Competences

a. Evaluate the construction requirements of aquaria as well as the various life support accessories used;
b. Critically evaluate various water parameters for aquacultural or horticultural production;
c. Develop a systematic feeding approach for a selection of aquaria;
d. Design a functional aquaponic system 

Knowledge 

a. Know the tank requirements for various fish;
b. Appreciate the importance of different life support accessories on fish keeping;
c. List important aquarium décor;
d. Be familiar with fish and invertebrates’ habitat requirements with reference to habitat enrichment to assist reproduction;
e. Know the types of aquaria communities and themed tanks commonly deployed and in demand;
f. Identify water parameters ideal for a particular fish tank;
g. Identify water parameters ideal for a horticultural growing programme;
h. Identify water parameters ideal for an aquaponic growing programme;
i. List the growth media used in aquaponics;
j. Appreciate the balance between stocking density, growing area and number of crops

Skills

a. Set-up, cycle and stock a range of different aquaria;
b. Use a range of instruments to monitor a water quality;
c. Use compatible aquatic organisms to form harmonious communities within a given marine aquarium system;
d. Work out the amendments/maintenance needed to keep the required water parameters for a particular production objective;
e. Design an aquaponic system to produce edible plants and fish;
f. Set-up and maintain an aquaponic system to produce edible plants and fish;
g. Decide the ideal set-up for a fish husbandry closed system;
h. Evaluate problems that arise due to fluctuations in water quality;
i. Decide on the best intervention to treat water;
j. Decide the ideal stocking density for commercial aquaponics;
k. Select the ideal crop and fish according to market, climatic conditions and type of feed;
l. Solve problems in relation to fishkeeping appliances;
m. Understand readings obtained through various water testing instruments;
n. Interpret and present environmental monitoring records for an aquarium;
o. Debate the best approach to reduce pollution in commercial aquaculture;
p. Prepare technical information for presentations to peers;
q. Source and reference information from appropriate websites, journals and texts;
r. Develop well-structured illustrated reports using an appropriate referencing system;
s. Take into consideration holistic approaches for aquacultural management that do not compromise environmental sustainability or production profit;
t. Use word processer software to produce documents suitable for academic presentation;
u. Keep records on PC or laptop;
v. Use data loggers and process results using the correct software.