Aquafarm and Closed Loop Systems

This week we explored the concept of a "system" using our aquafarm as an example. The Aquafarm is an aquarium that also grows greens. Beneficial bacteria convert the fish waste into nutrients that the plants can use for food. In the process (and with the help of a snail), the water is cleaned and recycled into the tank. As we identified the various parts and their interdependence, we focused on how we could "close" some of the "open" loops in the system, making modifications to the inputs and the outputs. The students first noticed that the food that we fed the fish comes from outside of the system and wondered what we might be able to grow above the tank that would feed the fish. They also noticed that we bought seeds and asked about ways to collect the seeds so we wouldn't have to order more. Because we have to add beneficial bacteria to help break down the waste, the students also wondered how we might grow our own bacteria. We will be bringing these questions to Dr. George and forming groups to work on "closing" these loops before beginning work on an aquaponic system of our own.