This document outlines plans for an aquaponics system at Greensgrow Farms in Philadelphia. It begins with background research on aquaponics and hydroponics. Early concept sketches show different system designs. A small-scale prototype validates the system design. Key aspects of aquaponics are explained such as how the system works in a symbiotic cycle and its advantages over traditional farming. The document proposes installing a medium-sized system at Greensgrow to promote urban agriculture, produce and fish sales, and education. Design diagrams showcase the fish tank, grow beds, nutrient sources, and solar power components. Costs and benefits are estimated for a 100-gallon system.

1. urban aquaponics
Jesse Gerard
at Jackie Starker
Thomas Reynolds
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an urban agriculture project

2. Meeting Itinerary
Research
Early Concepts
Proof of Concepts Model
Aquaponics Map
Advantages
Why Aquaponics at Greensgrow
Project Statement
Concept for Greengrow
Cost and Benefits
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3. Research
Urban Indoor Grow Environment
Hydroponics, Antartica
Seedlings Aquaponics Farm
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2 images32.fotki.com/.../ 98454/5340827/HDR4-vi.jpg
3 http://popupgardens.typepad.com/pop_up_gardens/images/2008/02/07/biodome_seedli
4 www.eaglespringsfarm.net/. ../greenhouse.jpg an urban agriculture project

4. Early Concept Sketches
indoor System with Storage Tabletop Aquaponics Fish Tank Add on Fish Tank Add on
Book Shelf Integrated System
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Fish Tank Spigot Fish Tank Add on Expandable System
an urban agriculture project

5. Aquaponic System Study Model
Fluorescent Grow Light
Pump and Particulate Filter
Plants
Grow Bed
Grow Medium (gravel)
Drain
Fish Tank
Water Test Kit
Fish Food
Grow Light Timer
This proof of concept model was set up to learn
how the system works first hand. It uses goldfish,
and we are currently growing lettuce, broccoli,
peppers and tomatoes.
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6. How Aquaponics Works
Fish are fed food and
produce Amonia rich waste.
But, high levels of the waste
substance is toxic for the
Lettuce- Harvestable in 60-90 days
fish.
Bacteria breaks down this
Amonia into Nitrites and
Nitrates. Bacteria is
cultured in a particulate filter
and/or a grow medium.
Farmer/Consumer
-Feeds fish and Plants take in these Nitrates
maintains the as nutrient. Water being
system pumped through the grow
-Receives two bed gets filtered by grow
crops from one medium and plant roots.
system.
Water is then returned clean
for the fish. Very little water
is wasted in the process.
Talapia- Harvestable in about 200 days
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7. Adavantages of Aquaponics
Hydroponics + Aquaculture = Aquaponics
Hydroponics systems grow plants without soil. Aquaculture creates a habitat where fish
can live and thrive. Aquaponics takes the best of both systems and combines them.
Uses Much Less Water
Aquaponics systems use about 20% of the water that it takes to grow using traditional
means. The water is recycled so that there is no waste in the form of runoff.
Farms Plants and Fish
If an edible fish, such as tilapia, is used to fertilize the plants, then the fish can be eaten as
well. This creates a much larger yield than plants alone.
No Added Fertilizer
As long as the fish are being fed, there is no need to add fertilizer. The fish can be fed with
the worms that live in and eat compost, which can greatly bring down the cost of fish food.
Grow Almost Anywhere
Aquaponics systems can produce food almost anywhere. They can be utilized indoors, or
in places where the soil can not support plant growth, such as brown fields.
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8. Project Statement
As a part of the UArts FarmPhilly initiative our goal is to utilize
aquaponics to grow food in an urban setting. Given Greensgrow’s
current involvement in hyrdroponics and aquaculture, an opportunity
for design exists in an aquaponics system. This design affordance
allows for the integration of a repeatable and expandable system
that gets food to people, educates and raises awareness.
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9. Why Aquaponics at Greensgrow?
Fits into Greensgrow’s mission
Aquaponics continues to develop exciting, affordable and workable plans for growing food
on land that was once deemed un-usuable.
Promote Produce
Aquaponic lettuce would promote awareness and interest in alternatively grown lettuce.
This interest translates into increased demand and sales of hydroponic and aquaponic
lettuce.
Sale of fish
In addition to providing nutrition to the plants, revenue can be generated by the sale of fish
at the end of the season.
Increased effiency through vermiculture
A worm farm would provide food to the fish as well as afford other opportunities for Greens-
grow such as the production of soil.
Alternate Energy
Solar panels would provide alternative energy sourcing for the Aquaponics system. As a
non-profit, Greensgrow could gave solar panels donated which would offset the cost of the
system electronics.
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10. System Scale
Aquaponics can be done a number of different
scales. A medium sized system would be most
approriate for Greensgrow.
Home System Full Scale Farm
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11. System Front View
200 gallon drip irragation system
Drip Reservior
Grow Bed
Reservior Fish Tank
Pump
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12. Education
Educational content is integrated
into the Aquaponics system.
The design highlights how the
symbiotic cycle, and each of it’s
components work.
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13. Grow Bed
A remote grow bed allows the
plants to grow in nutrient rich water,
while being kept sepreratly from
from the fish that may otherwise
damage the roots.
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14. Fish Tank
A habitat where fish can
thrive and grow to maturity.
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15. Nutrient Sources
Traditional fish pellets are fairly
inexpensive, but worm farms
and duck weed are nearly
free alternatives to purchasing
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commercial fish food.
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16. Solar Power
Photovoltaics could directly
power electronics associated
with the Aquaponics system, or
be wired into the grid.
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17. Water Reservoir
The addition of a reservoir
increases the volume of
the system, making it more
consistent. It may also help if the
pump goes out.
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18. Cost and Benefits
of a 100 gallon system
25 lbs. of Talapia @ $10 /lb.
$250 End of Season Gross Sales
40 Lettuce Plants (@ full term spacing)
80-120 Haverested Plants
$10 /gal. Intial System Cost
$1000 Build Cost of 100 Gallon System
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