Home / / Plant

Home Aquaponics Build

Home Aquaponics Build
Author: Andres Solanot
Publish date: Tuesday. December 12th, 2017

The build pictures you will see below are for an aquaponics system. Aquaponics is a method of growing vegetables (indoor or outdoor). The system acts as an entirely self sufficient ecosystem that circulates the water through the plants and back into the tank. Essentially the fish eat food, convert that food into waste that dissolves into the water, then the water gets pumped into the grow bed and is absorbed by the growing plants. The water is then cycled back down to the fish tank cleaner than when it arrived.

Here I have attached several pictures of the build process for my home aquaponics system:

Here you can see the frame construction. We bought the 2x4s, sanded them down, and did two coats of stain to help them blend in with the brick of the apartment.

At this stage the 55 gallon fish tank was installed with everything except the fish. The frame was just finished up and dropped over the full tank. As you can see there is a long air-stone in the tank. This is to aerate the water, which is super important in making the dissolved nutrients available to the plants.

Here you see the 4'x2' grow bed made of food grade plastic. On the right you see a small PVC tube sticking out of the plastic. This will be covered by a large PVC tube with a cap that creates an auto-siphon when the water reaches a certain level. This allows the system to automatically fill up and empty out without an extra pump/timer.

At this stage I added three crucial components to the system. The first is the grow medium (hydrocroton - white rock like substrate), which allows the plants to form roots in order to grow. The second thing is the water pump that brings water up from the tank to the grow bed (top left tube). Lastly, I added the grow lights (two 125 watt fluorescents).

The final system in operation!


Related news

Genetically modified roses can last a month Genetically modified roses can last a month

Roses for Valentine who donate in large quantities around the world could now significantly longer stay fresh, fragrant and beautiful.

Saturday. June 17th, 2017
Diseases who attacks balcony plants Diseases who attacks balcony plants

The flowers that are constantly exposed to outside attacks various diseases and pests.

Saturday. June 17th, 2017
What To Do If You Do Not Happen In Time After Transplanting The Seedlings Outdoors! What To Do If You Do Not Happen In Time After Transplanting The Seedlings Outdoors!

Holidays are some of the reasons for another trip, but for lovers of gardening, this is a tough time when mass seedlings are transferred to open ground.

Monday. June 19th, 2017
How To Remove Weeds – Natural Way How To Remove Weeds – Natural Way

In the past week, our team received several questions about how to control weeds in your lawns and gardens.

Monday. June 19th, 2017
Growing herbs Growing herbs

Spring, summer, fall and winter are great seasons for growing herbs.

Monday. June 19th, 2017