advantage of your system to others? - Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-28T18:28:32Zhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/forum/topics/advantage-of-your-system-to?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A284348&x=1&feed=yes&xn_auth=noYep Chip, that is about it. …tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-27:4778851:Comment:2843482012-01-27T17:58:23.455ZTCLynxhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/TCLynx
<p>Yep Chip, that is about it. Whatever works well for you. There are so many different little details that affect everything that it can become really hard to make short, generalized, definitive statements. <a style="cursor: pointer;"><img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/></a></p>
<p>Yep Chip, that is about it. Whatever works well for you. There are so many different little details that affect everything that it can become really hard to make short, generalized, definitive statements. <a style="cursor: pointer;"><img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/></a></p> Hi TC,
As I mentioned, I thin…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-27:4778851:Comment:2843252012-01-27T13:46:26.655ZChip Pilkingtonhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ChipPilkington
<p>Hi TC,</p>
<p>As I mentioned, I think it's great media. If someone did give a bunch, I wouldn't refuse it either...might trade it for a pump or a new GB... :)</p>
<p>I don't think it would it would be as effective in a few of my GB's. I've mentioned a few times the support factor. I'm actually getting away from the big stuff in the system in the future I think. I've got some really crazy indeterminate tomato varieties they go nuts in the system. They are heirloom seeds I ordered in the…</p>
<p>Hi TC,</p>
<p>As I mentioned, I think it's great media. If someone did give a bunch, I wouldn't refuse it either...might trade it for a pump or a new GB... :)</p>
<p>I don't think it would it would be as effective in a few of my GB's. I've mentioned a few times the support factor. I'm actually getting away from the big stuff in the system in the future I think. I've got some really crazy indeterminate tomato varieties they go nuts in the system. They are heirloom seeds I ordered in the States and brought to Thailand. I've never seen tomatos grow this tall, or long as the case may be. They won't stop producing either. Have to drape them over the sides as they are well over 2 meters now. They, along with the cukes and a few others will find homes in wicking beds soon.</p>
<p>Not sure what the consensus is here, but I've found some seeds just don't do well directly seeded into the media. My cukes, green beans, peas, even tomatoes do much better when started. Even my lettuce, which I now start in a vermiculite/perlite mix (it's what the hydro shop here sells), seems to have a much better success rate when transplanted. Cabbage too. Ok, got one - my chinese radish (looks like a big, white carrot) and then spring onions do ok, though I often transplant the spring onions (I've been told you can't transplant them). My rock is under 3/4, say a little bigger than 5/8 in. I think actual 3/4 is pushing it a bit. Anyway, just another example of the many options you have in AP. I'm thinking it was on your page where I viewed some crazy media experiments? I thought it was a great example as to how we over-think much of this. When someone new asks, we give our personal favs and best advice, but the reality is that you definitely have options and most will probably grow veggies. Have to get the water right, but tanks, containers, media and much of the rest are fair game.</p> I wouldn't refuse free hydrot…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-27:4778851:Comment:2842462012-01-27T13:05:59.784ZTCLynxhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/TCLynx
<p>I wouldn't refuse free hydroton unless it was contaminated with something toxic. But I probably wouldn't replace all my river rock either. I might test out the hydroton on top and rock on the bottom or leave some beds rock and have some beds hydroton. And I would probably not replace, I'd just add more beds, but that is me and my strange aquaponics addiction.</p>
<p></p>
<p>As to seeding in big rocks, I can see how most seeds could bounce down too deep between 3/4" or larger rocks so that…</p>
<p>I wouldn't refuse free hydroton unless it was contaminated with something toxic. But I probably wouldn't replace all my river rock either. I might test out the hydroton on top and rock on the bottom or leave some beds rock and have some beds hydroton. And I would probably not replace, I'd just add more beds, but that is me and my strange aquaponics addiction.</p>
<p></p>
<p>As to seeding in big rocks, I can see how most seeds could bounce down too deep between 3/4" or larger rocks so that size might require more in the way of careful seed starting but most seeds I'm able to just sprinkle about in 1/2" or carefully place at the high water level. One trick is a scrap of tissue or paper towel to act as a wick and help hold the seed in place till it germinates and takes hold on it's own.</p> You make a good point Shas. I…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-27:4778851:Comment:2843112012-01-27T11:39:21.914ZChip Pilkingtonhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ChipPilkington
<p>You make a good point Shas. It is difficult to direct seed into large rock. I have much better success direct seeding my crushed brick, which is maybe 3/8 to 7/16 or so. That said, you don't need to direct seed for most vegetables and many actually do much better being transplanted. I went with my two media choices (river rock and crushed brick) mostly for holding power. They are both easy on the fingers, but fairly hard on the back when you clean and fill the first time. The rock was free…</p>
<p>You make a good point Shas. It is difficult to direct seed into large rock. I have much better success direct seeding my crushed brick, which is maybe 3/8 to 7/16 or so. That said, you don't need to direct seed for most vegetables and many actually do much better being transplanted. I went with my two media choices (river rock and crushed brick) mostly for holding power. They are both easy on the fingers, but fairly hard on the back when you clean and fill the first time. The rock was free (screened it with two sizes of wire mesh) and the brick very inexpensive. If I want to direct seed spring onions or carrots, they go in the crushed brick. The rock has proven itself through many tall and/or heavy plants. That's what I really like about it. Worms do very well in both in case you were wondering.</p>
