Aquaponics offers the right solution for every requirement. From affordable polytunnels and lightweight greenhouses to modern production greenhouses and vertical farms – every system leverages the advantages of a closed-loop economy and can be adapted to individual local conditions. Existing agricultural buildings can sometimes even be used for this purpose. Here, we present various system types as examples.
The facility combines modern greenhouse technology with proven hydroponic modules and professional aquaculture. In addition to the cultivation area, it offers space for further processing, cooling, storage, etc. With short maintenance breaks, production runs at the highest level year-round.
The Venlo greenhouse has become established worldwide and offers flexible solutions thanks to its modular design. It can be equipped with point foundations, floor slabs, or additional elements such as underfloor heating. Office space, storage, and cold storage rooms can also be integrated and thermally insulated. The greenhouse provides optimal conditions for plant cultivation with low operating costs.
The light-proof aquaculture section houses two RAS aquaculture systems for tilapia. Deep Water Culture (DWC) is the primary hydroponic cultivation method. The table shows the yield from our example system.
The cost of greenhouses is often estimated at around €500 per m², including greenhouse technology. The larger the greenhouse, the cheaper it becomes relative to its area. In this example, the cost is approximately €4.1 million.
Added to this are the costs for aquaponics, i.e., aquaculture, hydroponics, and other technical equipment, which amount to approximately €2.5 million. The total investment costs amount to approximately €6.6 million.
Our previous calculations show that economic efficiency is achieved from a system size of approximately 2,000 m², since the area factor is crucial for profitability.
During cold seasons, operating costs rise, particularly due to the higher heat demand. Utilizing waste heat sources, such as those from nearby biogas plants, can significantly reduce heating costs.
At this size, even the construction of a small-scale biogas plant is interesting. This could ensure a sustainable heat supply by processing plant parts and sewage sludge from aquaculture. Such an approach reduces external energy demand, creates synergies in the circular economy, and increases the plant's self-sufficiency.
| Product | Cultivation area Fattening period |
Cycles Stocking density |
Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant production | |||
| red oak leaf lettuce | 2.458 sqm | 12.8 | 553.000 pcs |
| Wild herb salad | 2.458 sqm | 15 | 20.300 kg |
| Basil | 2.458 sqm | 12.6 | 22.700 kg |
| Aquaculture | |||
| Tilapia | 236 days | 35 kg | 6.250 kg |
The integration of aquaponics into a modern Venlo greenhouse offers an ideal and cost-effective solution for peri-urban locations. The greenhouse optimally utilizes daylight and, with professional hydroponic modules, creates the best conditions for plant growth and efficient management. The larger system size maximizes the area factor and significantly increases production volumes. If waste heat is additionally utilized or a small-scale biogas plant is installed for heat production, a sustainable, resource-efficient, and economical production operation is created.
Gelderner Straße 139
47661 Issum
info@aquaponik-manufaktur.de
Gelderner Straße 139
47661 Issum
info@aquaponik-manufaktur.de