Estimate aquaponic make-up water from total system volume, daily evaporation and transpiration loss, harvest or cleaning withdrawals, and planned days. The result helps size routine supply while keeping operational reserve separate.
Daily make-up = System volume × Daily loss rate + Other daily withdrawals
Period supply = Daily make-up × Days
The main result replaces modeled routine losses so that system volume can be maintained. The reserve figure adds 10% to the period total for planning only.
Actual losses change with air temperature, humidity, plant canopy, splash, leaks, and greenhouse ventilation. Treat emergency water as a separate contingency.
A 25,000 L system losing 1.5% daily loses 375 L. Add 120 L in withdrawals for 495 L/day, or 14,850 L over 30 days.
Fish do not remove a meaningful separate drinking volume; water loss is mainly evaporation, transpiration, splash, leaks, and withdrawals.
Yes. Include routine filter backwash and sludge discharge in other daily withdrawals.
No. Add planned exchanges separately.
The percentage model expresses daily loss as a share of the whole circulating inventory.
No. It is only a visible planning allowance; choose a reserve appropriate to your reliability needs.
| Item | Meaning |
|---|---|
| System volume | Water in fish tanks, filters, grow beds, and connected sumps |
| Daily loss rate | Evaporation and plant transpiration as a share of volume |
| Other withdrawals | Backwash, harvest, cleaning, and routine discharge |
| Make-up water | Water needed to restore modeled daily loss |