Tiempo de retención hidráulico en el cultivo acuapónico de acelga y carpa Koi

Aquaponics is a sustainable alternative that integrates fish farming with hydroponic plant production, creating a system where plants utilize fish waste (N, P, and K), which is transformed by bacteria into assimilable nutrients. Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) is a critical parameter that determines the time water remains in hydroponic beds, influencing nutrient availability. The objective was to evaluate the effect of HRT on the aquaponic cultivation of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. Cicla). Additionally, koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) is a highly attractive species increasingly popular in ornamental ponds, which also require adequate physical and biological filtration for proper animal maintenance. Six HRTs (40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 minutes) were randomly assigned. A total of 144 Swiss chard seedlings were cultivated in hydroponic beds for 40 days, while 350 juvenile koi carp were housed in the tank. The absolute growth rate and edible biomass of Swiss chard were calculated, along with water quality parameters. The results showed that the 40-minute HRT treatment achieved the highest productivity, with significant differences observed between 40–60 minutes and 120–140 minutes. Additionally, the need to supplement oxygen in the plant growth beds was identified. These findings highlight the critical role of HRT in optimizing productivity within aquaponic systems.