System Redesign
Updating the System
Seeking to upgrade the most recent system, research students Reid Fedors, Alea Razmjou, and Alena Machabee teamed up to make some key changes. Though the new system make not look very different from the last one, it features needed improvements to water flow and debris buildup. The significance of these little changes shows the importance of attention to detail in aquaponic systems and implications for modern food system production.
Small Adjustments, Big Improvements
Along with a deep clean and replacements of worn out pieces, the system redesign aims to tackle some of the problems we've dealt with in the past to decrease maintenance tasks and increase efficiency.
Water Movement
One of the key aspects of a successful aquaponic system is to keep all the water moving. This constant flow prevents pockets of anaerobic conditions and decreases algal growth. The redesign features a switch from side-draining to bottom-draining beds, as well as adjustments in the shelf heights and bed angles to increase drainage with the help of gravity.
Debris Buildup
The previous design had some problems with buildup of plant debris and algae, reducing water flow and clogging bed drains. In addition to the gravity-based drainage adjustments, the new system also implements drain covers to prevent substrate, algae, and plant debris from interfering
with pipe flow.
Growth Optimization
We're excited to have improved growing space and maximized use of natural light by reconfiguring the beds, adding a trellis, and implementing a deeper grow bed. These changes will offer more productive space for student experiments and food pantry production.