1-180 1-12x16NFT Aquaponic System

Description
The 1-180 1-12x16NFT can be used for hobby, school or home food production.  The plants are grown in NFT channels, a popular method of soilless plant production for leafy crops such as lettuce and herbs.   NFT aquaponics is not as commonly used as RAFT systems but it is unique in that you can grow more plants with the same amount of fish.  So, if organic plant production is your goal, the NFT system will provide the highest plant production per gallon of fish tank.  Keep in mind though, that managing the water quality in NFT aquaponics is more difficult than in RAFT aquaponics.  A high degree of familiarity with RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems) is required to successfully operate an NFT aquaponic system.  If you are not familiar with RAS, we recommend going with a RAFT system.

The NFT system has a lower overall volume of water, so additional biofiltration is required.  In this system, a commercial quality bio filter is necessary because you don't have the RAFT tank providing a large habitat for the beneficial bacteria.

Configuration:
The main culture components include one 180 gallon fish tank, 1 - 12' x 16' area of NFT channels for growing plants and a carefully designed filtration system that creates a healthy environment for the plants, fish and beneficial bacteria. 

Approximate footprint: 18' x 38'

Production:
Estimated fish production per year: 195 lbs.
Estimated lettuce production per year:  5,184 without lights / 8,640 with lights

Includes:

• 1 - 180 gallon fish tank

• stand for fish tank

• clarifier

• stand for clarifier

• biofilter

• 2 mineralization tanks

• stand for mineralization tank

• water pump

• sump tank

• plumbing fittings, adaptors, connectors, etc.

• aeration system including air pump, tubing and diffusers

• NFT channels to cover an 12' x 16' area

• Introduction to Aquaponics Video (DVD)

• Aquaponic Food Production Book

• Two year subscription to the Aquaponics Journal

• Detailed Operation Manual

• Detailed Assembly Manual

• 2 hours email consulting on system installation

Package Cost:
Complete Aquaponic System as described above- $ 7,895
Complete Aquaponic System plus basic greenhouse package: $ 12,395*

*This is for a typical greenhouse in a warm or moderate climate.  Prices will vary for colder climates or special needs.

Skills and tools required to for assembly: 
You will need to drill holes, glue PVC and cut pipe and lumber .

Electrical and water requirements:
You need a continuous supply of electricity and a source of fresh, de-chlorinated water.

Not included:
Cost does not include optional equipment, freight, installation or sales tax.  Some materials, such as lumber, cement blocks, PVC glue, lengths of PVC pipe need to be purchased locally.