Comment

Comment by Jeff S on October 5, 2014 at 12:05pm

I use the GFCI but I also run a ground wire into my FT so I don't fry my fish if the heater malfunctions.

Comment by Butch Pornebo on October 5, 2014 at 11:40am

Thanks Leo

Comment by Leo White Bear on October 5, 2014 at 5:57am

Every state has an electrical code, and for your own safety it is advisable to use one.  All my outlets are hooked into a GFCI circuit so if water gets into anything plugged into my outlets, the circuit pops.  Depending on where you plan to do your set up, and are living in a modern (1999) home, your circuits are PROBABLY already protected.  This is a big concern with electricity around water so I personally would NOT plug into a circuit that doesn't have one.  You can also use a power strip that has one built in.  They are not expensive and are good insurance that you will be around if something should happen.  Then you'll be glad you used one.  This is not paranoia, just good sense.

Comment by Butch Pornebo on October 4, 2014 at 9:04pm

So I have have watch a lot of aquaponics youtube videos and it is very rare that GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is mentioned.

Is it necessary or required ?

Comment by Butch Pornebo on October 4, 2014 at 1:49am

@ Leo API freshwater kit I purchased it already. it was always in my buy list. My FT is about 50 gallon. Once the test of the 1st bucket is done the plan is to scale it up to 10 buckets. Bucket I'm using is about the same diameter as the 5 gallon bucket but only 13 feet high. No siphon on the bucket ONLY continuously draining to an external siphon that will perform the draining for all 10 buckets.

I'm having fun with the project is just frustrating when the plan does not go well as planned 

thanks for the support and will be asking more questions as I proceed with my project.

p.s. using M/F electrical adapters with o-ring. looks like a perfect fit. continuing on with the build.

Comment by Leo White Bear on October 3, 2014 at 5:31pm

Butch-

  Keep in mind that with a small unit, things happen fast.  You don't have the water volume that acts as a buffer in case your pH or ammonia increases.  You must stay on top of things more with a 10-gallon fish tank (FT) than with a 25-gallon FT.  My smallest "experimental" unit was a 30-gallon plastic barrel and I had to check water values every-other day.

  I'm not trying to tell you what to experiment with, this is just a heads-up.  Have you acquired your API Freshwater Test Kit yet.  These kits are what most Aquapons use to do their water tests.  It is relatively easy to use but with everything we try, there is a learning curve.  Have fun with your experiment and if you have any questions, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, PLEASE ask, someone will be there to help you through the learning process.

Comment by Jeff S on October 3, 2014 at 12:09pm

I built a 1/2" siphon in a 6 quart plastic storage tub once to go over an aquarium. Worked OK. Just used the bed as a seed starter and filter for the aquarium.

Comment by Jim Fisk on October 3, 2014 at 10:42am

@Butch: For a GB that small I would use the standard smaller inner diameter 3/4" pipe due to the small volume being pumped. Aside from that you are looking at about the same height as my "barrelponics" siphon.The "funnel" is a 3/4" x 1 1/4" adapter which fits inside the 2" bell. I don't have the Lowes # on that in front of me but just be sure NOT to get the 3/4 x 1 1/2" as it will not fit. You could even go down a size to 1/2" but I have not made one that size yet so you are on your own there. The standpipe is cut at 6" , the gravel guard is 12" and the bell is 10" on this barrelponics model. Otherwise like the Mini pictured earlier.

As to "seed friendly" I include extensions to raise the water level in 1/2" increments so the water reaches seeds or seedlings BUT I have not done that for the smaller siphons yet, just the 1" models.

Comment by Butch Pornebo on October 3, 2014 at 9:44am

@ Jim. the test project for now, I'm using 3.5 gallon round container about the same diameter size as a 5 gallon buckets but shorter about 13" high. doing scalable double bucket style and external bell siphon. 3/4 red lava rock grow media 11" deep and on top 1" deep deco gravel kinda white in color figure it will reflect the sunlight back under the leaves of the plants. 

Wonder it that works ?

I was planning to flood up to 10" leaving a 2 inch on top. 

would you suggest 2" or 1" on top ?

What do you mean seedling friendly ?

Comment by Jim Fisk on October 3, 2014 at 9:41am

Thanks for the plug Jeff but you know I am all for do it yourself. There is no greater thrill IMHO. I am here for those that don't have the tools, etc. otherwise.

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