To develop an aquaponic’s system (plant and fish life) for household application. The system should cost below R30 000.00. The system should be modular, optimize-able and should feed a family of 6. It should have a continuous energy supply (on and off grid). The system should run off rain-water (Jojo tank) and should be sustainable.
“Type of fish: Tilapia (20 – 25 fish)
Plant life: 10 x lettuce, 6 x tomato plants, 10 x spinach, 10 x beans
Should have some sort of control system and be monitored remotely. A wetland must be implanted within the system for replenishing of nutrients. A bio-filter and mechanical filter was used. The system has to be aesthetically pleasing and as a result, all pipes are hidden. A compact yet comfortable design was implemented due to space constraint. ”
Components of project that needed to be researched and divided amongst the team are as follows: Organics (Aquaculture, plants, fish), Nutrient Provision, Freshwater and Rainwater Sanitation for Fish, Pump and Fluid Mechanics Calculations, Piping including Orientation; Sizing:Fitting,O2 Regulation including Aerator Considerations as well as Grow Bed Size and Orientation, Filter/Bio-filter/Tank Considerations, Power Sources (on&off grid), Platform for Aquaponics System, Lighting for Plants, Covering on all Electronics for Fish Tank, Grow Beds, Timers for Regulating Feed and Lights, Controllers/Sensors for Regulating O2, NO2, NO3, NO4, Temperature, Water height and pH Levels, Arduino Controller Considerations and Possible App Integration. Solidworks part and isometric drawings of entire design. A costing list was drawn up.
