Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

First i would like to thank everyone who regularly posts their knowledge here, i have learned a good deal but still somewhat unsure of some things. I am sure that like most of you, since i have discovered aquaponics i have been putting down design ideas and such pieced together from the information gathered here i have to say

I have an aeration question or two i would like to get answers / opinions on:

1. Given the choice which would you say is a better system for tank aeration
a. Blower and diffuser setup
b. A fountain pump in the tank that turns the water over at least once per hour?

2. A question or more like reaffirmation of Pump Head. If you use the fountain pump or any for that matter, is the head measured from the surface of the water to the pumping height? I think it is but want to be sure.


I think my next post will be some images of a commercial design i have in mind. There is definately a market where i am located. Thanks and hope to see many opinions

Not exactly sure what you mean by a fountain pump turning over the water once per hour...

If your pump is pumping through your filtration and returning to the fish tank... the fall of the water will provide passive aeration... often sufficient for many fish and systems.. within certain temperature parameters.

However, in general, I would always advise supplementary aeration by air pump/blower... particularly during the warmer months and for your particular climate... warm water holds less oxygen than cold water...

In essence, you need both... the pump to provide filtration via you filtration units... and an aerator to further aerate your returning water...

And yes, for suggested maximum filtration, your pump should have sufficient capacity to turn over your tank volume once per hour...

Sorry if i was not clear ...... I mean the fountain pump with the fountain nozzle pumping the water into the air for aeration. The GPM being enough circulate all of the water in the tank once an hour at least as far as the math goes.

Ok.. so you've got one of those pumps that has two outlets... one that pumps to your growbed/filter... and the other outlet to a "fountain"??

Wont do any harm... but again I recommend having an air pump as well...

If your pool pump fails... not only will you not be pumping water through your filtration.. and oxygenating by water return... but the fountain will have stopped as well...

A seperate air pump might make the difference to your fish surviving until you replace the pump..

Point Taken

Hi. I agree with Rupert. Have two systems so that just in case one goes poof, you will still be okay. Lots of splashing and movement on the water surface makes for a lot of oxygen transfer from the air to the water, so, your fountain pump might be of advantage. Pump capacities are usually measured at zero head but you need to check what the manufacturer claims versus actual output. I have a powerhead pump rated at 2200 liters per hour but actually delivers only 1600 at zero head. Cheerz.