Minimal Vertical Aquaponics Garden DIY

Parts list:

• 3" Bamboo (or PVC) pipes, 5' tall (2 count)
• 10gal Aquarium (50 Qt. Storage Bin Clear Plastic)
• 300 GPH Pump
• 6' of food safe 3/4" Black Tubing
• 1/2-Inch PVC Slip-fit Female Adapter Pipe Fitting - Barb
• 1/2-Inch PVC Male Thread Adapter Pipe Fitting - Barb
• 1/2-Inch PVC T Shape (3 count)1/2-Inch End Caps
• Aquarium pebbles
• Aquarium heater - 100W
• 2 Ball valves
• Reused plastic bottles or net pots

All of these materials can be found at local hardware stores, pet stores, or purchased online for under $60. We recommend repurposing as many materials as possible from your community (pro DIY).

Using a drill and hole saw bit. We used a 3 inch hole saw. The reason for the 3 inch size is to later accommodate reusable materials for media holders like plastic water bottles.

1. measure the height of your fish tank/plastic container. Then from that mark on your pipe, drill the holes 8" apart, measuring from the center point of each hole.

*You'll want to drill a hole below the mark too so that the fish can swim freely through the pipe in the fish tank.

2. use a file or sandpaper to smooth off any plastic burrs.

1. After tracing the pipe ends on the lid, use a jig saw to cut the holes for the pipes.

2. Cut inside the lines by 1mm for a snug fit.

1. Add your pump to the container/fish tank and connect the 1/2" threaded barb to the pump and black tubing.

2. Add your media (aquarium pebbles, etc). This should amount to around at least 10% of the total volume of your system to allow for enough space for nitrifying bacteria to live. Nitrifying bacteria are the magic that makes this system work.

3. Some pumps come with an attached filter. If it does not, you'll need to rig up a filter so that your pump doesn't clog. Here we used a 2 inch net pot, sponge, and a zip tie.

1. Measure the distance between the centers of your pipes. Using a hacksaw or pipe cutter, cut two pieces of 1/2 inch PVC pipe to go between the PVC T-Shape drippers and connected everything.

2. Cap the two ends with your PVC end caps.

*If you find you need more water flow control, add 2 ball valves to the drip outlets.

Reuse plastic bottles with holes cut in them to hold your seedlings in place. Make sure to put enough holes/gaps in so that the drip stream keeps everything wet and make a bottom hole for the roots to grow through. The plastic bottles are longer and extend further to the back of the pipe (to better catch the water flow).

1. Go ahead and add the water. Make sure to use dechlorination product or let the water sit 24+ hours before adding the fish to allow the chlorine in tap water to dissipate.

2. Add 1 or 2 small goldfish.

3. Add your seedlings! It is best to let them develop 3-4 true leaves in your nursery before placing them in the system.