Prototype 55 gallon poly drum and greenhouse

My goal with this build was to come up with something that was compact and easy to build with off the shelf parts and still look nice too. I wanted this system to be something that someone in an apartment, with very limited or no backyard, would be able to use and enjoy. You can even tuck this unit in the corner of your garage or basement with the addition of a grow light. Also, with an optional greenhouse, it allows for people in less temperate climates to grow year round. The aquaponics system cost a little over $100 to build.
That includes all the plumbing and pump. I cut, welded and painted all the metal used for the frame. If you dont have access to a welder you could just use wood to build the frame. The cost for the greenhouse was only about $40. I bought about half a dozen redwood 2x4s and ripped them in half on a table saw and used some plywood scraps I had laying around for the sides. I used 6 mil polyethylene plastic to cover it.

I really have no need for the unit because all my free space in my backyard I would rather have for my larger production system. If anyone in the southern California area is interested in purchasing it, please let me know in the comments. If not I will just end up donating it to a local elementary school to teach the kids about aquaponics.

 

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