How can I filter the Fish Waste in this little system?

[R.K. Castillo]

I made a small kitchen aquaponics system and I am wondering how do I filter the fish waste in this little thing? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxAzE_EVNz4

[Jimmy Bell]

Hi my name is Jimmy and I'm sorry to say that I don't have an answer for you on the filter. I would love to see how you put together that indoor system. It looks really interesting. Thanks jimmy

[R.K. Castillo]

Once I figure out a way to filter the fish waste I'll make another video showing you how I set it up.  Pretty simple really.  

5 Gallon water container, cut off the top part and turned it upside down inside the bottom and added a Bell Siphon.  

[Bart]

Could toss a few scrubbie pads in there, they would provide surface area for the bacteria to grow and the solids tend to stick. I have made them into fish huts before, the fish like to chill inside of them. Or you could put them under your floating raft where the water enters the upper chamber,
This would tend to be better at filtering the solids out. If it gets too full you pull it out and scrape off the muck into the flowers outside :)

[R.K. Castillo]

I know this is going to be a dumb question.  So sorry, in advance.  What's a scrubbie pad?

[Merry Sides]

Unless there's a specific variety I'm unaware of, a scrubby is basically just the more abrasive plastic side of a kitchen sponge packaged on it's own. They're usually green or blue. Avoid the ones that come preloaded with some sort of cleaner.

Lots of surface area for bacteria habitat.

R.K. Castillo said:

I know this is going to be a dumb question.  So sorry, in advance.  What's a scrubbie pad?

[Bart]

Exactly, I get them at the dollar store.

[R.K. Castillo]

I went and got a couple scrubbies and zip tied them right where it pumps the water out.  

Do you think it's okay to just shoot the water onto the pad?  Or do I need to create more of a pocket for it to catch the fish waste?

[Bart]

That should work. Ideal is to have the water flowing thru them all the time, but long as there is some water moving around them the bacteria should grow ok on them. So are you just starting to cycle this system? If so it helps to inoculate with water or media from an existing system to get the party started - just saves time getting things cycled up IMO

[Rob Nash]

RK, im sorry i only have one bit of advice... toss this in the trial pile, and build a better set up. i have witnessed a lot of system trials and errors and have come to the conclusion that small systems are more trouble than they are worth. i would recommend two tubs from Home Depot... the 180 gph pump is actually just right for them, but too much for the 5 gallon... and the net pots are too close together to really grow much.

 

 

[R.K. Castillo]

Thanks Rob...this is actually a temporary system for my wife until she gets the one she wants in March when it gets released.  So...won't hurt to let it run until then.  

Once that happens I will use the 180 gallon pump to add NFT to my present system.  

But I thank you for your honest advice! 

[Rob Nash]

Courious which system your waiting for in march? As for a cheap filter pad, try the blue air filter at Home Depot.

[Jon Parr]

Me too. Please tell me it's not the goofy little fish bowl from Kickstarter...

Rob Nash said:

Courious which system your waiting for in march? As for a cheap filter pad, try the blue air filter at Home Depot.