IC Aquaponics
Past Systems
From our early days of a small system in a back room to our current reconstruction in the Ithaca College CNS greenhouse, IC Aquaponics has seen quite a few different set-ups.
First CNS System
Terrace Dining System
Agricultural Education System
Second CNS System
Current CNS System!
Our First CNS System
Our humble beginnings with aquaponics started in a small backroom in the CNS greenhouse suite. Though we've kept the same general mechanics, a lot of our equipment, technology, and methods have improved over time!
Features of Our First System:
- All artificial lighting
- Full temperature control
- Two grow beds
- Limited aisle space for visitors
- Blue gill/tilapia mix
- Same growing medium
Terrace Dining System
Led by students Alex Pentecost (Class of '20) and Jen Skala (Class of '19), IC Aquaponics partnered with Terrace Dining Hall to add an aquaponics system to provide fresh herbs to the kitchen. Transformed into a hydroponic system and later removed from the dining hall, these projects propose important questions about the practical application of alternative food systems.
Agricultural Educational System
Spearheaded by student Rob Tollette (Class of '16) and the IC Aquaponics team of 2015/16 embarked on a project to set up an aquaponics system at Southern Cayuga High School to educate students interested in alternative agriculture.
Second CNS System
The aquaponics system now lives in the CNS greenhouse. An upgrade in space and climate conditions, housing the system in the greenhouse has decreased electrical inputs through exposure to the sun and expanded plant production.
The second CNS system has five grow beds growing a wide assortment of herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Tours are conducted by research members to visiting prospective students and current students.
