WO2016187606A1

WO2016187606A1 - A turnkey aquaponics system

Info

Publication number: WO2016187606A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/033702
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason LICAMELE
Original assignee: Licamele Jason
Priority date: 2015-05-21
Filing date: 2016-05-23
Publication date: 2016-11-24

Abstract

The present invention is a turnkey home aquaponics grow bed comprising of a hydroponic growing bed with a removable filter component, a depression in the hydroponic growing bed, a removable lid that houses plant and/or plants, and a port and/or hole for allowing water to flow out of the invention and into the fish tank. The present invention attaches to standard fish tank aquariums converting the fish tank aquariums into a home aquaponics gardening kit. The present invention enables a user not skilled in the art to grow fresh aquaponics herbs, microgreens, medicinal plants, and vegetables in their home using a freshwater aquarium.

Description

A TURNKEY AQUAPONICS SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to aquaponics systems and more particularly to a turnkey aquaponics system.

State of the Art

[0002] The supply of fresh culinary and medicinal plants is limited to people in different geographic regions depending on the time of year or season, and the proximity to the access of the sale of the culinary and medicinal plants. Agriculture is limited in what plants can be grown during certain times of the year and does not provide access to the vast variety of culinary plants. Controlled environment agriculture, greenhouse hydroponics, and aquaponics allow for production of culinary and medicinal plants regardless of geography and time of year.

Hydroponic farming methods can require technical skills and are not easily understood by someone who is not skilled in the art.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved aquaponics system easy for anyone to use.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] The invention incorporates the design of; an aquaponics growing bed and tray designed to support a given amount of plant biomass, a filter to process the effluent generated from the fish tank, and a pump, venturi pump, and/or aerator or any combination thereof. The present invention is designed so that someone not skilled in the art may produce fresh herbs, vegetables, medicinal plants and/or various hydroponic and/or aquatic plants in their own home. The present invention is a turnkey aquaponics gardening unit that houses fish and/or aquatic animals in conjunction with hydroponic crops. The invention is directed to supply fresh culinary and medicinal herbs, and/or plants, to the operator while simultaneously providing an ornamental aquarium environment. The invention enables someone not skilled in the art of hydroponics and/or aquariums to grow fresh culinary herbs, vegetables, medicinal plants, and/or various hydroponic and/or aquatic plants themselves in their own home. [0005] The present invention is a turnkey home Aquaponics grow bed comprising of a hydroponic growing bed with a removable filter component, a depression in the hydroponic growing bed, a removable lid that houses plant and/or plants, and a port and/or hole for allowing water to flow out of the invention and into the fish tank. The present invention (Figure 1) attaches to standard fish tank aquariums converting the fish tank aquariums into a home aquaponics gardening kit. The present invention enables a user not skilled in the art to grow fresh aquaponics herbs, microgreens, medicinal plants, and vegetables in their home using a freshwater aquarium. The present invention is designed to enable the operator to grow fish and plants to the specifications of the unit.

[0006] The present invention, a turnkey home Aquaponics aquarium unit (Figure 2), is comprised of; (a) a fish tank, (b) a pump and/or venturi pump, (c) a tube or pipe directing the effluent discharge of the pump into (d) a mechanical and biological filter located inside the hydroponic bed, which water then flows out the bottom and into the (e) hydroponic bed situated on top of the fish tank (a). The water is circulated via a pump and/or venturi pump (b) from the fish tank (a) through the tubing (c) and the filter (d), then into the hydroponic bed (e). The water returns via gravity through a spillway and/or hole (f) back to the fish tank (a). The invention incorporates the design of a hydroponic bed, with an internal removable filter, and tray cover designed to support a plant and/or plants.

[0007] The removable lid for housing plant and/or plants described in the present invention (Figure 3) is comprised of five holes for holding net pots for growing plants. In this embodiment described in Figure 3 the hydroponic tray cover (c) is one solid piece fitting into the hydroponic tray (b). The water returns via gravity through a spillway (d) back to the fish tank (a). The removable cover described herein may be comprised of one solid piece, two pieces and/or three pieces. The tray may support holes for net pots and/or tray and/or trays for growing plants and holding media The tray may be comprised of one solid piece as described in figure 3, or may be comprised of two pieces and/or three pieces as described in Figure 4. The invention described herein can be constructed to fit any variety of aquarium tanks currently on the market and/or for custom aquarium tanks. The present invention comprises a variety of removable tray covers for growing a variety of and number of plants to fit the aquaponics growing bed.

