Tabletop Aquaponics System

cults3d

This project is still a work in progress. Learn more here: http://www.progressth.org/p/grow-box.html The 3D printed components included here are used to mount a planter above a tall glass container that measures 350mm high and has a diameter of 220mm. A small water pump circulates water from the lower glass container up to a perlite-filled, inverted six-liter water bottle positioned above it. Drilling holes into the cap of the water bottle allows for drainage back into the glass container below. The bottom portion of the water bottle has been cut off and is now used as a mounting point for the inverted bottle top. A rectangular hole in the top cover will be used to add ports or create an electronics bay for automation purposes. To help users customize the design, the SketchUp files have been included so they can adjust the layout to fit their specific glass containers and plant sizes. The pieces are printed in halves before being friction welded together. Due to the tall casing design, warping required a piece of filament to be placed between the halves during the welding process. For more information on friction welding, visit this link: http://hackaday.com/2014/12/30/3d-printing-technique-friction-welding/ It's worth noting that if the water bottle is not inverted and holes are drilled into its bottom instead, water tends to cling to the surface and travel towards the edges before spilling onto the 3D printed platform. While this design minimizes spill hazards, there are concerns about the food-safety qualities of 3D printed plastic, so it's been designed to prevent any contact between water and 3D printed parts.