Questions about my first Home Aquaponics Experiment - Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-29T06:33:23Zhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A562699&xg_raw_resources=1&feed=yes&xn_auth=noJust like your main system, a…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-13:4778851:Comment:5629702014-05-13T13:30:18.263ZScott Robertshttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ScottRoberts
<p>Just like your main system, a hospital or quarantine tank needs to be cycled. That means either keeping the hospital tank running all the time with some goldfish "patients" to keep things running, or having a spare sponge filter that's already cycled from the main tank. <br></br> <br></br> <cite>Jacoby said:…</cite></p>
<p>Just like your main system, a hospital or quarantine tank needs to be cycled. That means either keeping the hospital tank running all the time with some goldfish "patients" to keep things running, or having a spare sponge filter that's already cycled from the main tank. <br/> <br/> <cite>Jacoby said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?id=4778851%3ATopic%3A561864&page=2#4778851Comment562829"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Aha...so if you start a hospital tank you should stick some bacteria in there to keep ammonia levels down. I guess thats what your saying.</p>
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<p>Good thinking.<br/><br/></p>
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</blockquote> This can be easily solved by…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-12:4778851:Comment:5628312014-05-12T19:08:08.116ZSteve Rhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/steveraisner
<p>This can be easily solved by adding a variety or worms. I use red wigglers, earthworms, and blackworms to make sure all size particles are being broken down.<br></br> <br></br> <cite>Glenn said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A562826&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment562023"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Fish waste solids in grow bed media, removal or…</p>
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<p>This can be easily solved by adding a variety or worms. I use red wigglers, earthworms, and blackworms to make sure all size particles are being broken down.<br/> <br/> <cite>Glenn said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A562826&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment562023"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Fish waste solids in grow bed media, removal or left to build up over time, is still an interesting question. Knowing and understanding <strong>both</strong> popular answers will probably help you decide what's best for you and your system.</p>
<p>link: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.microponics.net.au/microponics/aquaponics_aquaculture/mythconception-4-removal-of-solid-wastes/">http://www.microponics.net.au/microponics/aquaponics_aquaculture/my...</a></p>
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<p>Here's the quick review, "Bio-filters (including grow beds) function more efficiently when solids are removed.</p>
<ul>
<li>The digestion of large volumes of solids diminishes dissolved oxygen levels. Fish, plants and nitrifying bacteria all do best when dissolved oxygen levels are optimised.</li>
<li>Built up fish wastes (or other sediment) create pockets of anaerobic (without oxygen) activity resulting in denitrification.</li>
<li>Denitrification causes the pH of the system to rise. Ammonia in the presence of high pH levels is toxic to fish.</li>
<li>Removal of the solids, and their subsequent mineralisation, is a simple (and far less risky) thing to do.</li>
<li>The question of balance in an aquaponics system is more about productivity and sustainability and less about accommodating dogma."</li>
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<p>I hope this helps.</p>
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</blockquote> Aha...so if you start a hospi…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-12:4778851:Comment:5628292014-05-12T17:32:28.020ZJacobyhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/Jacoby
<p>Aha...so if you start a hospital tank you should stick some bacteria in there to keep ammonia levels down. I guess thats what your saying.</p>
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<p>Good thinking.<br></br> <br></br> <cite>Scott Roberts said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A562699&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment562153"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I'm a big fan of sponge…</p>
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<p>Aha...so if you start a hospital tank you should stick some bacteria in there to keep ammonia levels down. I guess thats what your saying.</p>
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<p>Good thinking.<br/> <br/> <cite>Scott Roberts said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A562699&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment562153"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I'm a big fan of sponge filters. There's no such thing as too much biological filtration, and a sponge filter can always be moved to a tub to form an instantly cycled quarantine/hospital tank.</p>
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</blockquote> Great answer, and interestin…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-12:4778851:Comment:5629232014-05-12T17:29:48.301ZJacobyhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/Jacoby
<p><br></br> Great answer, and interesting...thanks!</p>
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<p><br></br> <cite>Glenn said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A562699&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment562023"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Fish waste solids in grow bed media, removal or left to build up over time, is still an interesting question. Knowing and understanding…</p>
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<p><br/> Great answer, and interesting...thanks!</p>
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<p><br/> <cite>Glenn said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A562699&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment562023"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Fish waste solids in grow bed media, removal or left to build up over time, is still an interesting question. Knowing and understanding <strong>both</strong> popular answers will probably help you decide what's best for you and your system.</p>
<p>link: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.microponics.net.au/microponics/aquaponics_aquaculture/mythconception-4-removal-of-solid-wastes/">http://www.microponics.net.au/microponics/aquaponics_aquaculture/my...</a></p>
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<p>Here's the quick review, "Bio-filters (including grow beds) function more efficiently when solids are removed.</p>
<ul>
<li>The digestion of large volumes of solids diminishes dissolved oxygen levels. Fish, plants and nitrifying bacteria all do best when dissolved oxygen levels are optimised.</li>
<li>Built up fish wastes (or other sediment) create pockets of anaerobic (without oxygen) activity resulting in denitrification.</li>
<li>Denitrification causes the pH of the system to rise. Ammonia in the presence of high pH levels is toxic to fish.</li>
<li>Removal of the solids, and their subsequent mineralisation, is a simple (and far less risky) thing to do.</li>
<li>The question of balance in an aquaponics system is more about productivity and sustainability and less about accommodating dogma."</li>
</ul>
<p>I hope this helps.</p>
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</blockquote> Thanks for your responses!
