Aquaponics design

[Sophia Nicholson]

 

Hello there, 

 

I am designing an aquaponics kit.

I would really love some Feedback, 

 

Its a basic prototype but I would love to hear any thoughts about it!

 

I have researched into different systems, and this is based upon a basic drip system.

 

The top section would be Filled with water and Hydroton.

 

Any thoughts

 

Thank you 

Sophia

 

 

 

 

[TCLynx]

I'm not quite sure what I'm looking at.  Is this like an aquarium system?

 

[Jonathan Farrand]

Aren't all the systems built to use fish waste to grow plants, aquaponics?  I ask because this is basically the system I have built and I did have my start in the aquarium hobby three years ago. When the time comes for me to go big, my system would incorperate seperate bio-filter tanks, soild collection tank or solids drain and multiple tanks to house fish, prawns or RedClaw Crayfish!!  Shout out for Chi Ma.  I just would like to see more of your opinion on the subject TCLynx because I have already learned alot from your other daily posts.

TCLynx said:

I'm not quite sure what I'm looking at.  Is this like an aquarium system?

 

[TCLynx]

Yea, incorporating fish and plants into the same system with a bio-filter is aquaponics.

 

I was just trying to get a little more clarity on the above diagram since I'm not sure of the scale but it kinda looks like an aquarium with another glass box on top but it is an incomplete diagram and the description is a little short so I was looking for more clarification in order to make any intelligent comment on the kit design.

[Jonathan Farrand]

This system works good besides the solids build up around my strainer and stand pipe. Where as this isn't a problem now, I have read of some having issues over longer periods of time.  I also have worms in the bed and TCLynx you were right, they didn't want to be found.  When I was moving my newspaper pots around the bed I saw some under the pots.  I am hoping that an increased worm population will help cut down on the sledge factor.  

TCLynx said:

Yea, incorporating fish and plants into the same system with a bio-filter is aquaponics.

 

I was just trying to get a little more clarity on the above diagram since I'm not sure of the scale but it kinda looks like an aquarium with another glass box on top but it is an incomplete diagram and the description is a little short so I was looking for more clarification in order to make any intelligent comment on the kit design.

[Sophia Nicholson]

Thanks for you feed back.

 

The Bottom tank will be fitted with a simple water pump in the bottom to push the water up into the top tank. Is there any need for a filter here?

 

The top tank will be filled with planters that are filled with hydroton balls. The Filter on the right hand side will be Dome shape filter with a open and close valve inside to control water flow.

I am trying to make the most basic system for the kitchen, to grow small vegetables.

 

I have tried to find out the specific components to make a filter... but struggling to find a standard fitting that will do the job.

 

Thanks again for any comments I have been working on this design and will post further developments. I really appreciate the feed back!

 

Sophia 

 

[TCLynx]

If you simply fill the top tank with the media (instead of putting it in planters) and do a flood and drain sort of thing, the media in that top bed will be your filter.

[Rebecca B]

Does the entire weight of the top tank with water, plants, and hydroton rest on those two end edges of the bottom tank?

[Pierre Riche]

Ya i see where your going with this.  It Looks pretty straight forward. I am working on one as well and after doing the work realized that i might have an algea issue with my glass tank. Keep that in mind. If your tank is in sunlight it will promote algea. Looks good though.

[Pierre Riche]

As TCLynx suggested the media will be your filter but you probobly want to add a small filter ,sponge, sock or whatever you call it to catch fish crud from dumping in your growbed. You could put it on the other end as well. Either or just something to catch any sollids from emptying into the media. 

Sophia Nicholson said:

Thanks for you feed back.

 

The Bottom tank will be fitted with a simple water pump in the bottom to push the water up into the top tank. Is there any need for a filter here?

 

The top tank will be filled with planters that are filled with hydroton balls. The Filter on the right hand side will be Dome shape filter with a open and close valve inside to control water flow.

I am trying to make the most basic system for the kitchen, to grow small vegetables.

 

I have tried to find out the specific components to make a filter... but struggling to find a standard fitting that will do the job.

 

Thanks again for any comments I have been working on this design and will post further developments. I really appreciate the feed back!

 

Sophia 

 

[Chi Ma]

Here is my go at it: Miniponics

[TCLynx]

I actually generally remove the sponge filters from the pumps since they always clog up.  So long as you don't have too many fish for your media bed, you actually want the fish crud and poo right in the media bed to feed the plants, bacteria and composting worms.

 

Yea, glass tanks can be an algae issue, ya want to protect the water from sun for the most part.

[Sophia Nicholson]

Here my final Design for a kit, 

If th baskets were to sit right indie the top tank would it still work, i really like the idea of being able to take them out. 

I now have a simple pond pump for the pushing of water and a really basic overflow pipe for the circulation of water back into the tank. 

 

Is the hydroton all you been to filter the water of all the fish waste?

 

Thanks for your help!

I have been building it and will put up photographs soon! 

 

Sophia