Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi, I am thinking of setting up small aquaponic system. As we already have a small koi pond, I am hoping to utilise that rather than having a separate fish tank. A few places I have read that it is recommended to have the volume of the fish tank and the grow bed be about the same. In my case the grow beds would have to be significantly smaller than the fish tank volume both due to space and weight considerations. The pond already has a filtration solution, so I don't think it should be a problem for the fish. My question is more if it is likely to be a problem for the plants, ie them not getting enough/concentrated nutrition. Although the pond does have filtration as mentioned, there doesn't seem to be great circulation in it. I am therefore hoping that by taking the water from the end opposite the water outlet from the filtration tank, I will get more nutritious water. Anyone have experience or insights to indicate if this is likely to work? Thanks!

Can you test the water? It will let us know how the system is functioning now. (pH, ammonia, nitrite, & nitrate)

Also, does your pond have natural filtration or mechanical?

But, my thought is that if you have a good natural bacteria filter and sufficient nitrate levels... you should be completely fine with "small" grow beds.