I…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-12:4778851:Comment:5629222014-05-12T17:28:41.972ZJacobyhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/Jacoby
<p>Thanks for your responses!</p>
<p>I am not sure what a duel root zone pit is, but I will google it.</p>
<p>By "best soil mix" I just mean what is the best combination of peat moss, coco fiber, soil or whatever for germinating seeds. I am sure everyone has a different opinion about this, but as I am pretty new to this I have few opinions - just tests. :)</p>
<p>I should have taken the poor newt to the vet. I'll get some peroxide handy.</p>
<p><br></br> <br></br> <cite>Steve R…</cite></p>
<p>Thanks for your responses!</p>
<p>I am not sure what a duel root zone pit is, but I will google it.</p>
<p>By "best soil mix" I just mean what is the best combination of peat moss, coco fiber, soil or whatever for germinating seeds. I am sure everyone has a different opinion about this, but as I am pretty new to this I have few opinions - just tests. :)</p>
<p>I should have taken the poor newt to the vet. I'll get some peroxide handy.</p>
<p><br/> <br/> <cite>Steve R said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A562699&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment562136"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>You can add black worms to your grow beds to dramatically reduce the sludge buildup. I usually try to stir my beds after harvest while I'm digging out the roots but now thats iv switched to potting most of my plants in my system i haven't had any where near as many issues with that either. </p>
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<p>Sponge filter is pointless in AP because you already have overkill amount of bacteria to handle your water because of all the added surface area in teh grow beds.</p>
<p>Lettuce will grow fastest in a raft system.</p>
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<p>Replant your peppers in a duel root zone pot and they will fruit constantly.</p>
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<p>Moss wont hurt i have moss on my hydroton in my system at home as for the other one im not sure.</p>
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<p>What do you mean best soil mix? Do you mean wicking bed setup or a duel root zone?</p>
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<p>Leaves are highly variable depending on photoperiod, available co2, soil composition, magnesium level and many other issues</p>
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<p>I dont use that form of iron</p>
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<p>as far as your newt friend peroxide is your best bet. If you go to a higher end pet store or a vet tehy can also give you an oral liquid but its hard to properly dose for amphibians. Peroxide is your best bet just make sure its diluted and pout it on a qtip and dab the infection.</p>
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<p>Prune your plants to not block light from teh rest of they plant and any leaves that are shaded more than 80% are fine to cut because they are taking more energy they they are making.</p>
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<p>I have my grow beds on timers systems on a 30 mines off 15 on and the bell siphon systems are all 5- 7 times per hour or so. </p>
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<p>For fruiting plants its best to put them on a 16 on 8 off cycle with a few exceptions</p>
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<p>As soon as they have roots big enough to anchor the plant.</p>
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<p>I tried to answer them in order.</p>
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</blockquote> Thanks for the post.
