The Corvallis site consists of a small backyard system enclosed within a modified garden shed. The shed was originally 12 feet long and 8 feet wide, and a 4’x8′ greenhouse addition was added (using double-wall polycarbonate glazing).
The system includes:
- 100 gallon fish tank (Rubbermaid stock tank)
- Three 25 gallon (approx.) grow beds made from 55 gal plastic barrels cut in half
- Expanded clay media
- Flood-and-drain system using a bell siphon
- One 70 gallon sump
- One 450 gph water pump delivering water to all grow beds and fish tank (“CHOP 2” design)
- Aquarium water heater
- Small aquarium aerator in the fish tank.
Currently the system is stocked with goldfish – selected primarily for their hardiness and ability to tolerate low winter temperatures in Oregon. Lettuce, kale, herbs, and a variety of ornamental plants are grown in the media beds. During the winter, however, low-light tolerant plants (such as edible and ornamental kale) are grown.
Environmental Monitoring
Environmental parameters measured include outside air temperature, inside air temperature, water temperature, and PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) at the media beds.