Richard bray

Total Estimated Cost: $243
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Tools:

• Drill
• 3/16" drill bit
• 1/2" drill bit
• Scissors
• Electrical tape

Directions1
Step 1.
Fill a 30-gallon container with water. While your tank is only 10 gallons, it will hold more than this due to the grow bed and plumbing. Prepare 30 gallons so you can completely fill your system when it is finished. Use a pH meter to test your water, and adjust it if necessary to reach a neutral reading. Allow the water to sit 24 hours for chlorine to dissipate.
Step 2.
Rinse aquarium gravel and aquarium thoroughly. Put gravel in the aquarium.
Step 3.
Drill holes spaced 2” apart in the bottom of the grow bed using the 3/16” drill bit.
System from Nelson Pade: https://aquaponics.com/aquaponics-information/build-a-mini-aquaponic- system/
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Step 4.
Drill one hole through a back corner of the grow bed with the 1/2" drill bit.
Step 5.
Put the water pump in the fish tank. Connect the tubing to the water pump, and put it through the 1/2" hole in the grow bed. Place the grow bed on top of the aquarium.
Step 6.
Fill the grow bed half full with grow media. Poke holes every few inches along the water pump tubing. Seal the end of the tubing with electrical tape.
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Step 7.
Loop the tubing around inside the grow bed. Fill the rest of the grow bed with media, leaving 1" of empty space below the lip of the grow bed.
Step 8.
Fill the fish tank with the treated water, and turn on the water pump Water should flow up the tubing, seep out the holes, and trickle back down through the media and into the fish tank.
Step 9.
Connect the air stone to the air pump with the tubing. Put the air stone in the tank, and plug in the pump.
Step 10.
Add goldfish to the fish tank. Start with half of the normal stocking rate, so put 2-3 goldfish into the system until it has been cycled.
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Step 11.
1ll
Your system should be ready to support small plants in a few weeks. Once your system has been cycled successfully, add the rest of the fish and plant some seedlings. Continue to monitor the water temperature, pH, and ammonia levels to keep your fish and plants happy.
sharohyip/Sh u tterstock. com
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