Drilled Holes

I drilled three holes; one in the stock fish tank and two in the trough.  I then carried the trough out of my garage to the site location.  It was heavy but I was able to carry it by myself.  

The Package Arrives....

I received my first order from Aquatic Eco-Systems, INC. I bought various items that I would need to get to PHASE II (water in the system).  I will add the cost to the "cost item breakdown" tab.  Here is what I bought from them.

• water pump
• airstones
• bumpers for airstones
• connectors for air tubing
• air pump
• bulkhead connectors for the holes

Grading Begins

I placed an order with Aquatic Eco-Systems, INC. and will discuss the items I purchased when my package arrives.  In the meantime I started to grade the site where my system is going.  I have to make sure everything will fit and that the site is level before I put down the "weed tarp."

Trough Part 3

I have finally finished the construction of the first box.  I did run into some design issues but that was expected the first time.  I had Home Depot cut my plywood pieces for me at 54" by 99" (4.5 ' x 8.25') BUT the plywood I used to for them to cut was a 4'x8'.  So the pieces I had were 54" by 96". 

I started by attaching the painted 2x4x8 to the1/4'x12'x8' plywood piece with the 1 1/4'" screws.

 Then when I was constructing my boxes the inside dimensions, as I understood them from the plans, needed to be 4' by 8'.  Therefore, I had to cut my 54" side down to 48" (4').   

Above is how I attached the corner. The side facing us is the 48" piece.

(

Below are the final products.

Next, I will begin to prepare the site location and order the bulkhead fittings that will allow for attaching the PVC water pipes to connect the whole system. See you soon.

Trough Part 2

I have started to paint the 1/4" plywood cuts and 2x4's  that will be constructed to make the troughs.

The next step will be to construct the troughs. I had to purchase another 2x4 which makes four total for my one trough I am building.  In the meantime I am in the process of researching and purchasing the pond liner.

The Tank Arrives!

I drove to Ace Hardware to pick up my fish tank.  My concern was that it would not fit in my car but it fit perfectly. 

I am excited to bring it home to my kiddos they will get a kick out of it.  I intend to have them help me with the whole process and then once it is functioning I will create lesson plans for my daughter to assist in teaching her various aspects of the process.  These lesson plans will become the basis for the curriculum that will be used for schools.