Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

This will be my intro to AP. To learn the basics and how I'll setup my bigger outdoor system. To start off...I am off to a bad start. I am prolly 4:1 fishtank to growbed at the moment. I have two more planters I can convert, but am short on a couple plumbing supplies.

Heres what I have cycling as of right now:

Fish tank: 20 gal
Growbed: approx 5 gal flood and drain (9.5"w x 9"h x 24"l)
Media: Hydroton
Pump: 130g/h (head hieght 3'or 4')

Plan to add to this system:
2 more growbeds
2 goldfish and an agea eater till I can get more growbeds more fish as needed.

Pictures to come when I can figure out how to post them within the topic post.

Pics of system so far...been cycling now for 4 days....

Looks fine to me as a starter

Don't get too hung up on the FT to GB ratio as so long as you stock your fish to the size of your GB you will be right.

Have you thought of having an external syphon so you don't lose so much of your precious GB volume?

I started off using what I had at the house. And only bought what I needed...I will prolly just make the other two boxes the same to keep it looking neat, plus I only need two more pieces to get it done. Plan to turn the tank 90 degrees and put two more shelves parallel, then level out the light above.

What wattage are those lights, and at what on/off timings?

Could it end up being and expensive experiment?

I had my mini system by a sunroom window. Plants grew spindly but rapidly!

They are 23 watts a piece and there are 9 of them.
They are currently on a 24 hour cycle.

9 x 23W at constant burn x 1.5 = $310 P.A. Plus pump. Plus air!

But hey - you can't put a price on satisfaction!

BTx

BT, what's the 1.5 factor, I suppose cost per watt per hour? I doubt 200 watts costs $300 to run.

DIY consider this, it may help you have more plants and free you up not to use electric lights:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8508

I guess I'm a little confused Dave. How would more plants use less light?

Do you have a sunny window somewhere?

No.....this system is in a back room of my basement just off the laundry. It is there for a couple of reasons...

1. keep the kid out of it.
2. keep the dog and cats out of it.
3. Space

I guess since i am about to go home from work in a little while and I have a littel time on my hands.....i supply a little more info on my system wants and needs and/or reasons.

As I mentioned before this is an experiment and/or test to see how green my thumbs is and maybe...just maybe teach someone something too.

Expectations for this "starter" system:

This system will be used to grows some "meds". I have seen here and and other sources that it may not grow/flower in AP. Hence it being in the basement. I have just finished growning a little in dirt, but nothing too serious. And, by that I mean...I got soem seeds, put them in some dirt and watered. I did add some rose blume at the end cause i happened apond some for free. So if I can = or better the results from dirt with AP I'll call it a success.

So once I get my hands wet with this one, I plan on adding a small green house to the side of my garage and build a bigger system for veggies and what not. We are not big fish eaters so if we end up going with eatable fish, we will prolly just give them away to friends and family.

So thats about it for now...still cycling

Tests scores:

12/10
Ph: 8.0
NH:1.0
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
WT: 72 F

12/11
PH: 7.8
NH: 1-2
NO2: 0
NO: 0
WT: 72 F

12/12
PH: 7.8
NH: 2-4
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
WT: 73 F

12/13
PH: 7.4
NH: 4.0
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
WT: 75 F

12/14
PH: 7.6
NH: 8.0
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
WT: 77 F
Did a 50% water change.

12/15
PH: 7.4
NH: 2.0
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
WT: 75 F


12/16
PH: 7.4
NH: 4.0
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
WT: 75 F

12/17
PH: 7.4
NH: 4.0
NO2: .25
NO3: 0
WT: 71 F

Almost cycled.......

Well maybe not almost but at least you are through the first stage and got your second reading.

I realise this but after days of NH readings only....to see any movement means I am off in the right direction and one step closer to my visit to the (as my daughter would call it) "Fish Store".......lol