Aquaponic Gardening

A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

Good day all,

I’m starting my first build. I had posted a question about using the pool pump I have currently but after lots of reading I decided to 86 the pool pump. So here is the new plan and some questions…..

CHOP system.

5- 40” x 20” x 10” deep grow beds using river rock

1- 100 gallon fish tank (channel cat)

1- 75 gallon fish tank (tilapia)

Plan is to pump from channel cat tank via submergible (320 gph) to tilapia tank over flow to grow beds using ¾” pvc. Bell siphon in each gb will drain back to channel cat tank.

The channel cat will come from local water way along with enough water for aquaponic system. Mozambique tilapia will be in at a local shop at the end of this month and will be introduced at a later date. Now the questions…

Since I’m using river rock I’m guessing it needs to be rinsed. Do I rinse with tap water before I put it in the gb or do I put it in the gb and run the system using the water I’m bring home with the channel cat?

The old question “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” Which comes first, the fish or the plants? I’m wanting to grow tomato, squash, zucchini, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, lettuce, onion, eggplant and maybe some lima beans.    

I stated in my first post on the forum, my bride gave the thumbs up to do this as long as I can do it without spending “a lot” of money I’m good to go. I have all the ft’s, gb’s, the pump and enough ¾” pvc for the gb plumbing and have spent $30.

Views: 165

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Hi Heath

- I've started my system with plants (salad) - using fertiliser (Seagrow) and worms to kick start the bacteria. Once you've notice your plants are growing and you're happy your plumbing is working as expected you can introduce your fish - starting with low stocking density.

Enjoy!

It´s advisable to introduce the worms once the system is totally cycled as the do not like ammonia at all.

So newb question then. Using the fishes natural water the system still must cycle?

Generally, cycle first, then add fish is the recommended process.  You would do that by adding ammonia in some form to your system and waiting for the bacteria to colonize.

However, some people do add a limited number of fish and use the fish-produced ammonia to cycle, doing water changes as necessary (due to ammonia/nitrite) to keep the fish alive.  More fish are added as cycling progresses.  Since you intend to start with catfish from the wild, it would probably work for you to use a fish or two to begin cycling.  Be aware that you need a test kit.  .  

Once your system is running, you can add plants right away but nutrient level will be low early on.

Thank you George. Going go pickup crushed granite today and hopefully have water circulating this weekend.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2024   Created by Sylvia Bernstein.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service