The aquaponics system I at least in part funded with a Fifth World microloan at the end of June is finished and running!
The water is circulating, and Spence has added ammonia and is letting the biofilter develop before adding the fish.
All of this means that after the planning and building phases, Spence and his friends at Green-Trust have now actually embarked on the new indoor/outdoor solar-powered aquaponics self-sufficiency survival food project.
The project includes a fish and vegetable production system, but also an optional solar power system, LED grow lights, possibly a do-it-yourself (DIY) greenhouse, and a methane digestion system for hot water and winter heating of the greenhouse. The fish will be fed by a grub composter. Spence is ordering the fish tomorrow.
The fish will be bluegill and catfish, as well as other varieties which are being investigated. The vegetables that will be planted have been picked for nutrition, hardiness, and ease of growing, mostly water plants in addition to traditional plants.
Green-Trust’s first kit is now available. It is a 2.5′ siphon, ready for installation in a 55-gallon plastic drum. It consists of a bulkhead fitting, a 30″ x 2″ vertical standpipe, a 30″ x 4″ vertical bell pipe with drilled cap, and a 28″ x 1/2″ snorkel pipe with fittings, all drilled and cut. Simple assembly is required. The cost is $60 plus shipping & handling, and includes complete system documentation on CD. The documentation CD without the siphon is $40.
You can order the kit, or get more information at http://www.green-trust.org/wordpress/aquaponics-project.
Cyberterra Journal 