Do you think I can convert a commercially bought Tower Garden into an aquaponics system?

[Joel Berg]

Some years ago, a student at my school was working on a sustainability project and bought this expensive hydroponic growing kit. 

https://www.towergarden.com/?gclid=COSLoOyRuL0CFbQWMgodXS0AXA

It's rather fancy and was expensive, however it has never been used, and still remains in the box untouched. 

I recently started an aquaponics project based off a club. There is a good amount of interest, however, I was wondering if anyone thinks it would be wise to transform this Tower Garden into an aquaponics system. 

It uses aeroponics technology, and my main concern is a build-up of solid fish waste. If I did try it, I might want to make a filter box to place the pump into, so no solids get sucked up and block the fine tubing for the sprayer bar. 

I wanted to see what you all thought about this?

Thanks,

Joel Berg

[Alex Veidel]

Yeah, solids would definitely be a concern. You'd have to make sure you removed them all.

[Joel Berg]

So do you think it's even worth attempting to convert it into an aquaponics system? Because the other option would be to sell it...

[Alex Veidel]

"Worth" is a lot of things to a lot of people. I'd say "why not?" You could probably combine it with a media system to get more leverage out of your fish feed.

[R.K. Castillo]

I'm actually in the process of trying to figure out the same thing for myself.  Not necessarily with this specific tower but with using Aeroponics in Aquaponics.  I posted something a week or so ago about how Glenn is using a fitting on this air lift pumps that sprays the water to the roots.  And the PVC fitting has something like a 1/4" gap so it doesn't get clogged.  When talking with Glenn he mentioned putting some media at the bottom over the fish tank so you spray the water up and it falls down on the bio filter.  Good way to filter out some solids and grow some bacteria.  

[Alex Veidel]

I'll bet you could get some sweet benefits using compost teas in an aeroponics system.....

R.K. Castillo said:

I'm actually in the process of trying to figure out the same thing for myself.  Not necessarily with this specific tower but with using Aeroponics in Aquaponics.  I posted something a week or so ago about how Glenn is using a fitting on this air lift pumps that sprays the water to the roots.  And the PVC fitting has something like a 1/4" gap so it doesn't get clogged.  When talking with Glenn he mentioned putting some media at the bottom over the fish tank so you spray the water up and it falls down on the bio filter.  Good way to filter out some solids and grow some bacteria.  

[Joel Berg]

That sounds like an interesting Idea. I think Aeroponics is a new and fascinating place for us to explore. I just love finding ways to save more and more water.

R.K. Castillo said:

I'm actually in the process of trying to figure out the same thing for myself.  Not necessarily with this specific tower but with using Aeroponics in Aquaponics.  I posted something a week or so ago about how Glenn is using a fitting on this air lift pumps that sprays the water to the roots.  And the PVC fitting has something like a 1/4" gap so it doesn't get clogged.  When talking with Glenn he mentioned putting some media at the bottom over the fish tank so you spray the water up and it falls down on the bio filter.  Good way to filter out some solids and grow some bacteria.  

[Joel Berg]

It would be interesting to find a way to make a tea that could then be transferred into an aeroponics system. No solid particles, only solution....

Alex Veidel said:

I'll bet you could get some sweet benefits using compost teas in an aeroponics system.....

R.K. Castillo said:

I'm actually in the process of trying to figure out the same thing for myself.  Not necessarily with this specific tower but with using Aeroponics in Aquaponics.  I posted something a week or so ago about how Glenn is using a fitting on this air lift pumps that sprays the water to the roots.  And the PVC fitting has something like a 1/4" gap so it doesn't get clogged.  When talking with Glenn he mentioned putting some media at the bottom over the fish tank so you spray the water up and it falls down on the bio filter.  Good way to filter out some solids and grow some bacteria.