[0008] The plants are fertilized with the processed fish effluent generated in the fish tank and processed by the filter. The amount of fish and fish feed added to the tank are scaled to provide the necessary amount of nutrients to the plants in the hydroponic bed. The filter is sized to support the nitrogenous loading in the system from the fish feed to provide the necessary levels of elements to maintain healthy fish and plants. The flow rates, water circulation patterns, and oxygen provided via the pump, venturi pump, and/or aerator or any combination thereof, and from the spillway in the hydroponic bed, are designed to reduce settling of solids in the system, provide oxygen to the fish and plants, and support the biological processes in the filtration unit. The covers for the plant growing bed are designed to support a given biomass of plants based off of the biomass and feeding rate of fish in the tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a hydroponics growing bed on top of a fish aquarium containing a pump and filter.

[0011] Figure 2 is a hydroponics growing bed on top of a fish aquarium with a filter extending from the fish aquarium into the hydroponics growing bed.

[0012] Figure 3 is a hydroponics growing bed with a removable cover on top of a fish aquarium.

[0013] Figure 4a is a removable cover for a hydroponics growing tray.

[0014] Figure 4b is a removable cover for a hydroponics growing tray.

[0015] Figure 4c is a removable cover for a hydroponics growing tray.

[0016] Figure 4d is a removable cover for a hydroponics growing tray.

[0017] Figure 5a is a bottom elevation view of a hydroponics growing tray.

[0018] Figure 5b is a bottom right perspective view of a hydroponics growing tray.

[0019] Figure 6a is a top elevation view of a hydroponics growing tray.

[0020] Figure 6b is a bottom right perspective view of a hydroponics growing tray.

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a turnkey aquaponics system.

[0022] Figure 8 is a top view of a turnkey aquaponics system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The system refers to the invention in its entirety and is referred to as "system" and/or "aquaponics growing bed" when describing the physical and/or operational mechanisms of the present invention. [0024] A fish tank in this embodiment refers to an aquarium fish tank currently used in the art that houses fish, or fish and/or aquatic plants, microalgae, macroalgae, amphibians

(frogs), crustaceans (shrimp), molluscs (snails), substrate (rocks, decorations, live rock or any other component in an ornamental aquarium), a bottom scape (sand, pebbles or any other component in an ornamental aquarium), and/or any combination thereof.

[0025] A pump in this embodiment refers to a mechanism to move water in a directional pattern. The pump may comprise a pumping mechanism to move water, a pumping mechanism to move water and air simultaneously via a Venturi, and/or an aerator to provide oxygen and/or move water, or any combination thereof. The pump may be powered by electrical energy and/or solar energy, wind energy, hydro energy, or any other method of generating energy.

[0026] A filter in this embodiment refers to filter box that houses a mechanical filter media that resides on top of biological filter media, and has holes or slits on the bottom to allow water to pass through. The filter is sized with the appropriate cubic volume of biological media (selected with the appropriate surface area) to support the conversion of nitrogenous waste produced by the fish in the system.

[0027] The tube in this embodiment refers to the material that connects the pump to hydroponic bed, and the hydroponic bed to the filter. The tube is sized to support the required flow rate of the system. The tube in this embodiment also incorporates the bulkhead connection to the hydroponic bed and the attachment tube that serves as a standpipe in the hydroponic bed. The location spillway in the hydroponic bed is strategically located on the opposite end to where the standpipe and filter box is located.

[0028] The plant growing bed in this embodiment refers to the container that holds the filtered water, houses the filter box, and the cover that holds the growing media and the plants. The hydroponic bed may be composed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, glass or any other material suitable and commonly utilized in the aquaculture, aquarium and/or hydroponic industries.

