xxiand true impeller pump would be best suited for use in an aquaponic system as they are readily
available, recommended, and efficient.
I.v Proposed Aquaponic Greenhouse Design
When designing the greenhouse exterior structure and its various components we took in consideration
the necessities of our sponsors as well as the challenges posed by our climate. The design provides the
optimal environment for the biological systems and the good health of the structure while it maintains a
good internal space to be used to as a working/teaching space. We discuss below the design, organized
around the external greenhouse structure and growing system.
The Greenhouse Structure
When designing the greenhouse exterior structure and its various components we took in consideration
the necessities of our sponsors as well as the challenges posed by our climate. The design provides the
optimal environment for the biological systems and the good health of the structure while it maintains a
good internal space to be used to as a working/teaching space. We discuss below the design, organized
around the external greenhouse structure and growing system.
I.v.i.i Greenhouse Frame
Because we wanted to maximize the internal space, especially vertically, we decided to use a post and
rafter design, which has vertical walls and a high celling, it is a strong frame and also optimizes the
internal space. The figure below is a design drawn by our group for the greenhouse.
Figure 5. Greenhouse Design - Our design follows a post and rafter style, with insulation on the bottom 4ft. of the walls.
This frame design has the corners and the ground frame made out of pressure treated wood to prevent
the wood from rotting. It also has half of all walls made of plywood to conserve heat and save on energy
costs.
For the materials, the final decision was wood as the main material to build the frame because it was
cheaper than other materials, it is strong, we can get it locally, and it requires minimum technical
support to build the entire frame.