Sandponics (iAVs)

Water pumps are a crucial component of the iAVS system, as they are responsible for transferring water from the fish tank to the plant bed. When selecting a water pump for your iAVS system, it's important to consider factors such as flow rate, head height, and solids removal.

There are several types of water pumps that can be used in an iAVS system, including mechanical hand-operated pumps, solar-PV pumps, animal-powered pumps, and windmills.

Overall, there are many options available when it comes to selecting a water pump for your iAVS system. Whether you choose a mechanical hand-operated pump or invest in more advanced technology like solar-PV or animal-powered pumps, it's important to select a pump that is appropriate for the size and scale of your system

Animal-powered pumps, such as treadle pumps or ox-driven water wheels, can also be used to transfer water in larger systems. These types of pumps require some initial investment in equipment and training but can provide a sustainable source of power over the long term.

It's important to note that while water pumps are a common method of transferring water in an iAVS system, it is also possible to run your system without them entirely. For example, a simple calabash (bucket on a rope/stick) can be used to transfer water manually from the fish tank to the plant bed. This method requires no external power source but may not be practical for larger systems.

Flow rate refers to the amount of water that can be pumped through the system in a given amount of time. The ideal flow rate for your iAVS system will depend on factors such as the size of your fish tank and plant bed, as well as the types of plants and fish you are growing.

Head height refers to the vertical distance between your fish tank and plant bed. As water is pumped uphill, it encounters resistance from gravity and friction. Therefore, it's important to select a pump that is capable of pumping water to the required height without losing too much pressure.

Mechanical hand-operated pumps are a simple and reliable option for small-scale systems. They require no electricity or fuel and can be operated by hand.

Solids removal is another important consideration when selecting a water pump for your iAVS system. Fish waste products (unconsumed feed, fish metabolites, and dead algae) accumulate on the bottom of the fish-culture tank over time. These solids can clog pumps and filters if not removed regularly. Therefore, it's important to select a pump that is capable of handling solids without clogging or breaking down.

Solar-PV pumps are another popular option for off-grid systems, as they can be powered by solar panels and require no external power source.

Windmills can be used to pump water in areas with consistent wind patterns. While they require some initial investment in equipment and installation costs, they can provide a reliable source of power over time.