meeee wrote:
Aquaponics I think.... Once you got everything balanced and had the
bacteria colonies established it *should* run like clockwork. Well, that's
the theory....

In the meantime, perhaps he could do a degree in microbiotics and
chemistry as he will probably need them. Could also practise keeping
goldfish/whatever. You will probably want a good microscope as well to
exmine microflora in the water.

I'd suggest starting with the reedbeds they use to cleanup septic tanks,
then diversify the "reeds" into plants that you can feed to the fish.

Note, it will NEVER be self sustaining as the systems will leak
essential nutrients etc.

There is no reason why you could not start it now and simply take the
tubs with you when you move. A couple of those large "ponds" (big
plastic bins about 1.5+m x 1.5+ x 1m) would do.