Looking for an amazing looking flood and drain growbed aquaponics system? Then this video/article is for you. Here I will introduce the “Ecoflex” aquaponics system series. After years of trials on a multitude of designs I came up with a unique way of designing the aquaponics setup that is both functional and aesthetic.
A simple and efficient concept
From a conceptual perspective those setups are very simple. Indeed, they are composed of a fish tank on the bottom and a 30 cm deep grow bed on top. The fish tank is equipped with a little water pump. Finally, the grow-bed contains a bell siphon allowing the water to flood and drain.
Cypress pine, a sustainable and aesthetic aquaponics material
aesthetic aquaponics
Those tanks are designed in 50 mm thick lined cypress pine wood. Cypress pine is a very resistant material. Indeed, it can be exposed to moisture and will keep its strength over time.
Furthermore, I use a very specific technique to assemble the sleepers without visible screws which gives a unique finished style.
Harmony in your backyard
The aim of those aquaponics systems is to offer an astonishing style. It brings harmony and positive energies in the backyard. Furthermore, the aquaponics system is a real feature. If you build such setup you will be very proud to show it to your friends when they visit you. believe me, there is nothing as rewarding as collecting food from an amazing looking homemade setup.
An outdoor furniture
On top of being a water feature and being very productive, this setup is also a bench. Yes, the top of the fish tank is covered with a wood bench. The functions are multiple:
- Physically protect your fish from predators
- Avoid the fish to jump out of the system
- Avoid algae development
- Equipped with a lock it becomes a safety and avoid kids access
You can simply spend quality time drinking a juice on your aesthetic aquaponics bench, surrounded by the ecosystem. Admiring and discovering the insect biodiversity between the plants and enjoying the birds feeding around.
To improve the general aesthetic of the setup I “dress” (thanks to a planer) the cypress sleepers. As a result, it gives them a unique finish and transform the technical setup in a real furniture. I sometimes oil the boards in order to keep the light tint of the wood. If you don’t oil it, the wood will turn grey which is also nice.
On the side of the grow-bed I also attach a bench fixation. It allows to keep the bench open and therefore to have direct access to the fish. In fact I often keep the ponds open for several days in order to give light to the fish. Then, I close the bench at night and when the sun is strong in order to manage any algae development.
aquaponics and children
If you are keeping the aquaponics system in an environment with children, I recommend to equip your fish tank with a lock that will allow you to control the fish tank access. it will also prevent any accident with the kids.
You can now use the aquaponics setup as a support to teach your kids about biology, math, physic, chemistry… It is also very rewarding to feed your family with healthy and tasty food grown in your backyard.
You will probably be interested to discover my six steps to build and manage an Aquaponics system. Click here to access for free! Thanks and good reading 🙂
