Over the past few weeks I have been able update our project costs, size our aquaponics system, and source all of the components. This particular system utilizes (3) 275 gallon IBC totes (two are cut in half) and runs on a 75 watt pump. It will feature (3) 100 gallon grow beds that are roughly 4'x4', a 275 gallon fish tank, and a sump container which houses the water pump. We could potentially build offshoots to the sump for fish fingerlings, duckweed trays (excellent fish food), or seedling pots. I'm hoping to source the IBCs from Ebay or Craigslist this week, and to purchase the plumbing components this weekend.
I generated a quick 3D model and we can definitely fit this within our 15'x15' greenhouse enclosure but it may be nice to have a bit more room. Lauren will be generating a 3d model based on our site survey and we will pass that along to Dan for solar analysis.
Thoughts?
Kyle and I have been discussing possible strategies for creating the enclosure, the primary challenge of which will be keeping those fish warm in the winter. [No fish-cicles!] We've been thinking about a dry-laid masonry floor [CMU, reclaimed pavers, etc] - the advantage of this approach is that it could act as foundation for the enclosure, as well as be impermanent/movable and modular/expandable. It also would function as an effective thermal mass, and be easy to install. I'm looking into options for reclaimed materials for this right now....
ReplyDeleteWe've also been brainstorming about the walls, and recently have been thinking about rigging up a home-made trombe wall, or multi-layered air-insulated wall of polygal panels or something similar. I'd like to investigate creating micro pressure differentials and mini convection currents within these walls that would maximize our passive heat gain/retention in the winter...
More thoughts?
How about replacing that current landscaping with edible landscaping?
ReplyDeleteHey Robin - thats not our project, just the format for the aquaponics system from a group in colorado called 'The Aquaponics Store.' They have a do-it yourself kit that we are more or less following. Which is great because most of this type of work is done in Australia!
ReplyDeleteOur site is managed by Bobby and Nataka and they have lots of in ground crops - even a few fruit trees! We'll put some pictures up when everything explodes!