After fully constructing this system we have been recording data on the various levels of pH, temperature nitrate levels, phosphates, salts, carbonate hardness and total dissolved solids of our aquaponics tank to make sure we have a stable micro- ecosystem in our greenhouse. The results from this data show that our system is healthy and has lead us to develop appropriate levels for aquatic systems in these areas.

As we begin to see the accumulation nitrates in our system we know that we have closed
the loop.

Though we have still yet to harvest any vegetable from this system, we have seen a slow and steady incline in the concentration of nutrients in our system as well as stable and increased plant growth since planting. Maintaining this system and recording this data is valuable in assessing and correcting any complications, performing experimentation and adding to the accumulation of research on aquaponics.

The carbon reduction factor related to this project can be looked at in several ways. The use of off grid water and energy and the produced plant biomass can be calculated to quantify the actual carbon reduction. In this case those numbers are quite small, due to the small scale of this project. However, the concepts that this project models are perhaps most important. This urban scale aquaponics greenhouse was constructed to be used as a learning facility, accompanying the College 8 gardening class and internship.

This project was designed with the future in mind. The University of California is now contracted to serve aquaponic grown vegetables in the dinning halls of all campuses across the state. This is a major step in sustainable food systems for the UC and aligns with the UC Global Food Initiative set on July 1, 2014.