A group dedicated to raft growers. A place to share tips, tricks, and general info.
Website: http://coastviewaquaponics.com
Members: 378
Latest Activity: Dec 8, 2022
Started by Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. Jul 2, 2017. 0 Replies 0 Likes
Just an FYI. Here is the link to the youtube vid: http://bit.ly/2sLEAgABelow is a still of the system.…Continue
Started by Courtney. Last reply by kimlee kingston Jan 4, 2015. 2 Replies 0 Likes
Hi everyone! I had some issues with setting up a grow bed's plumbing and it got me to thinking, in the interim, can I just set up a raft directly onto the fish tank? If it were any other kind of…Continue
Started by Paul Trudeau. Last reply by Joni Solis Nov 14, 2014. 37 Replies 6 Likes
Glenn Martinez has described a nice small raft system where he uses 24 inch x 36 inch x 8 inch-deep plastic masonry mixing tubs (trays) (available at Home Depot) as plant troughs. Instead of…Continue
Started by Michael Gough. Last reply by Michael Gough Aug 20, 2014. 3 Replies 1 Like
Aloha all,Just joined today. 2 years ago had taken a tour of Coastview Aquaponics operation. Going back to the big island IN 4 WEEKS to see what damage our Puna property sustained from the…Continue
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David, You should get lots of different opinions and reasons on your questions ... :)
For me, I use the 2" slit pots (2" styro with a 2" hole) because that size, is all I need for the plants I grow in my rafts. I use the 1 " horti-cubes to start my seeds ....they fit fine in a 2 " slit pot.
Some of the larger varieties of romaine and bok choi's....their roots can get a little tight in the pots. But most of what I have raised in them, is a non -issue as far as size goes.
I've always had a combined/hybrid system with my water going through gravel beds 1st,. then my rafts. I simply grow the larger things in the media....peppers, tomatoes, okra, ect.
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On the other end of the 'size spectrum'.....as an experiment, at Sahibs Aquaponics, I took some tomatoes in regular plastic 6 " pots and placed some in rafts. I used a serrated knife to carefully cut the holes. Since they are in a mixture of coir, I was concerned about it, perhaps, being too wet. So I made sure the pots only are about a 1/4 to 1/3 of the way into the water. Almost like a wicking bed with an endless supply of water. The tomatoes are loving life ! Well except for the cold snap we just had in FL... :( (we have a smile face that is sweating....we need on shivering)
(The tomato plants do have a strong overhead support system)
As for hole spacing.....you have two things to think of....one, how much room does the plant need ? How valuable do I consider the space of my rafts ?
Earlier, I mentioned larger romains, since they do need a lot of space.....I now grow a different variety that doesn't need as much room. Since younger lettuces seem to be sweeter when young, I tend to keep the hole spaces close....most at 4 " centers. With the holes that close...I make the rafts smaller in size, since that tends to structurally weaken them.
I have had rafts with holes further apart....and I've moved plants when they are getting crowded to the those rafts.
It all depends on what 'your' over all desire and goals are for 'your' system.
Question: When and why do you use a 2" net pot or a 3" net pot and in cutting the holes, is there a general rule of thumb as to the pattern or space requirements?
If your plants are yellowing it is probably iron deficiency. You will need to add cheated iron to the system. The plants should green up once iron is in the system.
Where is the algae growing?? In the water or on the sides?
Some of my plants are yellowing. I have a gravel connected to two raft systems filled bed with worms and all levels seem good... thoughts
After adding some seaweed fertilizer the my system I now have a far amount of algae growing. I have covered my tanks from light and added extra air which has not helped yet... thoughts?
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