40,000 liter DWC in The Bahamas (run by a newbie) - Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-29T09:35:06Zhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/forum/topics/40-000-liter-dwc-in-the-bahamas-run-by-a-newbie?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A573269&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI just had to turn your great…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-08-03:4778851:Comment:5738162014-08-03T11:19:30.149ZJim Fiskhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JimFisk
<p>I just had to turn your great pic over<a style="cursor: pointer;"><img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Grin.gif"></img></a></p>
<p>Keep in mind that flow thru the FTs should be rapid BUT flow thru the filters should be slow. Think of your filters as a septic system and not a swimming pool. That bead filter should be at least the size of a 1000L (330G) IBC. Bacteria need "dwell time" to work. I feel your filters are too small in general for the size of your system. Just another observation.…</p>
<p>I just had to turn your great pic over<a style="cursor: pointer;"><img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Grin.gif"/></a></p>
<p>Keep in mind that flow thru the FTs should be rapid BUT flow thru the filters should be slow. Think of your filters as a septic system and not a swimming pool. That bead filter should be at least the size of a 1000L (330G) IBC. Bacteria need "dwell time" to work. I feel your filters are too small in general for the size of your system. Just another observation.<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772259894?profile=original"><img width="721" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772259894?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"/></a><br/> <br/> <cite>Adam Dusen said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/40-000-liter-dwc-in-the-bahamas-run-by-a-newbie#4778851Comment572782"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772260702?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full">Some photos of the system:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772262176?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772262176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="721"/></a>Have no idea why this photo is upside-down... it is right-side up when I selected it and when I view it in my folder. Anyway, these are our biofilters (black boxes), bead filter (black dome-like unit), and settling tank (blue tank).</p>
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</blockquote> Adam, your clear water sump i…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-08-03:4778851:Comment:5737502014-08-03T10:34:11.751ZJim Fiskhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JimFisk
<p>Adam, your clear water sump is, in my 3 yrs at this, by far the best way to go. Among other things the pump will last far longer when it is not pumping solids. It sounds like you could make just a few changes to help the system flow better. I raise trout and they like flow and clean water. Tilapia are not as fussy but I am sure they like clean water as much as anyone else and I can't help but think the taste is better as well when raised in less of their own waste. I like to say "we are what…</p>
<p>Adam, your clear water sump is, in my 3 yrs at this, by far the best way to go. Among other things the pump will last far longer when it is not pumping solids. It sounds like you could make just a few changes to help the system flow better. I raise trout and they like flow and clean water. Tilapia are not as fussy but I am sure they like clean water as much as anyone else and I can't help but think the taste is better as well when raised in less of their own waste. I like to say "we are what we eat" if you get my drift.</p>
<p>As to flow, the more elevation you can achieve between the FTs and the sump the more the flow thru the same size pipes (plumbing 101). Therefore I buried our sump below grade and elevated the 5 fish tanks on a landscaping tie crib work. The greater the distance vertically between the two the more options you have in terms of flow thru everything else from filters to GBs. Burying the sump also adds some heat sink stability from the earth below and avoids sudden temp swings during weather changes.</p>
<p>Rob Nash's short comment above should be your next consideration. I run all my system water thru the media beds first as well and then in my case back to the sump and the clear sump water then goes back to the FTs and also to the DWC bed. Rob drains from the media straight to the DWC and then to the sump. Same thing, different layout, but you get the idea. If you can incorporate these 2 ideas I think it would make a huge difference for you. Nothing beats media beds when it comes to filtration, thus the "hybrid" system.</p>
