The Bio-Filter

[Larry Yonashiro]

This is a great article by Sylvia Bernstein.

http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2011/01/plant-nutrient-management-in...

 

After reading this article, and seeing Nick's volcanic cinder grow bed/bio-filter in operation at Kai Manu, I'm convinced that I need to install a bio-filter (cinders and worms) in my Friendly raft design to supply a wider range of nutrients to my plants.  And damn the organic certification!  Well maybe not, but maybe we can work with the certifying agency to get this thing accepted.

[Larry Yonashiro]

I think the cinder bio-filter/grow bed will fit nicely between the fish tank and the first trough, all gravity fed and a bell-siphon for flood and drain, maybe with a Y-valve to bypass the bio-filter if maintenance is needed.