AutoMicroFarm Minimum Viable Product

I am thinking the MVP for the AutoMicroFarm would be between 4 and 24 square feet of growing space; this would require between 30 and 180 gallons for the fish tank.

I have two options in mind for the MVP:

  1. Take it indoors; this adds light requirements [1]. In essence, it become an aquaponics kit such as this one, but with lights.
    1. Advantages: don’t need to worry about heating/cooling; becomes a showcase/conversation starter; can be situated very near or in the kitchen.
    2. Disadvantages: ideally want LED lights, which are at this point very expensive.
  2. Set it up in a greenhouse.
    1. Advantages: don’t need to worry about lighting, so initial costs are appreciably lower.
    2. Disadvantages: need to heat in the winter, perhaps cool in the summer.

Right now, I am leaning towards the greenhouse, since it will involve a smaller up-front cost and LED grow lights will (or at least should, in theory) come down in price, hopefully soon. Please share any experience or advice you may have about this.

[1] Research on LED growing lights: if there is no additional light source, the energy required is 5.84 kWh/lb, assuming lights on 12 hours a day and 15 lb/ft^2 annual yield.

Tags: AutoMicroFarm