Investigate the basic needs of plants and fish and discover how plants, animals, and bacteria interact in a symbiotic system by assembling, maintaining, and observing a small-scale aquaponics system.
Assembly required!
Materials
Included Materials:
12-14 quart clear storage tub (approximately 17”L x 12”W x 6”D)
20-24 quart clear storage tub with lid (approximately 17”L x 12”W x 10”D)
Swamp Cooler Overflow Drain Kit (1/2” MPT threaded overflow pipe with hex head, Rubber washer, 3/4” nylon nut, Nylon drain with 3/4” garden hose threads on outside and 1/2” FPT threads on inside)
40-90 gal/hr submersible fountain pump
Flexible tubing (to fit the submersible fountain pump discharge opening)
Plastic jar
Expanded clay pellets, 10 quarts
Brooder clamp light
42 watt twist CFL daylight high wattage light bulb with medium base
Timer (for the light)
Ammonium chloride
Freshwater aquarium water test kit that measures pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate
Aquarium thermometer
Fish food (goldfish flakes)
Aquarium fish net
Aquarium fish cave
Classroom Aquaponics System Assembly and Maintenance Guide
Materials to Gather (not included):
Measuring tape
Drill or drill press
1” spade drill bit
3/4” spade drill bit
De-chlorinated water, approximately 15 quarts (see De-chlorination Procedure on page 9 of Classroom Aquaponics System Assembly and Maintenance Guide)
Goldfish, 5-7 adult fish
5 small seedling plants (basil or other small herbs, lettuces, or any other small plant that tolerates wet soil well)
Tap water conditioner (optional)