Discussed ordering more hydroton expanded clay pebbles for aquaponics system- important to insure adequate mixing of ammonia and biological surface area for bacteria-
It’s all about BSA, baby.
BSA, or Biological Surface Area is the heart of a healthy aquaponic system. The more BSA, the more microbes. And microbes are the engine of a healthy aquaponic system. By increasing your BSA, you’re increasing microbial oxidation of ammonia, assisting in nitrification, and even increasing the mineralization process of material like iron which helps foster better plant growth.
"Expanded clay pebbles resemble oddly shaped, semi-rounded pieces of clay-colored popcorn. The high-heat popping during the manufacturing process gives the medium its large, airy macro-pores (spaces between each piece of expanded clay), in addition to its micro-pores, which are contained within each piece of expanded clay. The medium provides plants with hefty amounts of oxygen for fast-growing roots, and it holds enough moisture within its micro-pores to allow for healthy water and nutrient retention from the roots all the way to the top nodes. This spacing also allows for excellent drainage when using top drip or ebb and flow growing methods while still allowing roots to draw water out of the clay’s pores...."
Aquaponics controls systems-
Recommended interfacing Arduino with relays and sensors - see various Instructables on this, such as http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Arduino-Controlled-Aquaponic-System/ or http://makezine.com/projects/aquaponic-garden/ .
Discussed revision of website with 301 team-- they paper-prototyped two possible layouts which they will pursue.
Green Engineering rooms need to be reorganized, and supplies labeled.
Look at Nu-Vu Layout Diagram as example:
Found plan of Green Engineering Room:
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