This site is dedicated to Greenhouse design, Aquaculture, Aquaponics, Aeroponics systems and general plant/animal husbandry when grown in a sustainable organic manner.
A Green Project Challenge
The intent of this project is to see if being more green is viable given the cost of materials vs. the Return On Investment (ROI) for operating my own greenhouse aquaponics/aeroponics system in our backyard. The challenge is whether I can design, build and operate an aquaponics/aeroponics based greenhouse system in a sustainable manner with a small carbon footprint while providing food for the table at a reasonable cost over conventional methods such as purchasing fish/vegetables at the local grocery. Join me on this journey of discovery while I forge a new chapter in my quest for a better tomorrow.
Showing posts with label EZ Cloner Aeroponics Agriculture Tote. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EZ Cloner Aeroponics Agriculture Tote. Show all posts
Here's where my system is at going into mid May, I just got finished placing some of my left over expanded shale into the area around the pump house and barrel filters. I placed some above ground plastic edging at the boarder of the ground tarps over to the greenhouse , and then used about 3 wheelbarrow's full of shale to fill it in about 2" inches deep. I was in jeopardy of losing the weed block as it was beginning to deteriorate from the sun.
It turned out rather nice and provided good drainage for any rain water coming off the greenhouse.
I have also included a few pics of the raft system plants to show some of the growth that is going on.
I have five varieties of lettuce, which include Romain, and bibb. Just wish I had more growing.
I also have squash and cucumber plants in the raft systems which seem to being doing "Just OK", but really haven't taken off yet.
Here is a quick overview video of the entire greenhouse setup, inlcuding the DWC Raft and new nursery plant rafts.
OK...so I realized that raising tomato plants from seed at this point is going to be challenging and I don't really have a resource in the winter for tomato plants, so what's an Aquaponics Gardener to do...Why, build my own DIY EZ Cloner and all for under $50..I say around $40 in the video, but I didn't figure in the cost of the pipe, fittings and the three additional Net Pots w/Neoprene inserts I'm going to need, so the total comes in at a little under $50..still not bad considering the price of a commercial unit. Here a few pics of the unit and a video overview of the cloner...I think it is going to work out just fine.
The Finish Product
A Blue 20 Gallon Tote from my local Family Dollar for $10
Fairly deep compared to an 18 Gallon Tote
Layout for 2" holes to accommodate Net Pots
Starting the holes
Standard 2" Net Pots with Neoprene inserts.
Finished the holes for now, still have to purchase 3 more 2" Net Pots w/Inserts
1/2" PVC pipe spray bar before being drilled for spray heads
Spray bar with 360 Degree spray heads installed.
Close up of 360 mist head 11/64 drill bit used for installation
Close up of 360 degree downspray streaming head 11/64 drill bit used for installation
600 GPH pump to be changed out for a 300+ GPH later on.
Assembly installed in Tote
Here is a short video overview of the EZ Cloner in action.
