Just as with your typical aquaponics set up, it provides a mutually beneficial relationship between the fish and the plants. It also works well for those who have tight spaces since the rain gutters are mounted onto any type of wall with the fish tank underneath. Rain gutters have a brand new purpose!

The system works by pumping water from a fish tank set on the ground up into the topmost gutter.  The water drains through a hole in this gutter down into the gutter below it. The cycle repeats itself continuously.

You will need 3 10-foot aluminum gutters, 3 coupling adapters, a rubber hose, a fish tank, a small fountain pump, about 4 feet of PVC pipe, silicon sealer, 4-inch plastic pots for the plants, and grow medium.

You will want the water to flow through the gutters in a Z pattern, so begin the installation of your system by drilling a hole in the bottom of each gutter, on the opposite side of the hole in the gutter above it.  Cut the PVC pipe into lengths slightly shorter than what the distance between the gutters will be once they are on the wall.  Attach the pipe lengths to the hole drilled in each of the gutters with the adapter and silicone.

Once the gutters are attached to the wall, the tank can be set up below them and the fish can be added.  The hose is attached to the pump within the tank and run up to the top gutter.

The grow medium used in this example system is a 3-to-1 ratio of coconut fiber and Biochar, though just about any lightweight medium suitable for aquaponic growing will work.

See the complete materials list and instructions here.

Have you installed your own aquaponics system? Would you consider using the gutters?

Article & Photo Source: Off Grid World