<p>As far as moving the fish waste out of the FTs efficiently goes, first there is the higher flow rate mentioned above but also the method of clearing it from the FTs. I use a slotted on the bottom pick up pipe, about 1/4" slots to keep the fish out, WITH the air stones tied to the top and running straight across the bottom of the FTs. The rising air and water current tends to draw the fish waste right to the slots and out it goes. A dual purpose for the air stones. I also use an adjustable skimmer at the side exit "T" which keeps any type of floater from fish food to fish oils, etc. from building up on the surface while keeping in the heavier fresh floating food. Think "swimming pool" skimmers. As a result my FTs stay amazingly clean with a minimum of effort. Here is a pic of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a rel="nofollow" href="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/photo/slo-pick-up-and-air-stone-set-up?context=user" target="_self">PU tube</a></strong></span>.</p>
<p>Enough for now. You have a great system to work with and I am sure you can make a few changes that will make it all a bit less labor intensive.</p> Hi Adam,
The plants is like a…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-08-01:4778851:Comment:5735232014-08-01T11:35:55.256ZLim Hong Kuanhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/LimHongKuan
<p><em>Hi Adam,</em></p>
<p>The plants is like a filter bypass and water gravity flow to the fish tank to give you the answer herewith.</p>
<p>How Aquaponics Works<br></br>1. Fish are raised in a tank<br></br>2. Water from the fish tank is pumped to the plants<br></br>3. Bacteria convert ammonia and nitrite to nitrate<br></br>4. Plants absorb the nutrient rich water<br></br>5. Filtered water is returned to the fish tank, clean<br></br>Fish are Happy!<br></br>Plants are Happy!<br></br>We get more to eat!</p>
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<p>I'm a…</p>
<p><em>Hi Adam,</em></p>
<p>The plants is like a filter bypass and water gravity flow to the fish tank to give you the answer herewith.</p>
<p>How Aquaponics Works<br/>1. Fish are raised in a tank<br/>2. Water from the fish tank is pumped to the plants<br/>3. Bacteria convert ammonia and nitrite to nitrate<br/>4. Plants absorb the nutrient rich water<br/>5. Filtered water is returned to the fish tank, clean<br/>Fish are Happy!<br/>Plants are Happy!<br/>We get more to eat!</p>
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<p>I'm a newbie learning from you.</p>
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<p><br/> <br/> <cite>Adam Dusen said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/40-000-liter-dwc-in-the-bahamas-run-by-a-newbie?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A573269&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment573269"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>The sump in our system is the lowest point where water collects, and cannot gravity feed to anywhere. Of course a system could be constructed that way if one wished to design it as such. In our system, the sump is where the water collects before it is pumped up into the fish tanks, which gravity feed into the filters, growbeds, and finally the sump.</p>
<p>Yeah, I wish I could get the pH to 6.5. I think with our well water being the way it is, that will likely never happen...</p>
<p><br/> <cite>Lim Hong Kuan said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/40-000-liter-dwc-in-the-bahamas-run-by-a-newbie#4778851Comment573518"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>What I understand the grown bed you so call "SU/ MP" can be gravity flow straight to the fish tank.</p>
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<li>aquaponic system faarming pH's should be around 6.5.</li>
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</blockquote> The sump in our system is the…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-08-01:4778851:Comment:5732692014-08-01T11:17:46.807ZAdam Dusenhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/AdamDusen
<p>The sump in our system is the lowest point where water collects, and cannot gravity feed to anywhere. Of course a system could be constructed that way if one wished to design it as such. In our system, the sump is where the water collects before it is pumped up into the fish tanks, which gravity feed into the filters, growbeds, and finally the sump.</p>
<p>Yeah, I wish I could get the pH to 6.5. I think with our well water being the way it is, that will likely never happen...…</p>
<p><br></br></p>
<p>The sump in our system is the lowest point where water collects, and cannot gravity feed to anywhere. Of course a system could be constructed that way if one wished to design it as such. In our system, the sump is where the water collects before it is pumped up into the fish tanks, which gravity feed into the filters, growbeds, and finally the sump.</p>
<p>Yeah, I wish I could get the pH to 6.5. I think with our well water being the way it is, that will likely never happen...</p>
<p><br/> <cite>Lim Hong Kuan said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/40-000-liter-dwc-in-the-bahamas-run-by-a-newbie#4778851Comment573518"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>What I understand the grown bed you so call "SU/ MP" can be gravity flow straight to the fish tank.</p>
<ol>
<li>aquaponic system faarming pH's should be around 6.5.</li>
</ol>
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</blockquote> What I understand the grown b…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-08-01:4778851:Comment:5735182014-08-01T08:00:07.219ZLim Hong Kuanhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/LimHongKuan