[0029] The spillway in this embodiment refers to the area strategically located in the hydroponic bed where the water overflows into the fish tank. In other embodiments this spillway may be a hole, weir, dam, baffle in a tank or any other type of physical material directing water that is strategically formed to allow passage of water. [0030] The covers in this embodiment refer to the covers that provide growing space for the plants. The growing space is comprised of holes to house net pots and/or trays. The net pots and the trays are removable for easy harvesting of the plants and cleaning of the materials. The covers may be one solid piece with a fixed number of holes to support circular and/or rectangular containers to hold the hydroponic media. The covers may be one solid piece, two and /or three separate interchangeable pieces to allow a variety of hydroponic growing containers to be utilized with the same system.

[0031] FIGURE 1. The present invention is comprised of an Aquaponics growing bed (c) designed to attach to aquarium fish tanks (a). A pump (b) moves water from the fish tank (a) into the aquaponics growing bed (c). The invention (c) is comprised of a hydroponic growing bed with a removable filter box, a tube and/or pipe for directing water from the pump (b) to the filter box, a depression in the hydroponics tray, a removable lid that houses plants and/or plants, and a port for water to flow from the invention (c) back into the fish tank (a).

[0032] FIGURE 2. The present invention, a turnkey home Aquaponics aquarium unit, is comprised of; (a) a fish tank, (b) a pump and/or venturi pump, (e) a tube or pipe directing the effluent discharge of the pump into (d) a mechanical and biological filter located inside the hydroponic bed, which water then flows out the bottom and into the (c) hydroponic bed situated on top of the fish tank (a). The water is circulated via a pump and/or venturi pump (b) from the fish tank (a) through the tubing (d) and the filter (e), then into the hydroponic bed (c). The water returns via gravity through a spillway (f) back to the fish tank (a). A removable lid housing plant and/or plants fits onto the aquaponics growing bed.

[0033] FIGURE 3. In this embodiment the present invention is comprised of a fish tank

(a), a hydroponic tray (c) with a removable cover (g). The removable cover (g) may be comprised of one solid piece, two pieces and/or three pieces. In this embodiment the hydroponic tray cover (g) is one solid piece fitting into the hydroponic tray (c) providing space for growing five plants. The water returns via gravity through a spillway (f) back to the fish tank (a).

[0034] FIGURE 4. In this embodiment the present invention is comprised of a fish tank, a hydroponic tray, and a variety of different removable cover and/or covers. In one embodiment the cover (A) is comprised of three plant growing spots and a tray. In one embodiment the cover (A) is one solid piece. In one embodiment the cover (A) is two and/or three separate pieces. In one embodiment the cover (B) is comprised of four plant-growing spaces and one small tray. In one embodiment the cover (B) is one solid piece. In one embodiment the cover (B) is two and/or three separate pieces. In one embodiment the cover (C) is comprised of one plant growing space and two trays. In one embodiment the cover (C) is one solid piece. In one embodiment the cover (C) is two and/or three separate pieces. In one embodiment the cover (D) is comprised of two larger plant-growing spaces and/or a small plant growing space or tray. In one embodiment the cover (D) is one solid piece. In one embodiment the cover (D) is two and/or three separate pieces.

[0035] FIGURE 5. In one embodiment of the present invention, the Aquaponics growing bed is designed to fit a 10-gallon aquarium. A view of the top and sides (A), and bottom (B) of the aquaponics growing bed and filter described in this invention show the detailed components of the present invention. Note the port for the tube (1), the depression to place the filter (2), the removable filter (3), the depression in the growing bed (4), the spillway (5), and the depressions for running the airline tubing and/or the electrical plug for the pump and/or underwater LEDs.

[0036] FIGURE 6. In one embodiment of the present invention, the Aquaponics growing bed is comprised of a cover (7). A drawing of the top and sides (A), and bottom (B) of the removable cover, note the planting area consists of holes (8) for net pots and a tray (9). In this embodiment the cover is comprised of one solid piece that has planting holes (8) for three plants, and a removable tray that sits inside the cover (7). The cover (7), the net pots that fit into the planting holes (8), and the tray (9) can all be removed individually to allow for easy harvesting plants of the plants and cleaning of the system.

[0037] Figure 7. In one embodiment the invention rests on top of a 10-gallon fish tank, the filter box is located in the plant growing bed and under the cover, there are three hole spaces for plants, and there is a removable rectangular tray that supports the growth of plants and/or plants together in one substrate media.

