrors to create a high-intensity heat source. This heat source produces steam or mechanical power to run a generator that creates electricity.

Web Resources: http://www.bchydroponics.com/solarpoweredhydroponics.html http://www.generalhydroponics.com/genhydro_US/environment.html

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