Tank Enlargement

Aquaponics ProposalGroup Members: Killian Llewellyn System Support Research Lisa Reisenauer Water Quality Testing Research Nial Tilson Container Research and DesignTom Zajdel Electrical Component DesignTank EnlargementThe Problem

Tank EnlargementShooting for 200-500 gallons (estimate)Wood frame (~$100), rubber liner (~$200-300)Need ample woodRubber liner kit/systemCement Pool (~$1000?, no firm estimates)Need framing materials, concreteDrain at the bottomStrong base for pool to restTank Enlargement (cont.)Pre-made Container100-300 gallon containerNeed to explore options for such solution in Honduras (availability)Build from Steel (welded supports/plates)Need ample scrap metalRequire assistance from students/people at school

Pre-Trip Decision ConflictNew information about system component ratios limits tank size

More plants would be needed to expand the tank

A larger pump would be needed to achieve healthy circulation

A larger tank may not be needed to support the systemSolar Panel InstallationThe ObjectiveEquip the Overholts aquaponics system with solar panelsTwo 80W pumps run continuouslyWe have 17 50W solar panels to install/use

Proposed System

System Components/CostItem CostSolar Panels$0 Sunforce Q-Controller - 12V, 450 W$64.10 Batteries - 12V, 105Ah (X2)$160.00Cobra Inverter - 200W$29.72 Timers (X2)$20.00Mounting Parts (estimated)$30.00 TOTAL$303.82 SunSolar PanelCharge ControllerBattery SystemInverterPumpEnergy Transfer/ComponentsTimerDaytime PowerPowering 2 X 80W pumpsAeration pumpCirculation pump200 W inverter requiredEach panel delivers 50W maximumPick 5 panels for safety!We have more if we need it.

Battery SizingAt night, we must run from battery powerAssume we will run 18 hours without sunlight160 W load when the pumps are onCharge must stay above 20%

Pick duty cycle, then size battery bank!

Battery ChargingBattery bank charges fully during 10 hours of sunlightCharges when pumps are off (off cycle)Charges when panels exceed 160W (on cycle)Panels deliver 3.27A max

Battery ChargingChallengesBatteries are very expensiveMust finalize scope of projectPower only one pump with solar? Solves the duty cycle issue (keep it at 100%)Lower duty cycle?New information suggests that lowering the duty cycle may disturb the systemWhere do we install the solar panels?We can install more, but is there room?

Water TestingNitrogen CycleAmmonia & NitriteToxic for fishNitratePlant foodpH7-7.5Dissolved OxygenTemperature dependant higher temp. lower O2 contentOptimum ~6-7 mg/L3 mg/L minimum TemperaturePlants optimum ~73FTilapia ~ 70-85FTanks stabilize in 20-30 days

nitrobacternitrosomonasReferences: http://www.aquaponicsusa.com/Aquaponics_USA_Water.html10-30kg fish / 1000L water6-7 mg/L (80% saturation)

17Water Testing KitsNitrite & Nitrate

Dissolved Oxygen

Ammonia & pH

Master Test Monitor ($11)Also measures TempRefills ($14 /2month supply)

60 tests worth$11

25 test strips$11

Sustainability Provides food upon growth of fish and plants Only requires regular input of fish food Daily water testing recommended for system health with a guide for useSafety Risks Sick fish and plants could cause human illness Electrical equipment could be dangerous if exposed (will be contained)

Tasks will be shared by all group members.Development ScheduleReliability Will produce fish and plants if kept healthySelf sustaining power systemImplementationTank EnlargementCould not expand the overall system size due to energy and pump restraintExpanded the plant grow bedsAchieved proper ratio of grow bed to water

Tank EnlargementFuture Recommendations:Find more durable materials for plant bedIncrease the power output from the solar panels to move more water in an expanded fish tankFurther explore water cycling demandsSolar Panel Installation9 Panels were installedPump duty cycle was reduced to 50%Actual energy usage by the pumps were found to be much less than expected

Solar Panel InstallationFuture RecommendationsUse more solar panels to charge battery on a more efficient time scaleResearch better duty cycle

Water TestingTesting was performed on all tanksBefore and after testing was performed when changes were madeNo noticeable affect from changing duty cyclePondDate & TimeNitrate (ppm)Nitrite (ppm)Ammonia (ppm)pHOxygen (ppm)BSunday 9:10 AM00--5BSunday 7:30 PM--07.4-ASunday 7:40 PM0-500-7CSunday 7:45 PM0-50--5AMonday 7:20 AM--077BMonday 7:30 AM----4CMonday 7:30 AM--0-5SchoolWednesday 8:45 AM5006.69AWednesday 4:45 PM00--10CWednesday 5:00 PM000-8BWednesday 5:15 PM000-8Water TestingFuture RecommendationsContinue with water testingKeep records of water statusIncrease testing near significant changes such as adding new fish or harvesting plantsCostsThe total cost of materials that were acquired before the trip was $197.45 after shipping and taxes.

While in Choluteca, $314.69 was spent on batteries, wire, and transfer switches

The net cost of the entire project totaled to $512.14Questions?