Aquaponics is Fun

Introduction: Bringing Aquaponics to Life with a DIY Pump Aquaponics, the symbiotic combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, relies heavily on a pump to circulate water, deliver nutrients, and provide oxygen. Instead of buying an expensive commercial pump, you can build a DIY aquaponics pump on a budget. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to creating a basic yet functional pump.

Opening: Gathering Your Supplies Before you begin, assemble all the necessary materials. This will ensure a smooth and efficient building process. The key components are a small submersible pump (like those used for small fountains or fish tanks), PVC pipes and fittings, a container for housing the pump (a bucket or plastic bin works well), and some basic tools.

Step 1: Acquiring the Submersible Pump The heart of your DIY pump is a small submersible pump. These are readily available online or at pet stores. Look for one with a low flow rate (around 100-200 gallons per hour) that's suitable for small-scale aquaponics systems. Consider the power consumption as well.

Step 2: Preparing the Pump Housing Choose a container that's large enough to completely submerge the pump. A plastic bucket or bin with a lid is ideal. Drill holes in the container: one for the pump's power cord to pass through (making sure it remains water tight), one for the water inlet pipe, and another for the water outlet pipe.

Step 3: Connecting the Inlet and Outlet Pipes Attach PVC pipes to the inlet and outlet ports of the submersible pump. Use PVC fittings (elbows, connectors) to create the desired configuration. The inlet pipe should draw water from the lowest point in your aquaponics system (the fish tank), and the outlet pipe should deliver it to the grow bed. Ensure all connections are secure and watertight using PVC cement or Teflon tape.

Step 4: Assembling the Pump Unit Place the submersible pump inside the container. Connect the inlet pipe to the pump's intake. Run the outlet pipe from the pump to the outside of the container. Seal the holes around the pipes and the power cord with silicone sealant to prevent leaks.

Step 5: Testing and Adjusting the Pump Submerge the assembled pump in a bucket of water to test its functionality. Plug in the power cord and observe the water flow. If the flow is too strong, you can restrict the outlet pipe using a valve or a smaller diameter pipe. If the flow is too weak, you may need a more powerful pump or reduce the height the water needs to be lifted.

Step 6: Integrating into your Aquaponics System Position the pump unit in your fish tank (or sump tank, if you have one). Connect the inlet pipe to the lowest point of the fish tank, ensuring it's properly filtered to prevent debris from entering the pump. Connect the outlet pipe to the grow bed. Plug in the pump and monitor the water circulation.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your DIY Aquaponics Pump By following these steps, you've created a functional and cost-effective aquaponics pump. Remember to regularly clean the pump and filter to maintain optimal performance and prevent clogging. With proper care, your DIY pump will provide a reliable source of water circulation for your aquaponics system, helping your fish and plants thrive.