Aquaponics in the Classroom Bryan Beck Frisco – Liberty High School

Hydroponics vs. Aquaponics What we do in my classroom is called Aquaponics. That is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics.

Aquaponics

Set up The first thing to start with is your critter tank. What kind of critters should you choose? – Some people have used goldfish, tilapia, or regular aquariums – I have red-eared slider turtles They were “rescue turtles” They eat a blend of fruits and vegetables, fish, and crickets They are DIRTY ANIMALS

Set up I had my turtles for about a year before I had the “EUREKA” moment to set up the aquaponic gardens. – I had to clean the turtles all the time – Filters just aren’t enough – But now the garden acts like a wetland !!!

Set up Once you decide on your type of animal(s), run your tank for a couple of months. – This allows your nutrients to cycle (P and N especially) – Allows for the growth of bacteria and algae (eutrophication) – This is actually the hardest part of the set up: getting everything in balance (homeostasis)

IMPORTANT SET UP POINT!!! If you are using a filter to pump your water up, take a second to: – Measure where the line will go through your basket. – Cut a hole for your filter in the bottom of the basket. – Seal around your hole (I use electrical tape) If you are using a pump of some other type, ignore this slide.

Adding the Plants You will now need something to grow your plants in. This needs to be determined by your plant size, number of plants, and how long you want them to grow. – I chose a plastic basket from Wal-Mart. – Less than $3, and you know its measurements.

Adding the Plants You then need to add some type of media so the plant can root. – Aquarium gravel – Sand?? – I got some specialized aquarium gravel that is fortified to help plants grow (extra Fe) at the local pet store. The depth needs to be deep enough to allow your plant to stand vertically.

Adding the Plants There are many, many plants to choose from I have had success with: – Jalapeño Peppers – Bell Peppers – Tomatoes (Roma, cherry, and beefeater) You can either get them at a local store or you can grow them from seed (if you want to know how, ask!)

Assembly To put this all together, you will also need: – A meter stick (or paint sticks) – Your water pump (if you bought one separate – they are easily purchased at anywhere that has outdoor gardening) – Tubing (possibly – if your pump didn’t come with it)

Assembly 1.Measure out the width of your tank. 2.Break the meter stick, or paint sticks to go all the way across your tank. 3.You will want to do this for the length of your basket, as well. - This step allows you to shim up your basket, and make the water run out a particular side, if you like. - I have mine run out the back, so that you can see the fish and turtles better.

Assembly Now, put your filter through your pre cut hole, and place it in your basket. Place the basket in your wooden frame – Or, if you choose, place your basket on top of your wooden frame, if your set up is filled to the top with water Place the media into your basket Place your plants in your media Turn on your water source Shim, as needed

Pitfalls Summers, what do you do with it? Evaporation happens (this can burn out filters) There will be some shifting/movement – adjustments will need to be made Watch out for heat lamps (bulbs burst) Water + electricity = Simulating nature takes time… BE PATIENT

Benefits This could get you a room with a window Make your own microscope slides Food chains Biodiversity Nutrient cycling Invasive species Farming techniques The role of Plants Wetlands Growth rates Eutrophication Parts of a flower Water quality – Dissolved O 2 – Phosphates – Nitrates – Turbidity

Thanks for coming! I think this adds another layer to having animals in the classroom! If you ever have a question, or need help with this stuff… Session Number: 017 (for the survey)