Comment

Comment by Eric Warwick on October 12, 2011 at 10:41pm

Hi Patrick. Something I've heard a lot from the community is filtering the water before a non-media aggregate is used for growing. But, I don't see a problem.

Comment by Patrick McKee on October 12, 2011 at 12:10pm

Hi All,

I have been doing aquaponics DWC raft and NFT for many years and a couple of the main challenges I have encountered are keeping enough dissolved oxygen in the system and keeping fungus from developing in the roots. I think the water spraying through the air and roots, then going back to the fish will provide oxygen for the roots and for the fish and not having the roots submerged 24-7 will help with the fungus problem. I am working on a simple system using garbage cans as "grow towers"and a pump sprays water from the fish tank into a filter then through a sprinkler head inside the garbage can. The water runs back to the fish tank by gravity. The cost for each "grow tower should be about $20.00. I consider this be low cost.

 

I have drilled 1 7/8" holes in the sides of the garbage cans then heated them up with a blow torch, then inserting a 1 1/2" PVC pipe and giving them a push upwards to create a 30 degree angle so the holes don't leak; I then silicone plastic Dixie cups, with the bottoms cut off, in the holes and insert 2" slit pots filled with rock wool into the cups, the sprinkler head is inside the can and the lid stays on. I am tweaking it now, when I get it fully operational I will post pics on this group.

 

Does any one have any opinion/improvements/comments...feel free to post!

Comment by Eric Warwick on October 11, 2011 at 6:59pm

@Patrick I'm working on a simple continuous flow system. I'm looking into all methods, however, and since aeroponics is the most efficient hydroponic technique I think that an aquaponic one would be a great edition to this world.

Comment by Patrick McKee on October 11, 2011 at 2:07pm

Welcome Danny and Eric, what kind of systems are you working on?

Comment by Patrick McKee on October 10, 2011 at 12:00pm

These pics are also from Green Sky Growers. They sell these vertical towers,

http://greenskygrowers.com/growingsystems.htm

I am currently working on a low cost Aero-Aquaponic system. I will be posting pics of my system as it is being built and "how to" instructions of how is is done.

Please post pics of your Aeroponic systems and comments of how it works.

 

Happy Gardening!

Comment by Patrick McKee on October 10, 2011 at 11:54am

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