Some g…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-12:4778851:Comment:5628262014-05-12T17:24:27.179ZJacobyhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/Jacoby
<p><br></br> Thanks for the post.</p>
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<p>Some good thoughts there.</p>
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<p>I like the idea for the overflow tube. For now I am going to put an overflow above my media bed in case the siphon somehow gets clogged. Later if I add a timer I will think about the "drip" tube.</p>
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<p>So, if you did set a timer for the siphon what do you think is the best on/off intervals?<br></br> <cite>Alex Veidel said:…</cite></p>
<p><br/> Thanks for the post.</p>
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<p>Some good thoughts there.</p>
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<p>I like the idea for the overflow tube. For now I am going to put an overflow above my media bed in case the siphon somehow gets clogged. Later if I add a timer I will think about the "drip" tube.</p>
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<p>So, if you did set a timer for the siphon what do you think is the best on/off intervals?<br/> <cite>Alex Veidel said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/questions-about-my-first-home-aquaponics-experiment?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A562699&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment561695"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>If you're running media beds, then I would just let all your fish solids go there. No need to filter them out. Lettuce grow great in grow media and in rafts. Media is expensive, so people save media beds for plants that need more structure. Plus, I think raft growing (particularly if commercial) is a faster way to process your lettuce.</p>
<p>Peppers are self polinating, so they contain all the pieces needed for producing fruit. However, you do need to make sure that the parts that need to make contact, actually make contact. It's a good idea to lightly knock around your flowers a little, especially if you are growing indoors (the wind usually supplies this function). You could also be missing some things that help with fruiting (phosphorus, or proper microbial life to make nutrients available). Try hittin' those flowers and see what happens first.</p>
<p>Those little shoots between the main stem and the branches are referred to as "suckers". The plant puts energy into growing those, so you can prune them off. Or, if you want to replicate your tomato plants, let them grow out a couple of inches, then cut them off and plant them to get new tomato plants :)</p>
<p>If you use a timer based system, you usually forgo the siphon. Most people will just add a hole that lets water out at a slower rate that than the inflow of the growbed. The pump pumps faster than the growbed drains, then once it gets full, timer turns off and lets the rest of the water drain out.</p>
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</blockquote> I think we can use swirl fil…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-12:4778851:Comment:5626992014-05-12T11:25:56.213ZMaurice Van Aurichhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/hydroponicxpress
<p>I think we can use swirl filter, its result is good. <span class="st">A <em>swirl filter</em> or solids filter is occasionally used in <em>aquaponics</em> to remove particles of fine fish waste</span></p>
<p>I think we can use swirl filter, its result is good. <span class="st">A <em>swirl filter</em> or solids filter is occasionally used in <em>aquaponics</em> to remove particles of fine fish waste</span></p> I use a swirl filter to preve…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-10:4778851:Comment:5623732014-05-10T22:20:15.942ZJack Rifehttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JackRife
<p>I use a swirl filter to prevent poo build up in the sump tank, but while cleaning the swirl filter, I pump the material into the beds, which are loaded with earth worms. Do not let plants stay in the beds to long and form a large root ball which will cause anaerobic zones. Worms love it.</p>
<p>I use a swirl filter to prevent poo build up in the sump tank, but while cleaning the swirl filter, I pump the material into the beds, which are loaded with earth worms. Do not let plants stay in the beds to long and form a large root ball which will cause anaerobic zones. Worms love it.</p> Personally I have gone to swi…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-10:4778851:Comment:5623272014-05-10T15:59:03.724ZJim Fiskhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JimFisk
<p>Personally I have gone to swirl filtering the large solids out of the water heading to all our GBs because my FTs are designed to not only keep the sinkers off the bottom from building up but also they have skimmers that get rid of uneaten floating food within an hr or so. These solids won't hurt the media beds BUT they tend to get very unsightly rather fast around the water inlets. The swirl filter is doing a great job of catching most of such solids and the beds are looking a whole lot…</p>
<p>Personally I have gone to swirl filtering the large solids out of the water heading to all our GBs because my FTs are designed to not only keep the sinkers off the bottom from building up but also they have skimmers that get rid of uneaten floating food within an hr or so. These solids won't hurt the media beds BUT they tend to get very unsightly rather fast around the water inlets. The swirl filter is doing a great job of catching most of such solids and the beds are looking a whole lot better and let's face it anything that cuts down maintenance is a good thing. The solids are easy to drain out of the SF and go to the compost pile or directly into the dirt garden. No waste.</p>
<p>My SF is the same design I use inside my bio-filter that scrub the two 330g trout finishing tanks. Each of those uses a small above ground pool pump and allows for far cleaner water for the heavy feeding larger trout. You can see those filters <strong><a href="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=0mm0cglxqchye" target="_self">HERE</a></strong></p> I'm a big fan of sponge filte…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-05-09:4778851:Comment:5621532014-05-09T03:52:05.906ZScott Robertshttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ScottRoberts
<p>I'm a big fan of sponge filters. There's no such thing as too much biological filtration, and a sponge filter can always be moved to a tub to form an instantly cycled quarantine/hospital tank.</p>
<p>I'm a big fan of sponge filters. There's no such thing as too much biological filtration, and a sponge filter can always be moved to a tub to form an instantly cycled quarantine/hospital tank.</p>