Build Your Own VFI
Construction method
Nursery "plugs" approx. 1.5x1.5x2'' plug size in 36-38 plug flats. [Calculate the amount of plants] Calculate the amount of cococoir Once the VFI is assembled, fill all the holes in the Polyflo with loose coconut coir material. This will wick up water to the plants. To calculate the amount needed, multiply the number of plants by the cubic footage of one hole. Then convert cubic feet to dry gallons. You can purchase a compressed coconut coir brick, or buy loose material in bags. Formulas: Cubic feet of cylinder = (π x r^2) x (height in inches/12 inches) Dry gallons = Cubic feet x 6.4285 Three layers bio-filter media zip-tied together Zip tie the first two layers together, then using a hand drill attachment, make 2'' diameter holes 4'' deep through the top two layers. Zip tie a third, undrilled layer to the other two and flip over. The undrilled layer will keep the plants from falling through to the water. Floatation material (marine foam, pipelines) Cinder block The number of cinder block anchors you will need depends on the total weight of the island, and if you want your island to rotate with water currents or stay stationary. |
Materials
Three circular islands, 150 square foot surface area total
The total cost of our budget is $4548, of which Polyflo costs 40%.
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