MAP Hydroponics Hoop House
Now Open:
This is a fascinating project that incorporates a 35,000 gallon tilapia fish reservoir with a sustainable year 'round growing system.
The dirty water from the fish tank feeds the plants, and the plants filter the ammonia out of the water, which is then returned to the tanks.
There's even a gigantic worm farm inside. The worm castings are used to fertilize the plants. When the system is up and operating, the total number of fish will ultimately reach 25,000 at any given time! The design of the hoop house (combined with natural gas) allows solar heating to warm the air to 85 degrees on a sunny winter's day. The natural gas helps to heat the water in order to allow the fish to grow larger than they would if the water was cold. The pool is also insulated due to its inground positioning. The massive tank also allows the fish to grow freely.
Tilapia is sold to the neighborhood and to local restaurants.
In the summer, MAP sets up a food stand in front of the greenhouse and sells affordable produce to the neighborhood. The rations grown inside the greenhouse far surpass the total rations grown on this nine-lot urban farm.
www.mass-ave.org
Related