[0038] Figure 8. In one embodiment the invention rests on top of a 10-gallon fish tank, the filter box is located in the plant growing bed and under the cover, there are three hole spaces for plants, and there is a removable rectangular tray that supports two additional plant holes spaces. Note the rectangular tray can be removed from the cover. [0039] In one embodiment the invention described herein, a turnkey aquaponics aquarium system, is comprised of:

a. A container to hold a fluid comprised of:

i. a standard aquarium tank common in the industry of a size to hold a particular amount of water volume including but not limited to:

1. one gallon

2. two gallons

3. ten gallons

4. 20 gallons

5. 25 gallons

6. 50 gallons

7. 90 gallons

8. 100 gallons

9. 500 gallons

10. 1,000 gallons

11. 5,000 gallons

12. 10,000 gallons

13. greater than 10,000 gallons

14. and/or any volume within the ranges described above

15. and/or any combination thereof

ii. a custom designed aquarium tank in the shape of:

1. a rectangle

2. a circle

3. a triangle

4. an octagon

5. an oval 6. a cylinder

7. a sphere

8. a pentagon

9. and/or any combination thereof

a custom designed aquarium tank in the shape described above of a size to hold a particular amount of water volume including but not limited to:

1. one gallon

2. two gallons

3. ten gallons

4. 20 gallons

5. 25 gallons

6. 30 gallons

7. 50 gallons

8. 90 gallons

9. 100 gallons

10. 500 gallons

11. 1,000 gallons

12. 5,000 gallons

13. 10,000 gallons

14. and/or any volume commonly used in the art of the aquarium industry

any type of container holding water that supports aquatic animals commonly used in the aquarium and/or gardening industries any type of container holding water that supports soil and/or hydroponic plant production vi. and/or any combination of configurations and/or volumes described above

a method of moving fluid comprised of a:

i. a water pump

ii. a venturi pump

iii. an aerator

iv. and/or any combination thereof

a filter box comprising space for housing mechanical filter media residing on top of biological filter media for removing solids and converting the nitrogenous wastes in the water excreted by the fish into nitrate

i. wherein the filter box fits into a depression inside the plant growing bed

ii. wherein the filter box has slits and/or holes on the bottom to allow water to pass through into the plant growing bed

iii. wherein the mechanical media is placed on top of the biological media

iv. wherein the mechanical media is removed periodically and/or washed

v. wherein the mechanical filter media comprises:

1. a sponge

2. filtration floss

3. mesh netting

4. plastic shavings and/or plastic beads

5. carbon

6. zeolite

7. Earthstone 8. Coco coir matting and/or fibers

9. crushed shells

10. crushed limestone

11. rocks and/or pebbles

12. and/or any combination thereof

vi. wherein the biological media is comprised of:

1. a sponge

2. plastic shavings and/or beads

3. filtration floss

4. mesh netting

5. Bio-Balls

6. zeolite

7. Earthstone

8. crushed shells

9. crushed limestone

10. rocks and/or pebbles

11. and/or any material providing surface area for nitrifying bacteria that does not harm the fish and/or plants and/or is commonly practiced in the art

12. and/or any combination thereof

d. tubing for directing water flow from the tank to the filter:

i. wherein the tubing is comprised of:

1. Tygon

2. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

3. polyvinyl chloride

4. poletheylene 5. high density polyehteley en

6. glass

7. polycarbonate

8. and/or any other material commonly used as tubing practiced in the art

9. and/or any combination thereof

a plant growing bed for holding the filter box, the filtered water form the fish tank, and the hydroponic covers

i. wherein the plant growing bed fits into the aquarium and rests on the edge of the aquarium

ii. wherein the plant growing bed slides forward to allow access to the aquarium

iii. wherein the plant growing bed has a depression in the central portion to prevent the plant growing bed from tipping off the fish aquarium

iv. wherein the plant growing bed has a spillway to allow water to flow back into the fish tank

v. wherein the plant growing bed is comprised of:

1. acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

2. high density polytheylene

3. low density polyethylene

4. polyvinyl chloride

5. glass

6. acrylic

7. polycarbonate 8. and/or any other material commonly used as tubing practiced in the art

9. and/or any combination thereof

a removable cover and/or covers for supporting various hydroponic plant growth media

i. wherein the cover is comprised of one solid piece

ii. wherein the covers are comprised on two pieces

iii. wherein the covers are comprised of three pieces

iv. wherein the cover and/or covers are interchangeable with the plant growing bed

v. wherein the cover and/or covers have spacing to support:

1. 5 one inch net pots for growing five plants individually in growing media

2. 5 one and a half inch net pots for growing five plants individually in growing media

3. 5 two inch net pots for growing 5 plants individually in growing media

4. 5 two and a half inch net pots for growing five plants individually in growing media

5. 5 three inch net pots for growing 5 plants individually in growing media

6. 4 one inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media

7. 4 one and a half inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media 8. 4 two inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media

9. 4 two and a half inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media

10. 4 three inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media

11. 4 three and a half inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media

12. 3 one inch net pots for growing 3 plants individually in growing media

13. 3 two inch net pots for growing 3 plants individually in growing media

14. 3 two and a half inch net pots for growing 3 plants individually in growing media

15. 3 three inch net pots for growing 3 plants individually in growing media

16. 3 three and a half inch net pots for growing 3 plants individually in growing media

17. 2 one inch net pots for growing 2 plants individually in growing media

18. 2 two inch net pots for growing 2 plants individually in growing media

19. 2 two and a half inch net pots for growing two plants individually in growing media

20. 2 three inch net pots for growing 2 plants individually in growing media 21. 2 three and a half inch net pots for growing 2 plants individually in growing media

22. 1 one inch net pot for growing one plant individually in growing media

23. 1 one and a half inch net pot for growing one plant individually in growing media

24. 1 two inch net pot for growing one plant individually in growing media

25. 1 two and a half inch net pots for growing one plant individually in growing media

26. 1 three inch net pots for growing one plant individually in growing media

27. 1 three and a half inch net pot for growing one plant individually in growing media

28. a one inch by four inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

29. a one inch by five inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

30. a one inch by six inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

31. a one inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

32. a one inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

33. a one inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media 34. a one inch by ten inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

35. a two inch by four inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

36. a two inch by five inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

37. a two inch by six inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

38. a two inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

39. a two inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

40. a two inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

41. a two inch by ten inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

42. a three inch by four inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

43. a three inch by five inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

44. a three inch by six inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

45. a three inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

46. a three inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media 47. a three inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

48. a three inch by ten inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

49. a four inch by four inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

50. a four inch by five inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

51. a four inch by six inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

52. a four inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

53. a four inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

54. a four inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

55. a four inch by ten inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

56. a five inch by four inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

57. a five inch by five inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

58. a five inch by six inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

59. a five inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media 60. a five inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

61. a five inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

62. a five inch by ten inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

63. a six inch by four inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

64. a six inch by five inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

65. a six inch by six inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

66. a six inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

67. a six inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

68. a six inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

69. a six inch by ten inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

70. a seven by four inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

71. a seven inch by five inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

72. a seven inch by six inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media 73. a seven inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

74. a seven inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

75. a seven inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

76. a seven inch by ten inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

77. a eight by four inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

78. a eight inch by five inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

79. a eight inch by six inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

80. a eight inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

81. a eight inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

82. a eight inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

83. a eight inch by ten inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

84. a 9.8 inch by 7.3 inch by 1.5 inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media 85. 2 one inch by eight inch rectangular beds supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

86. 2 one and a half inch by eight inch rectangular beds supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

87. 2 two inch by eight inch rectangular beds supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

88. 3 two inch by eight inch rectangular beds supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

89. 3 two and a half inch by eight inch rectangular beds supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

90. 3 one inch by eight inch rectangular beds supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

91. 3 one and half inch by eight inch rectangular beds supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

92. 6 one inch by eight inch rectangular beds supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

93. and/or any combinations of width, length and configuration that fits within the dimensions of the hydroponic bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

wherein the tray that fits into the cover has a depth of:

