Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Spent the day, and most of the evening, hooking the new tank into the system. I had to jump through some hoops to keep from drilling holes into the side of the tank. I was able to go in through the top, although I did have to drill new holes. I filled the tank with pond water, which had to have made the fish happy. Tomorrow I plan to move the goldfish into the smaller tank, along with the water and filter squeezings. I also hope to hook the second GB into the system so that can get more plants going. Once that is done, I can spend some time doing my farm chores, which have been getting neglected during the last week or so. I still need to hook in the timer, but in the meantime, I can just run it continuous, and drain it manually several times each day. I adjusted the water to a lower level in the growbeds so as to keep the roots from drowning.

Spent another day working on the system. I have been having a real hard time getting both GB's to flood and drain together. With the old design, I had to get four valves (one flow control and one float control per GB) in sync with one another. I finally just changed the design, so that there is a hard drain point above which the water cannot rise, and no float valve at all. This simplifies the process, and allows me to have a small trench (3"X12") into which any excess solids will go. If I get too much build up in the solids trench, that means I need to run the system filtered for a while so that the solids can break down, the put the system back on recirculate. After making this change to the new GB, my problem was solved. Tomorrow I will convert the other GB over to the new design. We have had a cold spell, and also bringing on the new GB has let the water temp fall, which is (I think) the reason why my nitrites are rising. I still have nitrates though, and the lettuce is growing great, so I am thinking it is the cold slowing down the cycle. Opinions are wanted as to whether this sounds logical or not.

We are probably jumping the gun, but we have a huge amount of seedlings growing under the lights. Since the lettucs was doing so well, we planted the brocoli (sp). We also planted a small row of raddishes to test the direct seed sowing processes, and some onion sprouts. We are also going to give carrots and a different type of lettuce (direct seed) a try.

As long as the nitrates keep registering on the test, I assume I can keep planting. I can also add fish now that the weather is warming up. We are just keeping goldfish in the small tank. The fish are for looks, but the system still contributes to the overall system. Been looking at them in the aquarium for years, might as well get some work out of them. At this point, I have 29 fish, 19 3-5" bluegills, 3 3" goldfish and 7 5-8" bluegills.

One other point I forgot to mention. The new design now provides three points within the water cycle where asperation of the water takes place. All three are fast moving waterfall like action. I am hoping that this, combined with the flood and drain action will eliminate my need for an oxygen pump in the tank. I have one if I need it, but I am hoping to use a more natural aerating process. Anyone have any experience using similar techniques?

nice progess!

free air (water fall) over air pump any time!

just one consideration : if you system is heavily stocked or weather is VERY hot a battery backup air pump will save your fish if the power ever goes out.

LOL....I thought about that, but then I decided that I would just have CookieCows splash the water around until I get the generator hooked up. I saw one of those at Walmart, the kind used for the hold on a fishing boat. I will put that on the list.

Well, we have finally got the system design we think is final. I am attaching the picture. Since we have already put in the larger tank, we decided to go ahead and put in the outdoor growing bed, which in this case is simply a large round GB that will be loaded with as many tomotoes as we can fit and feed. Added 40 small goldfish to the small tank the other day, thinking we had moved all of the bluegill to the large tank. In the process, I noticed that Giligan is still in the small tank. He is the same size as a few of the goldfish, so I am hoping he will be nice, but if he isn't, I will have to move him to the bigger tank. I hope he learns to play well, as he was our very first fish, and I am willing to let him live out his life without being eaten.

Have you noticed how AP takes our lifes? I've been calming down before it gets dangerous
You start with a tub and are now willing to have create a tomato mountain.
Best wishes for your fast start, if you do tomatoes, check this one out if you want to mix tastes and colours.
http://www.tomatofest.com/heirloom_toma ... _home.html

Yes I have noticed. I also find myself looking at objects to ascertain their potential as growbeds. Was in the attic of the old farmhouse today, and saw a preformed shower stall floor. About six inches deep, has plumbing holes....hmmmmm, it might have potential.

Took me a few days but it hit me none the less. Your stainless tank, its not going to be a problem with retaining heat is it? The water temps going well?
Don't want you cooking the fishies before your salads on the table. If this has already been addressed disreguard I'm getting old.

Good point, although I think it will be okay. The tank is designed to hold chilled milk, so it is insulated quite well. It is also painted a light pale blue, which should cut down on thermal retention. I am planning to put pool insulation over the water this winter, except where the inflows are at. Hope that takes care of it.

I posted an update on our progress here...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3325

Hey BeltieBandit how much does it cost to get one of those smaller cows that can finish on grass alone? What are they called?

I am looking to get a single calf.

Please run a back up air pump on a battery. At some stage something will fail. I have only been here 6 months, and I have seen it happen to a lot of systems.

I am so sorry that I haven't posted a response sooner. My wife has been forcing me to work in her dirt garden (under duress) and I have been just too tired from all the work. The answer to your question is.....it depends! Don't you hate when that happens....We raise registered Belted Galloways, frequently called Belties, or Oreocookie Cows. Anyway, if you want one that is registered, they can be had for anywhere from $1-3/lb live weight, unless you get into champion bloodlines, which are, of course, more. It also matters whether you want a male or a female. What do you want the animal for...finish out and butcher, pet, breeding, etc! Depending on where you live, I can probably help you get one.

I do have a battery operated air pump that I can hook up to the system in disaster.

How big do the cows get?