Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

"my pump will pump ST water to the bottom of the FT to swirl the solids, the overflow pipe coming out of the top side of the FT will extend to the bottom to collect solids..."

I would have thought, if I understand this arrangement correctly, that the FT water will not be turned over as much as it should. Water entering at the bottom and exiting at the bottom will have a tendancy to mainly move the bottom water, any that moves upwards will be keeping shit in suspension. Also DO enters at the water air interface.

A point Sleepe.... but he will have multiple growbeds draining via multiple outlets... oxygenating the sump water....

I will also have a separate commercial air pump on a separate timer to pump air in between the flood cycles...

this should take care of airation concerns

jt

Still do not think it is a good idea, depending on the effect of the GB's heating/cooling you could end up with 3 layers of water, and high concentrations of DOC's in the middle layer. I also think it will be more prone to algal bloom.

The water should enter the ft at the top at an angle this will gently swirl the ft water and put the solids in the center of the tank where it will be picked up ah la chift pist style

I was thinking... I could put some holes in the overflow pipe.... to take more of the water from different levels of the tank....

yes sounds like a good idea... since the water will come directly from the pump, I can angle it down and towards the center and along with some holes in the output pipe, it will serve to take water from different levels

jT

Designed a simple shit pusher, Only runs when needed else water goes to top of FT ie on a 2 way diverter tap, screen takes water to top of FT to exit. Crap drawing below.
Try 2 BMP not allowed

Make me shake my head in shame...but I was looking for the perfect solution in a bogged out tank of solids

Only theoretical at this stage Jessy, haven't tested it.

ok, looking at all the input... here is a basic layout of the system.... it fits my existing GH and gives me more planting Sq. Footage then what I have now.... with dirt....

question...

should I try and run the GB fill pipes out to the center of the GB? since my standpipes will be across from them....

Im going to try and find some lava rock, I know its sharper and will need to be cleaned more, will my worms still be able to live in it? will it be better or worse for the plants?

Decal point the outlets down into the GB's to avoid algae.

hey thanks.... yes will either put a 90 on it or just put the T down.... on the lower GB's will be holes in the bottom of the pipe

JT

Lava rock is fine.
Digging with one's hands does result in loss of fingernails (makes it look like you're a nervous nail chewer) However, a trowel works particularly well at protecting one's fingers.
The Lava rock is one of the richest sources of nutrient found naturally. You will notice that old volcano site are often VERY green and fertile (old as in lava has broken down heaps)
The trace elements, including iron found in scoria are great for AP. Given some bacteria, a source of carbon and a mature system, the scoria will be eaten in conjunction with carbon, by the bacteria (anaerobically digested) thereby releasing these nutrients into the water.
Also, the same sharpness that upsets a gardener's fingers, assists in keeping snails at bay.

IMHO scoria is one of the most beneficial mediums. The benefits outweigh the risks.

Since im in the US... what exactly is scoria? is it like lava rock?

thanks