1. one inch

2. one and a half inches 3. two inches

4. two and a half inches

5. three inches

[0040] In one embodiment the natural sunlight provides the light to grow the plants

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention described herein, lighting is added for growing the plants, wherein the lighting:

g. is positioned on the invention with:

i. a clip and/or snap on telescoping support structure enabling the user to change the height of the light which attaches to:

1. the fish tank

2. the plant growing bed

3. the covers

4. and/or any combination thereof

ii. the ceiling directly above the invention

iii. secured onto a support cover that attaches to a stand for the tank iv. a support structure that clamps onto the tank

v. a support structure that clamps onto to the plant growing bed vi. and/or any combination thereof

h. is comprised:

i. a Light Emitting Diode

ii. a power compact fluorescence

iii. a metal halide

iv. a high pressure sodium

v. a plasma lighting

vi. organic light emitting diodes vii. a high intensity discharge light

viii. and/or any combination thereof

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention described herein, a light is added for illuminating the fish tank, wherein the lighting:

ix. The light is positioned:

1. on to the top lip of the tank below the plant growing bed with a clip secured to the tank

2. below the plant growing bed via a clip secured to the hydroponic bed

3. situated in an area where the light snaps into the bottom of the plant growing bed wherein:

a. the hydroponic bed is constructed to allow a light to attach and/or snap into position in the bottom of the plant grow bed wherein:

i. the light is be secured in the center of the plant growing bed

ii. the light is be secured in multiple locations on the bottom of the plant growing bed as to illuminate the fish tank accordingly

4. a support structure that clamps onto the tank,

5. a support structure that clamps onto the plant growing bed

6. and/or any combination thereof

x. The light is comprised of one and or any combination of the following:

1. a Light Emitting Diode

2. a submersible light emitting diode 3. a power compact fluorescence

4. a metal halide

5. a high pressure sodium

6. a plasma lighting

7. organic light emitting diodes

8. a high intensity discharge light

9. and/or any combination thereof

[0043] In one embodiment described in the present invention, the plant growing media is comprised of:

i. coco coir

j . coco fibers

k. rockwool

1. hydroton

m. clay pellets

n. zeolite

o. Limestone

p. dolomite

q. perlite

r. soil

s. peat

t. cotton

u. earthstone

v. and/or any material plant growing materials commonly utilized in the hydroponic and aquaponics industries

w. And/or any combination thereof [0044] In one embodiment the cover pieces comprise three or more are interchangeable pieces enabling the operator to grow different plants in different media and planting schemes comprising:

x. of one solid cover with five spaces strategically located to support five plants

y. two separate cover pieces wherein one piece is comprised of three circular spaces to support the growth of three plants, and the second piece is comprised of a rectangular container to support the growth of plants grown in the same media with no individual separation z. is comprised of three separate cover pieces wherein one piece is comprised of one circular space to support the growth of one plant, and the second and third pieces are comprised of a rectangular container to support the growth of plants grown in the same media with no individual separation

aa. is comprised of three separate cover pieces wherein the first piece has one circular space, the second cover piece has two circular spaces, and the third piece holds one rectangular hydroponic growing container to support the growth of plants grown in the same media with no individual separation

bb. and/or any combination thereof

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention the fish tank may be any type of container that holds liquid to support hydroponic plant growth utilizing the cover scheme and/or schemes described in claim l .f and claim 6.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention the mechanical filter media is removed periodically and added to a soil garden and/or potted plant, and another piece of mechanical filter media is replaced in the filter box [0047] In one embodiment of the present invention any type of agricultural and/or hydroponic plants used for medicinal and/or culinary purposes are grown: cc. off of the filtered fish effluent dd. off of the filtered fish effluent and additional supplements ee. off of a hydroponic solution with fish effluent ff. off of a hydroponic solution gg. and/or any combination thereof

[0048] In one embodiment the invention is placed outside and/or in a greenhouse.

[0049] In one embodiment the invention is placed inside a temperature controlled room.

