1. Tilapia (Nile Tilapia - Oreochromis niloticus)

  • Why Feasible: Tilapia are a hardy, fast-growing species well-suited for aquaponics systems. They can tolerate a range of water conditions, including varying pH and temperature, and they thrive in relatively shallow water environments like 1-meter deep tanks.
  • Advantages:
    • High growth rate and efficient feed conversion.
    • Tolerant to crowding, making them suitable for smaller, interconnected tanks.
    • Can consume a plant-based diet, which fits well with integrated aquaponics systems.
  • Optimal Conditions:
    • Temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F).
    • pH: 6.5-8.5.
    • Dissolved Oxygen: 4-6 mg/L.

2. Catfish (Channel Catfish - Ictalurus punctatus)

  • Why Feasible: Catfish are bottom dwellers, making them ideal for the 1-meter deep setup. They are also resilient and can adapt to lower dissolved oxygen levels, which is beneficial in a system with a large surface area but shallow depth.
  • Advantages:
    • Tolerant of varied water quality and temperature conditions.
    • Compatible with other fish species in multi-species systems.
    • Omnivorous diet, able to eat a variety of feeds and plant matter.
  • Optimal Conditions:
    • Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F).
    • pH: 6.0-8.0.
    • Dissolved Oxygen: 3-5 mg/L.

3. Carp (Common Carp - Cyprinus carpio)

  • Why Feasible: Carp are highly adaptable and can live in a wide range of water conditions, including shallow and interconnected tanks. They are also resilient to fluctuations in water temperature and quality, making them suitable for controlled habitats.
  • Advantages:
    • Tolerant to low oxygen levels and a variety of pH levels.
    • Can be fed a variety of plant-based foods and organic matter.
    • Grow relatively quickly and have a high reproductive rate.
  • Optimal Conditions:
    • Temperature: 18-25°C (64-77°F).
    • pH: 6.5-8.0.
    • Dissolved Oxygen: 3-6 mg/L.

4. Trout (Rainbow Trout - Oncorhynchus mykiss)

  • Why Feasible: Although trout prefer cooler temperatures and higher oxygen levels, they can still thrive in well-managed aquaponics systems that provide consistent water flow and oxygenation.
  • Advantages:
    • Fast growth rate when kept under optimal conditions.
    • High market value and nutritional benefits.
  • Optimal Conditions:
    • Temperature: 10-16°C (50-60°F).
    • pH: 6.5-7.5.
    • Dissolved Oxygen: 6-8 mg/L (requires good aeration).

5. Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

  • Why Feasible: Barramundi are adaptable to aquaponic systems, particularly in tropical and warm environments. They can grow quickly and have high protein yields.
  • Advantages:
    • Can tolerate crowded conditions, making them suitable for interconnected tank systems.
    • Fast-growing and efficient at converting feed into body mass.
  • Optimal Conditions:
    • Temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F).
    • pH: 6.8-8.2.
    • Dissolved Oxygen: 5-7 mg/L.

Recommendation

Tilapia and Catfish are the most feasible options for this setup due to their hardiness, ability to tolerate crowded conditions, and adaptability to a range of water qualities and temperatures. Tilapia, in particular, is ideal for aquaponics and shallow systems as they efficiently convert plant-based feeds into protein, fitting perfectly into a closed-loop ecosystem.