Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello Everyone,

I purchased Joel's book in August and have been working on an indoor system. I wanted to do something right away instead of waiting for spring. I built a countertop system to see if I could do it without being a serial fish/plant killer. It worked so my wife said I could continue and to get that thing off of her counter.

I built Version 2.0 this past weekend. I used a couple of PVC fenceposts that I was going to set up an aeroponics system with. (Once I found Aquaponics all of my hydroponic plans went the way of the Dodo) These are full of gravel and flood and drain on a 10min per hour cycle. I pump from the sump and the water gravity feeds through the beds and into the fishtank. I have the filter from the fishtank running as a biofilter, but will take that out in a couple of weeks when the bacteria have a chance to be fully established in the gravel.

Any comments or constructive criticisms will be appreciated.

Finn

hey Finn, welcome to our madness

That should work pretty well You've got all the basics right.

Welcome

I have been given a couple of electric blue crayfish today. I put them in my sump as I heard they liked to eat fish. With a little luck I will have some babies to add to my expansion in the spring.

Nice setup,
what kind of fish do you have in the aquarium?

Hi Steph,

I have 9 goldfish and 1 bottom feeder.

Finn

I have a new camera now so I am posting some update photos.

I have a little concern about my cucumber, the older leaves are starting to develop spots. I am assuming this is a nutrient deficiency, but none of the other plants in the system seem affected. Any ideas?

Finn

If that were my place I'd say spider mites. I hope I'm wrong: nutes are easier to deal with.

Hi Hydrophilia,

I checked for spidermites, but couldn't find a thing. I am thinking on giving everything a spray with Einstien Oil anyway just in case. Has anyone used this and had problems with fish?

Finn

Possibly potassium deficiency. Not sure about the oil to be safe you could try swabbing it on.

Einstien Oil is based on Neem Oil..... usually presented as a certified organic pesticide... safe for fish, people and beneficial insects...

However questions have been raised as to possible detremental affects on beneficial insects, particularly Bees....

And more recently fish.... see the links contained in this page ...

http://www.discoverneem.com/is-neem-oil ... bians.html

I would strictly observe any concentration recommendations... perhaps test it first...

Thanks Rupert,

I have used Einstein oil in the past in my Hydroponic gardens, but I am new with the fish thing. I will foliar spray only and cover the sump, fish tank and lettuce when I do.

Finn

I also noticed flourecent bulbs. If they're standard they only give partial wave lengths of needed light. Might look into a "grow light". Mybe nothing, just a thought.
T.

I planted this narcissus on Christmas eve, It grew roots for two days and then grew 10cm in 3 days.