The Farm in a Barrel aquaponic system is a complete do it yourself aquaponic grow operation for raising fish and edible palnts in an integrated, closed loop, soil-less garden.

With beds as deep as 12" or more, it is possible to grow tomatoes or other deep rooted plants. The fish tank is a 55 gallon barrel that also doubles as a support for the two barrel beds. The beds are cantilevered on a wooden support frame. Details for building the system, including the Earth Solutions Trickle Valve that replaces need for bulkhead fittings or for siphons. The Trickle Valve allows water to flow over the top, setting the water depth and from the bottom, with can be adjusted by turning the valve. We find this to be the best design for ebb and flow aquaponic and hydroponic systems.

The DIY Farm in a Barrel recirculates water via a pump to the two plant beds from the below tank/barrel. Water floods the rock media in the above beds and brings with it the ammonia from the fish waste below. This converts to nitrate in the bed with the aid of naturally occurring nitrifying bacteria. The resultant nitrogen fertilizer is taken up by the plants as a biologically produced fertilizer. The rocks and nitrifying bacteria also remove and refresh the ammonia from the water, eliminating need for any other filtration of the fish water. The Farm in a Barrel can be used for raising tilapia, goldfish or crawfish as well as most types of vegetable plants.

The height of the beds can be established by placing the support barrel/tank in the ground to a depth of 1-3 feet.

This design is sturdy and easy to build. However it is not designed by Professional Engineering standards and with heavy force can be knocked over. Please use caution with electrical and structural at all times.