Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

......in a word....is crap!

Xmas 2014 rolled around and my Mrs jumped in and surprised me with 2 AP system 'kits' - I had wanted to build just one large IBC system out the backyard but the Mrs god bless her, didn't like the look of the systems so before I could research she had them delivered!

So here's the micro 'aquaponicals' indoor kitchen/herb kit.

http://aquaponicals.com/

And here it is setup


So I've had this thing running since Dec last year with 2 goldfish. I can't grow a damned thing in it!!!

I moved the system from the location shown above as it wasn't getting enough sunlight. Moved in front of the only window I could use which still doesn't get direct light but still it fails. It is growing Algae really well tho!!!

So I've bought an elcheapo LED light kit to TRY and get SOMETHING to grow.

I recently threw some sprouts in there considering everything else has failed to thrive, the sprouts are doing ok but growing sideways towards the light. Hopefully the new LED light will help with this. I don't expect much from the light as it was so cheap (#$35 - 6w with blue/white/shaded white modes) but if it works ok I'll look at spending a bit more and upgrading the light.

Although with how fast the water chem changes, with how little it grows without sunlight (and then growing algae with ANY light) I'm close to throwing it out!

..
I think your assumptions are correct..
The makers of the system type, are hoping to fool the gullible... ie. Seemed like a good idea..

I have a more serious system between my house and that next door.. it is an unused driveway.. it is covered by a clear polycarbonate roof.. little really grows there - PROPERLY
Lettuce and the like, just bolt to seed.. except tomatoes that do slightly better as a vine, under the plastic, as they grow up against the plastic, showing that even they, seek the brightest light.

With your device, there will be as much light entering the aquarium as shines on the plants, so algae will grow, consuming the nutrients..
a normal AP system has been built with insulation etc. To preclude light getting into the fish tank..

Try growing something ornamental, Like cactuses.. and if you want AP, start again with a proper system..
..

I have a after outdoor system..... My intro thread explains it all. Also have a separate thread for my large system.

Short of it is - Mrs and I watched a Hallam DVD (Sept 2014). 'great idea' we thought and I planned to make an IBC system.

My Mrs and I are polar opposites, I take my time to research and think, beer, research.... Rinse and repeat. Takes me longer to do stuff tho. Mrs doesn't research in depth just jumps in with both feet and because she wanted to surprise me for Xmas last year, building a system wouldn't work and she didn't like the look of the IBC system she saw...

So I ended up with 2 systems, the indoor one which is a toy and rubbish (but I can probably get it working better) and a Hallam 'special'... Needless to say both systems have taught me how not to do it..! I have to start somewhere though and am drafting plans for a green house (currently a disused carport with clear roof like yours by the sounds) extended outdoor system and also expanding the soil patch. It's all happening!

Speaking of my outdoor system, time to go harvest my first rainbow trout, take some pics for the trout appreciation thread and enjoy a beer after a day ok the bike!

Peace.
Jarrad