Aquaponics Resources

Start Up Information

Ecolife and EUSD are excited to launch a partnership to provide almost 40 aquaponics systems to classrooms in TK-2 and 6-8!  We thank Ecolife, and Connor in particular, for their generous support with systems, training, and a lot of time.

Here’s the information you’ve all been waiting for:

Read This First!

There are 3 parts to a complete Aquaponics system. You are receiving all 3 parts.  Read on to find out when.

1- a glass aquarium filled with these supplies

2- a cardboard box 25 inches long that says Ecolife and includes these supplies plus lettuce seeds and vitamin c (this turns a normal aquarium into an Eco-cycle

3- fish

You need the first 2 items to set up your tank. Do not attempt set up until you have both items.  You can easily set up the tank by yourself using the How-to videos (log into Youtube).  If you would like support, there are a number of time slots you can sign up for here.  If multiple people at your site are requesting support, try to sign up together.  Plan to be in your room and present during the time slot you sign up for. Do not sign up for a time slot until you have both parts in hand.  If a specific time you want isn’t available, contact Jim Crouch directly.  jbobyak2@gmail.com Cell/text’s 760-715-1048.  He is available afternoons and weekends.

Delivery:

The 2 components needed for set-up may be delivered separately.  By today, all sites should have the eco-cycle components. Tanks are being delivered 8/7-8/12.  I’ve asked Office Managers to keep these items together, if at all possible. Check with your office manager or custodian if you are having trouble locating these items.  The tank with the aquarium supplies will look like this:

Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting: If you have a problem with anything Aquaponics related, contact Connor Leone at 760-740-1346, cleone@ecolifeconservation.org

Fish:

Once you are set-up you can request fish delivery.  You will be receiving 4 goldfish and these will be hand delivered to your classroom.  It is helpful if you and any other teachers at your site request delivery on the same day.  Request fish delivery here.  Contact me directly for fish deliveries after August 15th.

Support:

Ecolife and I are here to support you!  I am creating a resource page with all the links in one place so once I have that set up I’ll send it your way!  If you need anything, please reach out. We are excited about this program and want to make sure it is successful for you and your students!

Phenomena:

K-2

Plants grow without soil.

6-8

Fish expel waste that provide nutrients for plants.

The first plant growth in the Eco-cycle was weaker than future growth.

Plants get their mass chiefly from air and water.

Curricular resources:

Photo Gallery

Connor's Intro to Aquaponics Presentation

Aquaponics Tips:

Success Stories:

The algae scrubber will only be needed when algae is present. As the system establishes itself the teachers will use it less often, and if they are rinsing the sponges at least once a week they shouldn't see much build up on the class at all. We use the our algae scrubbers probably once every two months, if that.

It's a similar deal with the siphon. We don't want to be taking water out of the system unless we have to. Again, with an established system they may notice some build up of solid waste at the bottom of the tank over time. Swirling the siphon over the gravel will suck up this debris. If they are rinsing the sponge and not over-feeding this build up should be very minimal.   

The only other time they may need to use the siphon is if they have to do a water change, and I would suggest that they reach out to me first before doing so. Water changes are only necessary if there is a toxic level of ammonia or nitrite, or if the system has been neglected and the waste build up is out of control. 

https://www.calacademy.org/educators/lesson-plans/fish-forms