Combining aquaponics with Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) offers a promising pathway toward more sustainable food production. Linking fish farming with hydroponic cultivation in a closed-loop system allows for water recycling, waste reduction, and the balanced growth of both fish and plants.
In this blog post, we take a closer look at the integrated system developed by our partner, the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) at the Deir Alla Pilot. From initial setup to full-scale operation, we follow the system’s progression and examine key data on fish growth, plant yields, and water quality. With catfish, basil, and tomato at its core, the system offers valuable insights into how aquaponics-RAS integration performs in practice.
The integrated system designed by NARC is illustrated in the figure below (Figure 1).
The FrontAg Nexus team in Jordan conducted data collection and system monitoring throughout the operational cycle from November 2024 to May 2025.
Key features of the integrated system design include:
- Multiple plant stages growing media (tuff → floating → tuff) enhance nutrient retention.
- System sequencing affects not only water purification but also crop yield.
Comparative Tank Analysis
summary for pond 1
Date | Fish Weight (g) | Daily Feed (g) | pH | NH₃ | DO | Temp (°C) | EC (μS/cm) | Basil (g) | Tomato (kg) |
25/11/2024 | 35±2.1 | 55 | 7.5±.1 | 0.5±0.05 | 8±0.1 | 16.9 | 1070±20 | 0 | 0 |
29/12/2024 | 60±1.3 | 40 | 7.6±0.1 | 0.3±0.03 | 8±0.1 | 15.8 | 1086±12 | 0 | 0 |
08/01/2025 | 60±1.9 | 40 | 7.6±.2 | 0.4±0.05 | 8.1±0.3 | 19.5 | 1088±10 | 0 | 0 |
04/02/2025 | 60±1.4 | 90 | 7.5±.1 | 0.4±0.01 | 8±0.1 | 21.7 | 1090±13 | 1400±20 | 0 |
03/03/2025 | 90±1.5 | 130 | 8.0±.1 | 0.3±0.06 | 8±0.1 | 22.3 | 1115±9 | 1600±32 | 4±0.1 |
07/04/2025 | 105±2.6 | 160 | 7.8±.1 | 0.4±0.03 | 7.8±0.1 | 23.1 | 1115±18 | 1720±49 | 4.2±0.2 |
11/05/2025 | 130±1.9 | 200 | 7.5±.1 | 0.5±0.02 | 8±0.2 | 28.2 | 1135±5 | 1760.85±65 | 3.8±0.1 |
Pond 1 demonstrated moderate fish growth, with weights increasing from 35 grams to 130 grams. Feeding rates were increased later in the cycle, which caused a delay in growth acceleration. Water quality parameters remained stable throughout, with ammonia levels consistently around 0.4 to 0.5 mg/L. Both basil and tomato crops produced solid yields by the end of the monitoring period.
summary for pond 2
Date | Fish Weight (g) | Daily Feed (g) | pH | NH₃ | DO | Temp (°C) | EC (μS/cm) | Basil (g) | Tomato (kg) |
25/11/2024 | 35 | 55 | 7.5 | 0.3 | 8.0 | 18.5 | 1061 | 0 | 0 |
29/12/2024 | 55 | 37 | 7.6 | 0.4 | 8.0 | 15.7 | 1075 | 0 | 0 |
08/01/2025 | 55 | 37 | 7.6 | 0.3 | 8.0 | 18.0 | 1096 | 0 | 0 |
04/02/2025 | 55 | 85 | 7.4 | 0.6 | 8.0 | 20.9 | 1112 | 1165 | 0 |
03/03/2025 | 92 | 140 | 7.7 | 0.4 | 8.0 | 22.9 | 1090 | 1250 | 4.4 |
07/04/2025 | 120 | 180 | 7.6 | 0.5 | 8.0 | 23.5 | 1139 | 1000.25 | 3.5 |
11/05/2025 | 160 | 240 | 7.6 | 0.5 | 7.8 | 28.3 | 1139 | 900.25 | 4.6 |
In Pond 2, fish weight increased from 35 grams to 160 grams. Early feeding was insufficient, which limited initial growth, but increasing feed quantities later on significantly improved fish development. Ammonia concentrations briefly peaked at 0.6 mg/L, indicating some stress on the filtration system. Basil yields peaked early in the cycle and then declined, while tomato production remained strong, reaching a maximum of 4.6 kilograms.
