An Investigation of Aquaponics Using Brackish Water Resources in the Negev Desert

Abstract

An aquaponics system using the brackish waters of the Negev (conductivity approximately 4500 μS/cm) is described. Tilapia sp. were grown with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and other plants within three systems within an aquaculture hothouse: a brackish water floating raft system, a brackish water gravel system, and a fresh water floating raft system. Water quality remained adequate within all systems for plant growth and fish health. Growth rates for fish were low, averaging about 1.4 g/day. Standing stock of fish at harvest was 12.5 kg/m³. Plants required the addition of iron chelate to contend with chlorosis and some macro- and micronutrients seem to have been in short supply.