Prototype Flood and Drain System with bell peppers and columnar basil growing in 4" and 6" pots. The pepper plant was 30" high when this photo was taken.

We are developing a small-scale flood and drain hydroponic system for the home and classroom. Our prototype is pictured above. Having a footprint of 12" wide by 16" long by 17" high, the system is easy to move and maintain. The bottom reservoir contains a pump and holds two gallons of nutrient solution. The upper basin contains plants in special plastic pots where the plants are supported by inert rockwool and porous ceramic beads. Periodically, nutrient is pumped from the reservoir to the basin where it wicks into each of the pots to irrigate the roots of the plants. This technique is very effective in supplying the nutrients that the plants need while allowing for root aeration.

Aquaponics lab experiment with basil plants taking advantage of the nitrogen cycle in a guppy tank. The tank is in relative steady state.

Our soon-to-be-released educational aquaponics discovery book contains all the information you will need to investigate fish/plant farming techniques in the classroom or at home together with specification of recommended commercially available components and test equipment you will need to set up a demonstration tank. We will also be offering the hard to find components you will need including a plant support bed with media for supporting your plants in a fish tank environment and an adjustable lighting unit for the plants. Instructions will also be given on how to measure and track the performance of your aquaponic system.