Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello Friends, I'm brand new to aquaponics. I want to do horizontal as well as vertical gardening, using the IBC system as well as a 4" pvc pipe system. When I'm ready to fill my garden area I would like to use crushed granite rock as a mediator. Would you agree? Please advise. My 4" pvc will be the vertical section of my gardening. I have been square foot gardening for 4 years now and I am looking forward to this Aquaponic Gardening. Thank you for accepting my membership, Gil Jones

Welcome to the forum Gil!

Granite is fine, the only thing to check with gravel is that it isn't going to cause the pH to be high all the time, limestone would do this. The test is to put the gravel in some vinegar, if it bubbles it will cause the pH to stay high.

I'm in the plumbing business so I have ample access to pipe, fittings and, tanks. My problem is getting past the idea that I can grow anything without soil. I have read that clay pebbles are a better product. I don't have a clue! All I really want is for my system to work the first time. I really hope this isn't a pipe dream on my part. I will certainly need all the tips and guidance from your group. Thank you, Gil Jones

If using crushed granite, make sure there aren't any fines in it. It may end up causing anaerobic zones where it settles out in a layer with little water flow on the bottom of your tank.

Hey Gil:
I think you'll be very surprised how well things will grow in an AP system.

Rinse your gravel, keep the $ down on your first system. One way of doing this would be to keep it somewhat small. That way any mistakes are not big expensive mistakes.

Dude I just threw an experimental system together on my first try. It blew my mind how simple it is to do. It's a small system but I'm using it as a learning experience before I go big. So far my plants are doing great and the fish seem happy but he hasn't been that long.

While I'm gathering all the hardware for my first aqua system, I'm wondering what vegetables can grow in this type of system? Is there a list of good or moderate vegetable plants? Can I sow seeds or do plant plugs? Thanks, Gil

Direct sow... or plugs... which ever you prefer...

I've heard that almost anything can grow. I myself cast a small amount of lettuce seeds after I started my system. After about a week I decided that they wern't doing anything. So I planted some plants I bought from Lowes and then a couple of days later it was BAM lettuce all in my Broccoli.

Just be patient you may not see results as fast as you think

The tough part for beginners would be the cycling period...tough to be patient that is. Most newbies are impatient when they first start out, well, me included ...getting all jumpy when the ph/nitrite/nitrate go up and trying all kinds of remedy.

Patients is the name if the game in aquaponics. Just thought I give you a heads up in getting your mind set ready;)

Cheers.

We've had our system for a year. My husband decided we needed to clean it out. There is a lot of roots, mostly from tomatoes . We have cinders. I haven't been able to find any information on this type of maintenance and am beginning to wonder if it's necessary..

Not unheard of, adding compost worms can help keep debris in the gravel more under control. You might want to minimize how much crud goes back to fish whilst clearing the bed out, by turning off the pump while cleaning.

If you smell the bed as you're cleaning it and it smells bad then that is a sign of not enough circulation and/or filtration. If it is a healthy system it won't smell bad at all.

Don't clean it too much, or you'll go back to an uncycled state!