Bill Kelleher's Discussions

Small footprint aquaponic system with FT & Sump tank on same level

Started this discussion. Last reply by Chelsea Brannan Feb 21, 2013. 1 Reply 0 Likes

I found a way to combine the fish tank and sump tank on the same level to accommodate a smaller footprint aquaponic system that can support a 9sq ft growbed inside the same size footprint. Here is a…Continue

Best siphon to go from FT to sump: u-tube, overflow box, weir siphon, others?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Neely Anderson Jan 30, 2014. 9 Replies 0 Likes

I'm using a 55 gallon aquarium as my FT and a 29 gal aquarium as my sump tank for a CHIFT-PIST system. I'd liek to use a solids lifting overflow setup, but I'm trying to decide which type of siphon…Continue

Can you use a powerhead in an aquaponic setup?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Vlad Jovanovic Nov 25, 2012. 2 Replies 0 Likes

Are any of you using a powerhead in your aquaponic setup? I got two Powerhead 802 powerheads with a 55 gal aquarium I got off Craigslist. I looked it up and this model is rated at 400gph or 175 in…Continue

Choosing proper pump for Affnan bell siphon

Started this discussion. Last reply by Affnan Jan 13, 2013. 6 Replies 0 Likes

Does anyone have tips on choosing a proper pump for an Affnan bell siphon system? In his videos, he mentions pumps around 12 watts, and certainly under 20 watts. This seems smaller than pumps used in…Continue

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Profile Information

How did you find us?: other

If you found us through a referral or a newsletter, which was it?: Sylvia's Aquaponic Gerdening book.

Are you an aquaponic gardener already?: No

If so, what type of system? (pick all that apply): flood and drain media

What type of fish do you grow with? (select all that apply): Tilapia

How big is your fish tank?: 55 gallon

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At 8:30am on October 24, 2012, Sylvia Bernstein said…: Hi Bill. I actually have four different systems operating at my home in the summer, and three during the winter. Two of them use a timer, two use siphons. The decision between using a timer vs a siphon to drain your grow beds is independent of a decision to use a sump. The sump decision is about going beyond a 1:1 ratio between the volume of your grow bed to the volume of your fish tank. Both timers and siphons can be used with a sump. Does that make sense?

At 9:37am on October 23, 2012, Sylvia Bernstein said…: Hi Bill. The problem you are describing with the water level drop in the fish tank is exactly why people add sump tanks to their system. I honestly can't say that it will be ok...that is a mighty shallow water level for the fish! And your tank won't always be at maximum level, right? I think your choices are to either add a sump tank, expand your fish tank, shrink your grow bed, or only grow very small fish! Sorry I can't be more encouraging.

Oh, and the siphon will probably trip every 8 - 14 minutes.

At 9:28pm on October 22, 2012, Sylvia Bernstein said…: Welcome Bill!

Thanks for joining the Aquaponic Gardening community! I hope you find it a fun place to explore aquaponics. There is a real blend of experienced and new aquapons in this community, so please don’t hesitate to get in there and start asking questions. Everyone is quite happy to help out new members--no question is too basic.

A great place to start is to read the “How to Use This Site” link on the upper left corner, “Start Here” section of the Home page. You might also find the “Aquaponic Gardening Rules of Thumb” guidelines helpful.

Please add a profile image, participate and check in with us every day! We are constantly posting news about aquaponics and the good food movement.

Thanks again for joining us, and I look forward to getting to know you.

Sylvia