top of page
PROAquaponik_Titel_edited.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions

We receive many questions repeatedly, and we offer you the opportunity to get an answer yourself here. If you need further information, just send us a message on our contact page.

  • How much does an aquaponics system cost?
    The cost of building an aquaponics system depends on the technical setup, the annual production quantity of fish and vegetables, and the breeds intended for cultivation. A entry-level-system with an annual production capacity of 600 kg of African catfish and a 15m² greenhouse costs approximately EUR 10,000 if built by the owner. A commercial-scale system for an annual production quantity of 25 tons of African catfish and a 100m² greenhouse costs between EUR 100,000 and EUR 300,000 with significant owner involvement. The large cost difference depends on whether existing rooms can be used for aquaculture housing, whether additional processing rooms are required, and whether connection to an existing heating system is possible. These figures are based on realized systems in Central Europe in the year 2023.
  • How much does the fattening of a fish cost?
    It largely depends on the fattening method and the species of fish. For example, with African catfish raised in a recirculating system, you can expect fattening costs of approximately 8 EUR per kilogram of fillet. The largest cost factor in this scenario is clearly fish feed, accounting for over 50%. The remainder includes expenses for fingerlings, electricity, heating, and processing or packaging.
  • How much work is an aquaponics system?
    The time required for an aquaponics system largely depends on the setup of the system and consists of the following components: Fish: Fish feeding (daily): approximately 10 minutes System maintenance (weekly): approximately 15 minutes to 1 hour Harvesting (per harvesting day): approximately 2 hours for pre- and post-processing plus approximately 3 minutes per fish Plants: There is no daily effort required as watering, fertilizing, and weeding are eliminated. The main effort arises from seeding or planting and harvesting. For certain plants, such as tomatoes, plant care (pruning) may be necessary. However, the time required is significantly less compared to conventional vegetable cultivation.
  • How much plants can I grow in an aquaponics system?
    It depends on the setup of the aquaponics system and the type and quantity of fish feed used. In systems with a properly sized and functioning biofilter that converts the waste produced by the fish into nitrate, you can expect the following quantities: For low-nutrient-demanding plants (e.g., lettuce, herbs), you can allocate 1m² of growing area per 50g of fish feed (for African catfish). For high-nutrient-demanding plants (e.g., tomatoes, cucumbers), you can allocate 0.5m² of growing area per 50g of fish feed. Nitrate levels in the water should be regularly monitored, and if they become too high, they can be diluted by adding fresh water.
bottom of page