[0050] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A turnkey aquaponics aquarium system comprises:

a. a container to hold a fluid comprised of:

1. one gallon

2. two gallons

3. ten gallons

4. 20 gallons

5. 25 gallons

6. 50 gallons

7. 90 gallons

8. 100 gallons

9. 500 gallons

10. 1,000 gallons

11. 5,000 gallons

12. 10,000 gallons

13. greater than 10,000 gallons

14. and/or any volume within the ranges described above

15. and/or any combination thereof

ii. a custom designed aquarium tank in the shape of:

1. a rectangle

2. a circle

3. a triangle

4. an octagon

5. an oval

6. a cylinder

7. a sphere

8. a pentagon

9. and/or any combination thereof

iii. a custom designed aquarium tank in the shape described above of a size to hold a particular amount of water volume including but not limited to:

1. one gallon

2. two gallons

3. ten gallons

4. 20 gallons

5. 25 gallons

6. 30 gallons

7. 50 gallons

8. 90 gallons

9. 100 gallons

10. 500 gallons

11. 1,000 gallons

12. 5,000 gallons

13. 10,000 gallons

14. and/or any volume commonly used in the art of the aquarium industry

iv. any type of container holding water that supports aquatic animals commonly used in the aquarium and/or gardening industries

v. any type of container holding water that supports soil and/or hydroponic plant production vi. and/or any combination of configurations and/or volumes described above b. a method of moving fluid comprised of a:

i. a water pump

ii. a venturi pump

iii. an aerator

iv. and/or any combination thereof

c. a filter box comprising space for housing mechanical filter media residing on top of biological filter media for removing solids and converting the nitrogenous wastes in the water excreted by the fish into nitrate

i. wherein the filter box fits into a depression inside the plant growing bed ii. wherein the filter box has slits and/or holes on the bottom to allow water to pass through into the plant growing bed

iii. wherein the mechanical media is placed on top of the biological media iv. wherein the mechanical media is removed periodically and/or washed v. wherein the mechanical filter media comprises:

1. a sponge

2. filtration floss

3. mesh netting

4. plastic shavings and/or plastic beads

5. carbon

6. zeolite

7. Earthstone

8. Coco coir matting and/or fibers

9. crushed shells

10. crushed limestone

11. rocks and/or pebbles

12. and/or any combination thereof

vi. wherein the biological media is comprised of:

1. a sponge

2. plastic shavings and/or beads

3. filtration floss

4. mesh netting

5. Bio-Balls

6. zeolite

7. Earthstone

8. crushed shells

9. crushed limestone

10. rocks and/or pebbles

12. and/or any combination thereof

d. tubing for directing water flow from the tank to the filter:

i. wherein the tubing is comprised of:

1. Tygon

2. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

3. polyvinyl chloride

4. poletheylene

5. high density polyehteley en

6. glass

7. polycarbonate

8. and/or any other material commonly used as tubing practiced in the art

9. and/or any combination thereof

e. a plant growing bed for holding the filter box, the filtered water form the fish tank, and the hydroponic covers

iii. wherein the plant growing bed has a depression in the central portion to prevent the plant growing bed from tipping off the fish aquarium iv. wherein the plant growing bed has a spillway to allow water to flow back into the fish tank

v. wherein the plant growing bed is comprised of:

1. acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

2. high density polytheylene

3. low density polyethylene

4. polyvinyl chloride

5. glass

6. acrylic

7. polycarbonate

8. and/or any other material commonly used as tubing practiced in the art

9. and/or any combination thereof

f. a removable cover and/or covers for supporting various hydroponic plant growth media wherein the cover is comprised of one solid piece

wherein the covers are comprised on two pieces

wherein the covers are comprised of three pieces

wherein the cover and/or covers are interchangeable with the plant growing bed

wherein the cover and/or covers have spacing to support:

1. 5 one inch net pots for growing five plants individually in growing media

3. 5 two inch net pots for growing 5 plants individually in growing media

5. 5 three inch net pots for growing 5 plants individually in growing media

6. 4 one inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media

7. 4 one and a half inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media

8. 4 two inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media

10. 4 three inch net pots for growing 4 plants individually in growing media

12. 3 one inch net pots for growing 3 plants individually in growing media

13. 3 two inch net pots for growing 3 plants individually in growing media

15. 3 three inch net pots for growing 3 plants individually in growing media

17. 2 one inch net pots for growing 2 plants individually in growing media

18. 2 two inch net pots for growing 2 plants individually in growing media

20. 2 three inch net pots for growing 2 plants individually in growing media

21. 2 three and a half inch net pots for growing 2 plants individually in growing media

