This prototype-based case study examines two 3D-printed Downflow Hanging Sponge (Bio-DHS) filter configurations and their practical relevance to sustainable small-scale aquaculture management. Design A uses conventional top-down flow, whereas Design B adds a perforated central distribution tube. Both configurations were evaluated with a single 20 L batch of real catfish wastewater using a repeated batch-transfer arrangement. The measured filter-outlet flow rate was 20 L/h (0.333 L/min), equivalent to one nominal full-volume passage per hour. Dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonium ion (NH??), pH, temperature and total dissolved solids (TDS) were recorded at 11 time points together with traditional-method comparator (TDL) readings. Mean Bio-DHS DO was 6.03 mg/L for Design A and 5.91 mg/L for Design B, while mean NH?? was 8.60 mg/L and 24.29 mg/L, respectively. However, the corresponding TDL conditions differed substantially between the two trials. Relative to its own TDL mean, Design B showed a larger descriptive increase in DO and decrease in NH?? than Design A. Because the trials did not begin with equivalent water-quality conditions and technical triplicates were not independent system replications, no definitive superiority is claimed. The study provides preliminary evidence on how locally fabricated prototypes may support resource-conscious water-quality management. Adoption by small-scale farmers will also depend on affordability, usability, maintenance requirements, training and access to local fabrication support.
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