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What began as an aquaponics set-up has now transitioned to a hydroponic set-up. What's the difference? While both incorporate water as the central ingredient, the way nutrients are introduced into the system is what varies. Originally, our water-based system was hooked up to the turtle habitat, in the hopes that the plants would utilize the excess nutrients for growth. What we quickly realized is our plants stalled in their growth which led us to conclude that there weren't enough excess nutrients (nitrogen, in particular) to go around. This meant we would need to add nutrients into the system, but doing so would affect the pH of the turtle habitat. We made the decision to transition to a hydroponics system, where water would be cycled in a closed bucket system versus the turtle habitat. This means we can adjust nutrient levels as needed without negative impact to Spaghetti, our turtle. Some of our plants have been transitioned outside, and we've since made new additions. Currently, almost all 36 the growing pods have been filled with a plant! Highlights include gherkin, jalapenos, bell peppers, assorted herbs, chard, fancy lettuce, and more!
After moving the aquaponics set-up away from the turtle habitat, we noticed significant growth happening and decided to document it. In addition to having easier access to the needed nutrients, the plants are also closer to natural sun so we're no longer using the grow lights. This is exactly two days later... Can you see the growth? Images by GB
Just three days after adding seeds to our our aquaponics system, we have our first sprouts! The salad greens have begun to grow! Our current set-up is as follows: we have water from the turtle habitat actively circulating through the aquaponics system set on a timer. LED grow lights are hung overhead, and the water temperature in the turtle habitat is roughly 80 degrees, with the air temperature at a pretty constant 75 degrees. We've begun adding cuttings from our pothos and broadleaf thyme plants to the system in addition to heirloom tomato seeds, basil, and lettuce. All systems are go! We put the finishing touches on the aquaponics set-up and began adding seed pods. For our purposes, we're using parts and pieces of existing materials and modified them to our needs. We added timers for the water pump and the lights, and began with nine pods comprised of salad greens and assorted herbs. We expect the first sprouts in a week!  We're working on an exciting new project at the Kiddie Science Lab! Thanks to continued grant support, we'll be embarking on an aquaponics journey. The process involves cycling water from our turtle habitat into the pipes above, which will be growing plants using a soilless medium. An excellent plus to an aquaponics system is you never have to water the plants! Nutrient rich water from the turtle habitat is sucked up plastic tubing by a submersible pump, which introduces it into the system. Once there, the water zig zags through the pipes and makes its way back into the turtle habitat. While it travels through the pipes, the plants are able to absorb and utilize nutrients (in addition to the water).  There are limitations to what we'll be able to grow in this amazing system. Root vegetables, for example, will not be an option. Initially, we'll be focusing on edible leafy plants that can be fed to both the chickens and the turtle. Below, you can see what the system looks like once it's set up (without plants). Next, we'll be checking the water pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels to make sure it's at the ideal levels. We'll be adding an LED grow light and making final decisions on what and how much we'll be growing.
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