Tabletop Aquaponics System

thingiverse

This project is currently under development. Learn more at http://www.progressth.org/p/grow-box.html. The 3D printed components included here are designed to attach a planter above a glass container that stands 350mm tall and has a diameter of 220mm. A small water pump circulates water from the lower container up to a perlite-filled, inverted 6-liter water bottle placed on top. Holes have been drilled into the cap of this bottle for drainage back down into the glass container below. The bottom portion of the bottle was removed and its remaining cross-section serves as a mount for the inverted bottle cap. A rectangular opening is present in the top cover that can be used to connect ports or serve as an electronics bay for automation purposes. The SketchUp files have been included so users can adjust the design to suit their glass containers and pot sizes. The pieces are printed in halves and then friction-welded together. Due to warping, a piece of filament was inserted into the gap to bridge it during welding. For more information on friction welding, see http://hackaday.com/2014/12/30/3d-printing-technique-friction-welding/. Note: If the water bottle is not inverted and holes are drilled into its bottom instead, water may tend to cling to surfaces and travel towards edges and onto the 3D printed platform. To reduce spill hazards and address concerns about food-safety qualities of 3D printed plastic, this design ensures no water ever comes in contact with any 3D printed parts.