Appendix 8 Step-by-step guide to constructing small-scale aquaponic systems

This step-by-step guide describes how to build the media bed, nutrient film technique (NFT) and deep water culture (DWC) systems for the small-scale aquaponic units described in Chapter 4 of this publication.

INITIAL COMMENTS ON THE THREE SYSTEM DESIGNS

The actual design theory for the three systems is explained in Chapter 4 of this publication. This appendix focuses solely on how to construct them using cheap materials that are widely available. In addition, it provides brief explanatory comments for some of the most complicated components of each system. The key factors considered for the design of each unit are: i) material cost; ii) material availability; and iii) production capacity. Thus, the materials for each design shown in the diagrams have all been selected because they are all widely accessible. The main material used for fish tanks, media beds and DWC canals is the intermediate bulk container (IBC). This is a container with a capacity of about 1 000 litres used to transport different liquids worldwide. However, for all components of each unit design, local/cheaper materials can be substituted, but the recommendations for alternative materials stated in Chapter 4 of this publication should be followed.

There are three major sections to the appendix. The first section shows how to build the media bed unit using fabricated IBC containers for the fish tank, media beds and sump tank. The second section describes how to build an NFT unit. This includes how to set up the fish tank (same as the media bed unit), how to make and install a mechanical separator and a biofilter using polyethylene barrel containers and how to install the NFT grow pipes using standard 4 inch (110 cm) PVC drainage pipe. The third and final section shows how to build the DWC unit. The same fish tank design. is employed along with the same swirl clarifier and biofilter described for the NFT unit. The other parts show how to set up the DWC canals and prepare rafts using polystyrene sheets.
An index of all materials and tools used for each section is given in the following pages which should be referred to for each of the major unit construction sections.

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Appendix 8)

 

INDEX OF MATERIALS TABLE A8.1
Index of materials

 

TABLE A8.1 (CONTINUED)

TABLE A8.1 (CONTINUED)

 

TABLE A8.1 (CONTINUED)

 

INDEX OF TOOLS TABLE A8.2
Index of tools

 

TABLE A8.2 (CONTINUED)