Indoor Aquaponics System | Make:

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By Aquaponics Guru
Time Required: An Afternoon

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Indoor Aquaponics System

Aquaponics is becoming more and more popular and many people want to build their own system. Aquaponics integrates fish, plants and microbes into a sustainable and ecologically balanced food production system.

This project from Japan Aquaponics will show you how to build your very own system using commonly available components from IKEA and your local hardware store. Anyone can set up their own system in an afternoon and start experiencing the pleasure of building their own little ecosystem!

Steps

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Step #1: Setting the frame up

Indoor Aquaponics System

Indoor Aquaponics System

Indoor Aquaponics System

Indoor Aquaponics System

The main frame that we are going to use will be IKEA's Antonius frame combined with one or two wire baskets and two of the plastic containers. We will use the 50l container for the fish tank at the bottom, and the 25l container for the growbed at the top. Simply put the Antonius unit together as per the IKEA instructions.
We use a wire basket as support for the 25l plastic container for the growbed. This is not strictly necessary for the 50l plastic container fish tank at the bottom if you just put the container on the floor.
You may want to trim the plastic lip on the top container to ensure a better fit, and we also cut the handles off the ends of the container - but again, it is not strictly necessary. To cut the plastic we just used a small saw, but you can also use some standard wire pliers.
You can also decorate your containers by adding stickers, decals or painting them the colour of your choice. A good UV resistant paint is helpful but make sure that it is only on the outside of the container.

Conclusion

Once you have assembled the various plumbing and IKEA parts this is very easy to set up in an afternoon.

Aquaponics Guru

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