22. 1 one inch net pot for growing one plant individually in growing media

24. 1 two inch net pot for growing one plant individually in growing media

26. 1 three inch net pots for growing one plant individually in growing media

33. a one inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

34. a one inch by ten inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

46. a three inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

47. a three inch by nine inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

59. a five inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

60. a five inch by eight inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

72. a seven inch by six inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

73. a seven inch by seven inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

84. a 9.8 inch by 7.3 inch by 1.5 inch rectangular bed supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

85. 2 one inch by eight inch rectangular beds supporting the growth of multiple plants within one growing media

vi. wherein the tray that fits into the cover has a depth of:

1. one inch

2. one and a half inches

3. two inches

4. two and a half inches

5. three inches

The system of claim 1, wherein the natural sunlight provides the light to grow the plants The system of claim 1, wherein the lighting:

a. is positioned on the invention with:

1 the fish tank

2 the plant growing bed

3 the covers

4 and/or any combination thereof ii. the ceiling directly above the invention

v. a support structure that clamps onto to the plant growing bed

vi. and/or any combination thereof

b. is comprised:

i. a Light Emitting Diode

ii. a power compact fluorescence

iii. a metal halide

iv. a high pressure sodium

v. a plasma lighting

vi. organic light emitting diodes

vii. a high intensity discharge light

viii. and/or any combination thereof

4. The system of claim 1, wherein a light is added for illuminating the fish tank, wherein the lighting:

i. is positioned:

2. below the plant growing bed via a clip secured to the hydroponic bed

a. the hydroponic bed is constructed to allow a light to attach and/or snap into position in the bottom of the plant grow bed wherein: i. the light is be secured in the center of the plant growing bed

4. a support structure that clamps onto the tank,

5. a support structure that clamps onto the plant growing bed

6. and/or any combination thereof

ii. The light is comprised of one and or any combination of the following:

1. a Light Emitting Diode

2. a submersible light emitting diode

3. a power compact fluorescence

4. a metal halide

5. a high pressure sodium

6. a plasma lighting

7. organic light emitting diodes

8. a high intensity discharge light

9. and/or any combination thereof

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plant growing media is comprised of:

a. coco coir

b. coco fibers

c. rockwool

d. hydroton

e. clay pellets

f. zeolite

g. Limestone h. dolomite

i. perlite

j . soil

k. peat

1. cotton

m. earthstone

n. and/or any material plant growing materials commonly utilized in the hydroponic and aquaponics industries

o. And/or any combination thereof

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the cover pieces comprise three or more are interchangeable pieces enabling the operator to grow different plants in different media and planting schemes comprising:

a. of one solid cover with five spaces strategically located to support five plants b. two separate cover pieces wherein one piece is comprised of three circular spaces to support the growth of three plants, and the second piece is comprised of a rectangular container to support the growth of plants grown in the same media with no individual separation

c. is comprised of three separate cover pieces wherein one piece is comprised of one circular space to support the growth of one plant, and the second and third pieces are comprised of a rectangular container to support the growth of plants grown in the same media with no individual separation

d. is comprised of three separate cover pieces wherein the first piece has one circular space, the second cover piece has two circular spaces, and the third piece holds one rectangular hydroponic growing container to support the growth of plants grown in the same media with no individual separation

e. and/or any combination thereof

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the fish tank may be any type of container that holds liquid to support hydroponic plant growth utilizing.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanical filter media is removed periodically and added to a soil garden and/or potted plant, and another piece of mechanical filter media is replaced in the filter box

9. The system of claim 1, wherein any type of agricultural and/or hydroponic plants used for medicinal and/or culinary purposes are grown:

a. off of the filtered fish effluent

b. off of the filtered fish effluent and additional supplements

c. off of a hydroponic solution with fish effluent

d. off of a hydroponic solution

e. and/or any combination thereof

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the turnkey aquaponics aquarium system is placed outside and/or in a greenhouse

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the turnkey aquaponics aquarium system is placed inside a temperature controlled room.