<p>What I understand the grown bed you so call "SU/ MP" can be gravity flow straight to the fish tank.</p>
<ol>
<li>aquaponic system faarming pH's should be around 6.5.</li>
</ol>
<p>What I understand the grown bed you so call "SU/ MP" can be gravity flow straight to the fish tank.</p>
<ol>
<li>aquaponic system faarming pH's should be around 6.5.</li>
</ol> I'm a newbie too and trying h…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-08-01:4778851:Comment:5734532014-08-01T04:07:09.626ZLim Hong Kuanhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/LimHongKuan
<p>I'm a newbie too and trying hard to get a blueprint drawing from some experience person or had been in this business for a while.</p>
<p>I'm setting my Aquaponics farm soon but in the midst of doing more research on the system and I can't afford to make mistakes this round as my budget is limited.</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing is awesome.</p>
<p>I'm a newbie too and trying hard to get a blueprint drawing from some experience person or had been in this business for a while.</p>
<p>I'm setting my Aquaponics farm soon but in the midst of doing more research on the system and I can't afford to make mistakes this round as my budget is limited.</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing is awesome.</p> hybrid with media beds is my…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-07-28:4778851:Comment:5726972014-07-28T05:12:32.227ZRob Nashhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/RobNash
<p>hybrid with media beds is my personal favorite.</p>
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<p>hybrid with media beds is my personal favorite.</p>
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<p></p> Wow that's quite the situatio…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-07-28:4778851:Comment:5727862014-07-28T02:45:47.941ZNick Nasellihttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/NickNaselli
Wow that's quite the situation you've gotten into!<br />
What an opportunity!<br />
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I support all your proposed methods to deal with the heavy sediment.<br />
Thanks for the post, and the attached diagrams :)
Wow that's quite the situation you've gotten into!<br />
What an opportunity!<br />
<br />
I support all your proposed methods to deal with the heavy sediment.<br />
Thanks for the post, and the attached diagrams :) Some photos of the system:Fou…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-07-27:4778851:Comment:5727822014-07-27T23:23:52.794ZAdam Dusenhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/AdamDusen
<p>Some photos of the system:<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772260702?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772260702?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"></img></a> Four adult tilapia tanks, 740 gallons each in the background (only three visible in photo). Have four more in the foreground that will be plumbed in eventually and are just used to grow duckweed and store equipment at the moment.…</p>
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<p>Some photos of the system:<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772260702?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772260702?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721" class="align-full"/></a>Four adult tilapia tanks, 740 gallons each in the background (only three visible in photo). Have four more in the foreground that will be plumbed in eventually and are just used to grow duckweed and store equipment at the moment.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772261463?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772261463?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>DWC growbeds with floating rafts, growbeds are between 1180 and 2170 gallons each. Shade sails are set up above, we are in a high wind area. We grow mostly lettuce, some basil, some mint, some brassicas, and experimenting with cucumbers right now. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772262176?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2772262176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721" class="align-full"/></a>Have no idea why this photo is upside-down... it is right-side up when I selected it and when I view it in my folder. Anyway, these are our biofilters (black boxes), bead filter (black dome-like unit), and settling tank (blue tank).</p> That sounds like a really gre…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-07-24:4778851:Comment:5724602014-07-24T23:02:06.018ZJeremiah Robinsonhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JeremiahRobinson
<p>That sounds like a really great way to do it. If you've got a captive market aquaponics is a real winner.</p>
<p>If you look at Pentair's class, they have some real heavy hitters teaching it.</p>
<p>That sounds like a really great way to do it. If you've got a captive market aquaponics is a real winner.</p>
<p>If you look at Pentair's class, they have some real heavy hitters teaching it.</p>