Aquaponic Cart System

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.

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.

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

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

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

Add middle shelf legs & attach shelf pieces.

Add top shelf legs.

Add top shelf pieces.

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

Add shelf/tank braces.

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

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

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.

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.

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).

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!