As we’re getting close to having all the parts of our system in place I thought it’d be fun to have a look back at how our plans have turned into reality. It’s quite an interesting story in images:
We started off with the first plans for our large Aquaponics system
These went through lots of refinements to maximize the use of space and got to the current “final design” for our Aquaponic system
Then we got into the Eco-House and could finally start measuring up for the polytunnel
And then after one great weekend the frame of our Aquaponic polytunnel was up:
And then, after a weekend away and a bit of dithering, the Aquaponic fish tanks and Growbeds arrived at it started to look a lot like the Large Aquaponic System Plans.
Getting pretty close now! Just got to get the stands and plumbing done!
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October 5, 2009 at 5:09 am
takia
Wow way to dive in! where are you now in process?
October 5, 2009 at 5:24 am
lepotager
We’re just waiting on the growbed stands now – then it’ll all start to come together pretty quickly I hope.
October 10, 2009 at 7:10 am
Bruce
Who are your suppliers for your tanks, growbeds and stands? We are planning a setup and would appreciate some help with the research instead of having to re-find the same people!
Thanks
October 10, 2009 at 7:15 am
lepotager
Hi there Bruce,
The tanks and growbeds came from Ponds 4 Fish – http://www.ponds4fish.co.uk/ & we’re getting the stands custom made.
It’s such an effort finding all the correct parts we’re considering offering full kits for sale – if you’re interested let me know!
October 18, 2009 at 7:04 am
Steve Hall
Well done guys that looks amazing, please dont stop posting. I wonder if you could give us a ballpark figure of how much the whole thing might cost. I have done some research but there are no full kit suppliers in the UK. I know it wont be an exact figure and will be sbject to change but it would be really helpdul. Thanks
October 18, 2009 at 6:30 pm
lepotager
Thanks Steve,
Latest update coming soon! Approx cost, including polytunnel, is about 4-5k. That is for a BIG system though, with three sumps which can be used for extra growing.
We found the whole process of finding the parts was so painful that the only way for Aquaponics to take off in the UK is for somebody to start supplying kits. If you’re interested in a kit, let me know, as we’re just starting to put together kits for people to buy.
October 27, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Steve Hall
Hi again.
I am definately interested in the typical greenhouse scale system. I would be keen to try out a kit If we could get the cost down to below 1k. I would be happy to photoblog attempts also. Im interested what kind of filter plants one would use in winter?
I agree that the only way to get going in the UK is to offer kits. Let me know how far you are away so I can start saving.
Also on a professional level I work in sustainability at a large council. We have a couple of poly tunnels at an adult education area currently used for ornamentals that I feel we could put to better use. A final installed cost or a poly tunnel size kit cost rrp would be very useful in putting forward a business case for integrating aquaponics into our adult learning environment.
I look forward to hearing back!
November 27, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Steve Hall
Hi Guys
How are things progressing?
November 27, 2009 at 1:08 pm
lepotager
Hi there Steve,
It’s all going pretty well – I’ve just published a heap of posts to take you all up to the present day.
Andrew