Introduction: Aquaponic Cart System

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This gravity-driven, indoor aquaponic system can be built in an hour. It uses the Nitrogen Cycle to aid in maximum plant growth. This is a symbiotic relationship that benefits you in two ways-You grow edible plants & you can use edible fish, as well. Beneficial bacteria break down the ammonia & fish effluent, converting it to nitrites & nitrates that can be absorbed by the plant roots.

Step 1: Plan With Measurements

This is the initial plan, but can be adjusted to specific measurements needed. With these measurements, total cost of system is around $200-$250, using all new materials.

Step 2: Framing

Start with the 2x3 ft rectangle, framing the bottom.

Step 3: Bracing

Add bottom(floor) braces & front, lowest shelf brace.

Step 4: Bottom Shelf

Add front shelf legs & screw shelf pieces on to them.

Step 5: Middle Shelf

Add middle shelf legs & attach shelf pieces.

Step 6: Top Shelf

Add top shelf legs.

Step 7: Top Shelf

Add top shelf pieces.

Step 8: Inner Braces

Add braces that attach the shelf legs of different shelves together for stability.

Step 9: Inner Shelf Braces

Add shelf/tank braces.

Step 10: Inner Shelf

Add back shelf for optional 2nd tank(bottom tank collects sludge, top tank has the fish).

Step 11: Make It Mobile

This completes the shelf construction. Add 4- castors, and wheels(2"-3" rubber wheels work best).

Step 12: Grow Beds With Plumbing

Add totes with holes cut(for plumbing) in the totes & cut lids for plant baskets & PVC pipes. Aquarium caulk is used around plumbing, to seal it from leaking.

Step 13: Adding the Tanks

Add 1-2 tanks/aquariums(5 &10 gal), small pumps(lift must be between 3 & 4 ft. for best results), aquarium gravel & any live aquatic plants.

Step 14: Choose Your Greens

Add seeds or seedlings(leafy greens work great)& fish(FYI-Japanese shubunkins are very hard to kill and produce the needed ammonia to kick of the nitrogen cycle).

Step 15: Light It Up

Add/attach plant lights/bulbs for maximum indoor growth. Within 4-6 weeks you can be producing enough salad items to feed a family of 4. Enjoy!

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