Some questions about aquaponics in an apartment

[Adam Richards]

Hello,

I am new to aquaponics and really interested in starting my own system. I have taken Sylvia's and Alan's course on it and, having just finished, am ready to get it going. 

I do, however, have a few questions and would greatly appreciate anyone's input on these:

1. I live on the 14th floor of a decent-sized apartment and am thinking of a 40 gallon fish tank for a 6 cubic feet grow bed with a sump tank. The weight totals about 928 lbs. and would span over about 43 sq. ft. Does this sound reasonable or would it be too heavy?

2. I was wondering how exactly I would calculate the volume (and weight) of my grow bed. 6 cubic feet (1x2x3), according to the course, would require 300 lbs. of grow medium (using LECA). The course also said that 40% of that grow bed volume would be water and 60% grow medium. I am unsure of how exactly to calculate the volume of grow media then. Do I figure enough grow media to first fill the bed without water or do I take the volume of the container and fill the grow bed with 60% of grow medium and then let the water fill in the rest of the 40%?

3. How necessary is a sump tank for a system of this size? If so, would an 18 gallon sump tank be a reasonable size for this system. 

Thank you so much. I greatly appreciate it.

Regards,

Adam Richards

[John]

1. Everything is fine, the main thing is that the plants have access to the sun.

2. I personally selected the ratio of water between greenery and fish experimentally. Try to start with a minimum and then increase it.
3. Better install good filters. Drum filter and biofilter are required. Order from them from Korea or Vietnam, they are the best in price and good quality.