Aquaponic Updates
The Aquaponic System always goes through changes with its design and function.
Aquaponic System Beginning
When starting the marine biology program the design of the system looked like this and stayed this way for 2 years. At first a team and I started Turtleponics using two female turtles, then slowly added goldfish. After a while the group broke apart and they system was not being used. We moved the turtles and the fish passed away. I slowly started up the system again adding feeder goldfish and then adding more fancier goldfish, Kois, Plecostomus, and baby turtles. Keeping the same design. I added a hose that lets water come into the system without using buckets.
September 13, 2019
I added a row on top of the aquaponics system, the use is to add floating racks for plants and to add axolotls to the top part of the system. I placed the large PVC pipes on the top so I can grow plants on there and feed the new sump water.
September 16, 2019
I cut a piece of PVC pipe and placed it as a drain so water can collect up on top of the water. I added the smaller PVC pipes on the bottom to grow smaller plants.
September 18, 2019
I added the floating racks for the aquaponic system, and added kale, tomatoes, beans, and basil.
Adding A Chameleon
While reading, I have came across a practice of aquaponics called Gator-ponics. Basically growing plants with Crocodilians. While I can't keep alligators in my lab maybe using a different species of reptile would add much variety into my system. After narrowing down my chooses of reptiles I deiced to keep a chameleon. Although they can't live in water I deiced to place a grow bed. Scenes Chameleons carry disease I won't be growing any eating plants, instead I'll be placing ornamental plants.
October 28, 2019
Added Media Balls for plants. Chameleons Hardly walk on the ground so adding these shouldn't be a problem.
November 1, 2019
Added a the cage. Chameleons love air flow so keeping in a tank is not the best. Using this will provide the air the Chameleon will need.
November 4, 2019
I added some plants and had water going into the media bed. The chameleon (named Camilla) is happy in her new home.
Adding Another Tank
After doing a little thinking I wanted to change my Aquaponic system to become a Ecosystem Model. I wanted to add add another Tank on top to have the plants and place fish and turtles at the middle part of the tank.
February 7, 2020
Adding water to the top and placing plants on top
February 27,2020
Due to the amounts of escapes, our chameleon was given a store bought cage and she absolutely loves her new cage.
Final Product
After adding an oyster cage around the middle portion of the tanks a turtle was added and the system was complete. The system has a bunch of different species in it and they all play a role in keeping the system alive.
