Aquaponics Greenhouse update

I took a quick video of the Aquaponic IBC system my small greenhouse.  The Alpine Strawberries are doing great, but all the tomato plants look dead.  Im buying another heater to keep the water a bit warmer, and we have a small space heater in there to help the plants and koi fish to survive the winter.  The mint growing in the ground is still thriving, and its definitely not cold inside the greenhouse.  My next step is to build a solids lifting overflow, and a radial flow filter from a 5-gallon bucket.  Then Ill hook them up to the IBC tank, draining into the 100gallon sump tank.  Then Ill add a stronger pump which will pump water to both grow beds.  Im hoping to get all this done by spring so we have a fully assembled system by then.  Check out the video:

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SAGE Collective Aquaponic setup in Trenton NJ

I recently disassembled the 105 gallon aquaponic setup in Philly, but Im reusing some of those components for a system in Trenton, NJ at an Art Collectives studio space.  The SAGE Coalition is a group of local artists that do public murals, run a community garden, and host art gallery shows at their studio.  The Gandhi Garden is a beautiful community garden transformed by Graham Apgar, Jonathan Gordon, and other members of the SAGE Coalition and local residents.  Ive only met Graham and Jonathan so far, but Im excited to meet more of the artists here.  Heres what the Gandhi Garden looks like:

Heres some photos of our work so far:

Each shelf has a fluorescent light underneath.  I think we might remove one shelf to give each row some more space.  The goal is to eventually have the entire shelf be aquaponic grow beds connected to the 55 gallon tank on the floor.  Unfortunately, some rocks got into my aquarium filter, so Ill just be using a pump with no additional filter.  I am planning on making a radial flow filter to test out, but its not a priority at the moment.  I just received the pump in the mail, and am waiting for a uni-seal to arrive, then well get some water flowing to the grow bed.

Im currently off-gassing the chlorine from the tap water.  The pH is balanced, and Ive added some ammonia to start cycling.  Hopefully in a few weeks this will be flowing!

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New IBC Aquaponics in Trenton NJ

My buddy Graham with th SAGE Coallition in Trenton, NJ has started up a makerspace called The Hive.  I believe there are at least 5 artists now using their warehouse space to create art, and awesome projects for the community.  They have a bunch of IBC tanks, and a few South-facing windows, so Graham started constructing and IBC aquaponics setup.  I came over to lend a hand one night and snapped a few photos.  Enjoy!

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Herb Spiral Project in Delaware

Before and after the most recent work day.

Ive been working on building an herb spiral in my parents yard in Delaware. Its just about finished.

An herb spiral is a permaculture design that allows you to grow up to 16 different herbs all requiring different conditions, from watercress and mint to rosemary and oregano. The design channels water from the top of the garden to the small pond at the bottom.  The structure creates microclimates through variation in sunlight and soil moisture. Well place plants at the top that need less water, and plants at the bottom (near the pond) that need more water. The north side will have shade-loving herbs and the south side will have herbs that need more light. The idea is to grow a wide variety of herbs that will be available for the kitchen.

Its a good idea to place an herb spiral close to the kitchen. That way, if youre cooking dinner, you can easily cut fresh herbs for your recipes.

If you want to learn more, or build your own, detailed instructions can be found here: http://fuentesfarm.wordpress.com/2014/02/04/spiral-herb-garden-chart/

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