We have added a new feature to the calculator: the first two presets are now available above the input form.
With one click, complete example scenarios can be loaded. The selected preset overwrites the current entries and resets the calculator to a predefined system type. This makes it easier to compare different aquaponics concepts and use them as a starting point for your own calculations.
Why presets are useful
The Aquaponics Calculator can represent very different system concepts. Depending on location, size, greenhouse type, operating mode, plant production, fish species, technical setup and cost assumptions, the results can vary significantly.
Especially when getting started, it is helpful not to begin with an empty form. Presets provide complete starting values for typical system concepts. They do not replace individual planning, but they help develop a feeling for scales, relationships and key economic factors.
The first two presets represent two very different approaches: a year-round system with a higher construction standard and a seasonal system with a leaner setup.
Preset 1: Year-round system with 2,500 m²
The first preset describes a year-round aquaponics system with a gross area of 2,500 m².
The greenhouse type selected for this scenario is a Venlo greenhouse with double glazing. Office space, staff facilities and a cold room are also included. The social and logistics area is integrated.
This scenario represents a professionally designed system that operates year-round and therefore places higher demands on buildings, technical equipment, operation and infrastructure.
Key data:
- 2,500 m² gross area
- year-round operation
- Venlo greenhouse with double glazing
- integrated social and logistics area
- office space, staff facilities and cold room
- diversified plant production
- tilapia as the main fish production focus
This preset is suitable as a starting point for larger year-round aquaponics concepts.
Preset 2: Seasonal system with 1,250 m²
The second preset represents a seasonally operated system with a gross area of 1,250 m².
Here, a lighter construction approach is used: a lightweight greenhouse with double film. Unlike the year-round system, no office or staff rooms are included. A cold room is included, however, because storage, harvesting and logistics also need to be considered in seasonal production.
This scenario represents a leaner entry into aquaponics. It is particularly suitable for operators who initially want to produce seasonally or evaluate a reduced investment scenario.
Key data:
- 1,250 m² gross area
- seasonal operation
- lightweight greenhouse with double film
- without office or staff rooms
- with cold room
- reduced construction scope
- focus on seasonal production and direct marketing
This preset shows how strongly construction type, operating mode and infrastructure can influence the calculation.
Further presets and features in development
The two new presets are only the beginning. In the future, additional system concepts will be added for different target groups, operating models and locations.
These may include different size classes, greenhouse types, production focuses and operating concepts. The energy and heating side of the calculator will also be expanded further. We are working on integrating additional heating systems as well as waste heat as a possible heating option in the calculator.
Especially for larger aquaponics systems, heat can be a decisive factor. Locations with available waste heat, for example from biogas plants, combined heat and power units or other commercial processes, can become particularly interesting. Future extensions are intended to help represent such location advantages and different system configurations more effectively.
The Aquaponics Calculator does not replace detailed planning or a feasibility study. It does, however, make central influencing factors visible and helps compare initial scenarios in a structured way.
The new presets deliberately highlight interesting starting points in terms of productivity and economic viability. They can be calculated directly, compared with each other and then further adapted to your own assumptions, locations and project ideas.