4 July 2012
Today, we assembled the new prototype and tested if the aquaponics system could run well on it.
How it looks before fish tank was mounted:
Minimum Length version
1st Extension version
2nd Extension version
When we mounted on the fish tank, we faced several problems and with very little time on our hands, we had to act fast and get cracking.
The first problem we faced was that there was a leakage in the connection point between the tube from the pump to the inlet of the plant tray. As a result, the base of the Prototype got wetter and wetter. To solve this problem, the biology lab assistant and my mentor assisted me with changing the size of the tube used as well as wrapping elastic tape around the tubes to allow the tubes to attach more firmly. After an hour of trial and error, we decided to use a beaker to collect the water as the problem was not with the tube, but rather the hole drilled for the inlet was faulty. Hence, to solve this problem, we would most probably be modifying the inlet to on the cover of the tray instead of by the side to prevent leakages.
The next problem we had to face was transporting the fish tank. The fish tank, being heavy, could not be transported as even if we attempted, it was highly likely that it would break due to its weight and the amount of stress caused on our hands. Hence, to solve this problem, we substituted the original tank with a smaller tank and even it was heavy! Nevertheless, this problem was resolved quickly as it was fortunate that there was a spare tank.
Finally, we faced the problem wetting the wooden prototype with a lot of water. As there was leakages as well as spillages when the apparatus on the base were being transported around, the base got wet easily and as it was made with plywood, I was extremely worried that the wood would rot. Thus, whenever the base came into contact with water, we immediately wiped the area clean and mopped the area around it. Even though we tried our best, some water still entered the base, but as we tried our best, I am sure that there would not be much problems with that.
Finally, when the system was set up, everything was working well.
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