Sustainable Aquaponic Systems

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Aquaponics for Secondary and Primary Schools - An Innovative, Versatile Teaching Resource

Sustainable Aquaponics in operation

Is your school interested in sustainability, student-centred learning and a teaching resource with applications in a wide variety of outcomes? Scienza Viva offers a novel, innovative system, based on our particular skills and expertise - sustainable aquaponics.

What is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a system that circulates water between a tank of fish and a growing bed of herbs or vegetables. The waste produced by the fish supplies nutrients for the plants, which in turn purify the water for the fish.

Why have an aquaponics system in your school?

- Relates to Science and Sci-Tech syllabus outcomes in biology, chemistry and physics.
- Hands on and therefore engaging for students
- Example of a real world agricultural method
- Sustainable
- Has the potential to be used cross curriculum

Sustainability

The systems we offer especially demonstrate nutrient recycling, and in the largest system, the energy needed to deliver the water between the fish and plants will come from a solar panel and battery system. The fish tank and the growing bed in the two larger systems are constructed from upcycled containers.

How it can be used at your school

Apart from being an interesting acquisition for the school environment, this system allows students to learn about sustainability in a very engaging manner and can be linked to a variety of outcomes in different subject areas.

Setup and maintenance

We will install the system in a suitable site. This includes all hardware. Once set up your students can plant herbs or vegetables of their choice.

System details

We offer 3 different aquaponics systems that can be maintained inside or outside, varying in size from 65 to 600 litre water volume, depending on your requirements and available space.

Sustainable Aquaponics in operation

1. Small Indoor Aquaponics System

Parts Included:
- Grow Bed
- Glass fish tank - 65L
- Canna Aqua Clay Pebbles
- Water Pump
- Air pump and airstone
- 24hr Timer
- Handbook with details of the system and operating instructions
- Delivered and set up
- If you have a well-lit spot you will not need a light, but if necessary we can provide a grow light with timer. (optional - if you have a well-lit spot it may not be needed)
- We can provide Australian small native fish - Crimson-spotted rainbowfish Melanotaenia duboulayi,Wallaby Creek rainbowfish Melanotaenia splendida (Wallaby Creek, Qld form), Honey blue eyes Pseudomugil mellis or soft-spined rainbowfish Rhadinocentrus ornatus. This is optional - you may wish to stock other fish.

Site requirement:
You need a well supported indoor space about 40 x 70 cm with easy access to a powerpoint.

Cost:
$500, plus $75 if a plant grow light is required, and $25 for a breeding group of Australian native fish.

Lead Time:
Three to four weeks, from confirmation of order.

Sustainable Aquaponics in operation

2. Small Indoor/Outdoor Aquaponics System

Parts Included:
- Round Grow Bed - 40L (polypropylene) on stand
- Round polypropylene fish tank - 100L
- Canna Aqua Clay Pebbles
- Water Pump
- Air pump and airstone
- 24hr Timer
- Handbook with details of the system and operating instructions
- Delivered and set up
- We can provide Australian small native fish - Crimson-spotted rainbowfish Melanotaenia duboulayi, Honey blue eyes Pseudomugil mellis or soft-spined rainbowfish Rhadinocentrus ornatus, soft spined rainbowfish. This is optional - you may wish to stock other fish.

Site requirement:
Indoor: You need a firmly supported space on the floor about 70 x 70 cm with easy access to a powerpoint and good lighting.
Outdoor: A well lit area on a level, firm base, close to a suitably weatherproofed power point.

Cost:
$515, plus $25 for a breeding group of Australian native fish.

Lead Time:
Three to four weeks, from confirmation of order.

Sustainable Aquaponics in operation

3. Large outdoor aquaponics system

Parts included:
- Fish growing tank ~600 litre.
- Plant growing bed ~180 litre, including expanded clay growing medium and water flood and drain device.
- Solar panel and battery system with charge controller, battery protection and timer, all 12 volt operation.
- Water circulation pump, 12 volt.
- Air pump, 12 volt.
- Breeding group of Australian native fish - Crimson-spotted rainbowfish Melanotaenia duboulayi or soft-spined rainbowfish Rhadinocentrus ornatus, soft spined rainbowfish.
- Handbook with details of the system and operating instructions
- Delivered and set up at your school

Site requirement:
A level, firm base - area about 1.5 x 1.0 m plus about 1 metre clearance all around. Orientation to the north for good performance of the solar panels.

Cost:
$3,380.

Extras:1. Levelling the base
2. Placement of the solar panel anywhere but on the standard mounting panel.

Lead Time:
Six to eight weeks, from confirmation of order.

Please contact Effie or Chris for further information

Email:effiehowe@scienzaviva.com.au

Ph 9874 3691; Mobile 0408 460 948 (Effie) or 0448 183 967 (Chris)

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Page edited 5 October 2020