summary for pond 3
Date | Fish Weight (g) | Daily Feed (g) | pH | NH₃ | DO | Temp (°C) | EC (μS/cm) | Basil (g) | Tomato (kg) |
25/11/2024 | 35 | 55 | 7.3 | 0.3 | 8.0 | 16.0 | 1029 | 0 | 0 |
29/12/2024 | 55 | 38 | 7.4 | 0.3 | 8.0 | 15.9 | 1079 | 0 | 0 |
08/01/2025 | 55 | 38 | 7.4 | 0.4 | 7.8 | 18.6 | 1120 | 0 | 0 |
04/02/2025 | 58 | 90 | 7.5 | 0.5 | 8.0 | 22.3 | 1145 | 850 | 0 |
03/03/2025 | 95 | 145 | 7.9 | 0.3 | 8.0 | 22.8 | 1141 | 1000 | 3.89 |
07/04/2025 | 130 | 200 | 8.0 | 0.5 | 8.1 | 28.1 | 1151 | 1250.4 | 4.2 |
11/05/2025 | 180 | 270 | 7.7 | 0.6 | 7.7 | 28.5 | 1198 | 1300.75 | 3.98 |
Pond 3 exhibited the highest fish growth among the three ponds, with fish increasing from 35 grams to 180 grams. This was driven by an aggressive feeding strategy that reached up to 270 grams per day. However, ammonia and electrical conductivity levels in this pond also reached their highest values, approaching critical thresholds that require careful management. Basil yields surpassed 1300 grams, and tomato production peaked at 4.2 kilograms, reflecting effective integration under intensified conditions.
Among the three ponds, Pond 3 showed the highest fish growth rate, followed by Pond 2 and Pond 1. A positive correlation was observed between increased feeding rates and fish weight gains. pH levels remained relatively stable across all tanks, while EC values increased over time, reflecting nutrient buildup consistent with rising fish biomass. Ammonia levels stayed within a generally safe range but showed slight variation between ponds.
Conclusion
Temperature played a critical role in fish development across all ponds. As temperatures rose from winter lows (~16°C) to late spring highs (~28°C), fish metabolic activity increased, leading to improved feed intake and growth rates. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was generally efficient, particularly in Pond 3 where high feed inputs resulted in significant biomass gains. With the arrival of summer, further improvements in growth performance are expected, assuming water quality parameters remain within optimal ranges. The comparison across tanks reveals a direct correlation between increased feed quantity and fish growth, though it comes with nutrient accumulation risks. Pond 3 achieved the highest biological productivity but will require careful management of water quality. Consistent monitoring of ammonia and EC is critical to maintaining balance in high-yield aquaponic systems. The data demonstrates that controlled feeding ratios directly impact fish growth. Maintaining stable water quality parameters is crucial for sustaining optimal growth and health in aquaponic systems. Further monitoring is recommended to ensure balanced nutrient levels and healthy aquatic environments.
Disclaimer
This publication reflects the views of the author only. The European Commission and PRIMA Foundation cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
FrontAg Nexus at a glance
Instrument: PRIMA, the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area
Total costs: € 3.206.895,00
Duration: 3 years, 1/5/2023 – 30/4/2026
Consortium: A total of 10 partners from 8 countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Türkiye)
FrontAg Nexus Homepage by PRIMA: https://qap.mel.cgiar.org/projects/1828
| Project Coordinators | Prof. Gertrud Buchenrieder Dr. Wubneshe Biru Universität der Bundeswehr München Email: Email: |
| Project Communication | Dimitris Fotakidis Reframe.food Email: |
English 
French 
Arabic 
Hebrew 
Italian 
Turkish