<p>There are many materials which can be successfully used. That said, if someone offered me free hydroton (which I think is a great media) to replace my rock or brick, I'd politely say no thank you.</p> Thanks for the prompt respons…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-27:4778851:Comment:2841352012-01-27T03:54:14.824ZShas Chohttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShasCho
<p>Thanks for the prompt responses.</p>
<p>I can see that the smaller rock is apt to slow water flow</p>
<p>and be a more efficient (not what we want) filter of solids.</p>
<p>I gotta tell ya, though,</p>
<p>I can NOT get my head around the idea</p>
<p>of direct-seeding into thumb-sized rocks.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Well, I hope experience is about to make a believer out of me :=)</p>
<p>Thanks for the prompt responses.</p>
<p>I can see that the smaller rock is apt to slow water flow</p>
<p>and be a more efficient (not what we want) filter of solids.</p>
<p>I gotta tell ya, though,</p>
<p>I can NOT get my head around the idea</p>
<p>of direct-seeding into thumb-sized rocks.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Well, I hope experience is about to make a believer out of me :=)</p> Hi litano,
You asked about t…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-26:4778851:Comment:2842012012-01-26T23:52:37.833ZJapan Aquaponics - アクアポニックス 日本https://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JapanAquaponics
<p>Hi litano,</p>
<p></p>
<p>You asked about the uses of bell siphons and loop siphons - I have both types going in our house and could honestly recommend either of them. The loop siphon is extremely easy to set up - just make sure that the tubing is the right size - and mine has never skipped a beat. The loop siphon can also be made from standard PVC piping as well if you want. As the loop siphon is usually made outside of the grow bed then there are issues of algae growth in the hose - but…</p>
<p>Hi litano,</p>
<p></p>
<p>You asked about the uses of bell siphons and loop siphons - I have both types going in our house and could honestly recommend either of them. The loop siphon is extremely easy to set up - just make sure that the tubing is the right size - and mine has never skipped a beat. The loop siphon can also be made from standard PVC piping as well if you want. As the loop siphon is usually made outside of the grow bed then there are issues of algae growth in the hose - but if you cover the hose then this is no problem. I guess the loop siphons can be easier to set up and get your head around.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The Bell siphons also works really well and are fun to experiment with. I think that these seem to be more of a long term - in the bed - type of solution.</p>
<p></p>
<p>As I said, I use both type, really like both types, and have no trouble at all with either type - so I guess you should go with whatever floats your boat! </p> I'd say your best bet is to g…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-26:4778851:Comment:2839722012-01-26T20:02:48.974ZEllen Roelofshttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/EllenRoelofs
<p>I'd say your best bet is to go to your nearest yard/gravel pit and take a look for yourself and bring some vinegar to pour on the stones - if it bubbles, avoid it. But river rock is a pretty safe bet. <strong>Gravel pipe bedding</strong> should be inexpensive and worth looking at (open graded, low fines, round stone).</p>
<p>I'd say your best bet is to go to your nearest yard/gravel pit and take a look for yourself and bring some vinegar to pour on the stones - if it bubbles, avoid it. But river rock is a pretty safe bet. <strong>Gravel pipe bedding</strong> should be inexpensive and worth looking at (open graded, low fines, round stone).</p> The recommendation for 3/4" g…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-26:4778851:Comment:2839652012-01-26T18:13:47.332ZTCLynxhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/TCLynx
<p>The recommendation for 3/4" gravel is generally to avoid clogging as roots and solids tend to fill the spaces between smaller gravel more quickly.</p>
<p>That said, I've been using 1/2" media just fine for timed flood and drain for years and it even works fairly well for siphon flood and drain but where the water enters the bed it is more prone to clogging up and needs to be poked with a stick more often that the larger gravel would.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Now 1/4" is going to be a bit on the small…</p>
<p>The recommendation for 3/4" gravel is generally to avoid clogging as roots and solids tend to fill the spaces between smaller gravel more quickly.</p>
<p>That said, I've been using 1/2" media just fine for timed flood and drain for years and it even works fairly well for siphon flood and drain but where the water enters the bed it is more prone to clogging up and needs to be poked with a stick more often that the larger gravel would.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Now 1/4" is going to be a bit on the small side and if you decide to use media that small you will want to take head that the water flow through small gravel is going to get slower and could give you some issues with siphons (as in you might be pretty limited in what size siphon will work just because the smaller gravel slows the water flow more than a larger gravel will.) You may find the smaller gravel clogging or becoming anaerobic far sooner than a larger media would. However, depending on the situation, it just might still work, no guarantees though.</p> I put a layer of lava rock, t…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-26:4778851:Comment:2839362012-01-26T12:56:14.152Zlitanohttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/litano
<p>I put a layer of lava rock, then a mix of hydroton and pea gravel and my plants are thriving, Carrots are really doing well in just 4" of this medium..</p>
<p></p>
<p>I put a layer of lava rock, then a mix of hydroton and pea gravel and my plants are thriving, Carrots are really doing well in just 4" of this medium..</p>
<p></p> This was a faulty attempt to…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-01-26:4778851:Comment:2838222012-01-26T07:17:54.991ZShas Chohttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShasCho
<p>This was a faulty attempt to repair the font in my response.</p>
<p>I'd delete it if I could find a 'delete' button...</p>
<p>Sorry.</p>
<p>This was a faulty attempt to repair the font in my response.</p>
<p>I'd delete it if I could find a 'delete' button...</p>
<p>Sorry.</p>