A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

first aquaponics system

Hi all,

I am thinking about building my first aquaponics system and I wanted to get a couple questions answered before I got started.

1. I currently have an 18 gal., are there any suggestions for a small water pump that is reliabale?

2. I was thinking of starting the system with a turtle I have. I also have 2 large goldfish, but I was thinking it might be easier to get the system started with the turtle since it wont be as affected by changes in nitrate in the water.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thank You,

James

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Kadish NYC AA Chair on February 7, 2013 at 1:59pm

If you have 2 large goldfish you already have started. The only thing you need to do is pump your water into a grow bed from the fish tank. You already have a bacteria colony established so you don't need to cycle your system. The ammonia, nitrites and nitrates already exist in your system so all you need to do is add plants. I have a 26 gallon system with two five-inch goldfish that does great so you won't even need more fish.

Check out the ECO264 which should be a sufficient and inexpensive pump for your needs

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Permalink Reply by Harold Sukhbir on February 7, 2013 at 8:25pm

Hi James,

I like the idea of the Turtle not being affected by ammonia/nitrites. Never thought of that! One of the most important things for successful Aquaponics is our fish feed, this is where our plants get most of their nutrient, so as long as Mr. Turtle consumes this type of diet, you won't have any problems. As far as the pump goes, look in the forums, under plumbing/pumps, for more info.