Received: 07-08-2017 / Accepted: 04-04-2018
This study was carried out to investigate the suitability of different aquaponic systems to be applied at the suburban household scale. The experimentconsisted of two types of hydroponic sub-systems in three replications;presence and absence of substrate were the main difference of two types of systems. Three leafy vegetables,lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.), curled mint (Mentha spicataL.),and basil (Ocimum basilicumL.) were planted on these two aquaponic systems and watered with water from Tilapia culture at the density of 120 fish/m3. During 70 raising days, the water quality was good especially zero-accumulation of nitrogenous forms NH4-N and NO2-N in spite of daily feeding and zero-water exchange. The two aquaponics systems in this study were suitable for the householdswith a medium size of rooftop and small front yard. Generally, the first system showed sustainabilityand higher potential forfurther developmentas compared to the second system. In order to be applied in the reality, pest management and increasing of fish yield have to be taken into consideration.