Borgmann Aquaponics Hydroponics
Aquaponics/Hydroponics Calculator
Calculate your estimated yields and break-even point for your system project
System Parameters
Choose system type:
Market Prices
⚡ Annual Operating Costs
Economic Analysis
Enter your parameters and click "Start Calculation"
Break-Even Analysis
ℹ️ Important Notes:
- Yields are based on literature values (Goddek et al. 2019, Resh 2022)
- Hydroponics yields: Lettuce/Herbs: 30-35 kg/m²/year, Fruiting vegetables: 50-70 kg/m²/year
- Aquaponics fish yield: ~20-25 kg/m³ tank volume/year
- All values are guideline values and may vary depending on experience, climate, and technology
- Additionally consider: Labor time, marketing, insurance, legal requirements
Price dispersion in reality: Let's take basil as an example – a typical aquaponics product (prices 2026-04):
- Conventional, Wholesale, DE: ~0.80–1.20 €/Pot
- Organic certified, retail, CH: ~2.80–4.50 €/pot
- Direct marketing, weekly market, urban: ~1.50–3.00 €/pot
- Gastronomy, Premium Restaurant: ~3.00–6.00 €/Pot
- Seasonal serve winter: +20–40%
- "Aquaponics" label markup (where recognized): +15–30%
This is already a factor of 7 without an organic certificate. With organic and CH localization against DE wholesale, it's easily a factor of 10.
The Gaussian problem:
If each parameter has an uncertainty of ±30% – producer price, electricity costs, FCR, failure rate, harvest volumes – and one multiplies 6–8 such parameters, the confidence width of the result quickly ends up at ±200–300%. This is statistically correct but practically worthless as a "calculation".
Incidentally, this is a well-known problem in agricultural economics in general – not specific to aquaponics. Monte Carlo simulations are used in agricultural investment planning precisely because simple mean calculations are systematically too optimistic.
The most honest statement we can give producers is: direct marketing or niche market is almost always a prerequisite for profitability – and this is a qualitative statement, not a calculation result.
Disclaimer - Important information about the calculator
⚠️ Disclaimer
This calculator is intended solely as a rough guide and initial estimate. The calculations are in no way a substitute for professional advice from experts, tax advisors, or specialized aquaponics/hydroponics consultants - Or simply ask us: make an appointment now.
Basis for calculations
- Yield data is based on scientific literature values (Goddek et al. 2019, Resh 2022)
- Cost estimates are deliberately conservative and calculated high to avoid unpleasant surprises
- Actual costs may vary significantly depending on the region, supplier, and individual situation
⚡ Cost factors - Important additions
The operating costs used in the calculator are minimum figures. The following are not taken into account:
- Working hours (often the biggest cost factor!)
- Insurance (business liability, building insurance)
- Permits and certifications (organic, food law)
- Marketing and sales (website, packaging, market stall fees)
- Unpredictable repairs and breakdowns
- Loss of quality due to disease, pests, or technical failure
- Seasonal price fluctuations in sales prices
- Start-up losses in the first few years (learning curve)
Yield uncertainties
Realistic yields depend on:
- Your experience and willingness to learn
- Climatic conditions (location, season)
- Quality of technology and maintenance
- Plant selection and variety suitability
- Disease and pest pressure
- Marketing success (not everything can always be sold)
Recommendations before investing
1. Study specialist literature and attend courses
2. Visit existing facilities and gain experience
3. Start small—test first, then scale up
4. Seek professional advice (technology, business administration, law)
5. Create a business plan with realistic assumptions
6. Plan for a financial cushion (at least a 20-30% buffer)
⚖️ Legal notice
No guarantee is given for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. All calculations are made without guarantee. The operator accepts no liability for damages resulting from the use of the calculation results.
Our tip: Use the calculator as an initial guide, but only make investment decisions after thoroughly reviewing all factors and seeking professional advice, such as from us!
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