My "Shelf-ponics" System

[Josh]

Hi,

This is my first attempt at AP after a few years of research on the subject.  Thought I'd share my progress.

 

The system's been up and cycling for about 2 weeks or so.  Currently, i'm in the nitrite spike stage which has proven to be tough on the fish, but the plants have been doing well.  I'm working mostly with cuttings of plants from my struggling dirt garden and I've been amazed at how quickly they've taken root for the most part. 

 

Anyway, here's some shots...

 

 

[TCLynx]

Very interesting, what are those shelf beds made of?  got my interest.

[Josh]

Thanks.  I took the idea from the Garden Pool people.

Check it out here

 

The only modification I made was to join the two FTs via a length of 1 inch pipe.  I wanted more water volume.  It's interesting to see the fish move back and forth between the two tanks.  My only concern is that I am only running a pump in one of the FTs.  I am confident that the water will efficiently circulate between the two, but I have concerns about the build up of solids in the tank not being actively pumped.  Nothing the siphon cant fix tho.

 

This is what the shelves are: Shelves

 

I just installed them upside-down and filled with hydroton (gravel was too heavy).

TCLynx said:

Very interesting, what are those shelf beds made of?  got my interest.

[TCLynx]

Interesting.

 

You will definitely want some extra grow bed depth eventually but it is a neat idea for a rooting/seeding shelf I think.

[Cory Cramer]

I really dig this set-up...and I have an extra ten gallon...hmm....

[Cooking Cajun]

This is the system I was referring to in my "intro" discussion in the Florida group to "get my feet wet". Great idea....seed starting.

TCLynx said:

Interesting.

 

You will definitely want some extra grow bed depth eventually but it is a neat idea for a rooting/seeding shelf I think.

[Josh]

 Hey y'all,

Im finding that it is great in terms of seed starting and cuttings.  I've recently pulled a bunch of habenero, oregano, thyme and basil (sweet and opal) from it and moved them over to my main system.  These were all started as cuttings.  I've also pulled some young parsley started as seed.  They all seem to have transplanted nicely so far.

 

I'm now experimenting with seeds from a few different pepper varieties, eggplant, lettuces, and some tatume squash that I special ordered in hopes that it can keep up with the Keys summer heat/pests etc.

[Jonathan Farrand]

Nice adaptation!! My family and I are moving and I just broke one of these type shelving units down today. As I recall they are not that expensive at your local home improvemnt store. I would have not thought to make the shelves upside down as a grow bed. I can't wait to get moved in to our new house and get things like this going!!! Nice work.

[Josh]

Thanks!  It wasnt my idea originally, I must admit.  Yeah, the shelves arent expensive, I think I spent $20 give or take.  

 

One word of advice:  Be sure to use hydroton or some other light-weight media.  Gravel is too heavy and it will warp the shelves.

Jonathan Farrand said:

Nice adaptation!! My family and I are moving and I just broke one of these type shelving units down today. As I recall they are not that expensive at your local home improvemnt store. I would have not thought to make the shelves upside down as a grow bed. I can't wait to get moved in to our new house and get things like this going!!! Nice work.

[JT]

I read that post and saw the video on garden pool as well. I am using marbled crawfish instead of fish. They don't require any special attention. I killed all of my other fish. These guys are so easy to take care of and they reproduce like crazy from what I have read.

How often are you cycling water through your system?My lettuce is weak and light green and I am wondering if I am watering too much. I am cycling through on 30 minutes and off 30 minutes.

[TCLynx]

Naw, you just need the light a lot closer to the seedlings.  Florescent lighting needs to be about as close to the plants as you can get it without the tubes touching the leaves.

[JT]

Thanks. I will adjust that light. Appreciate it.

[TCLynx]

You might also want a little occilating fan blowing in that room since some gentle air movement can help make for stronger seedlings.