Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey folks,

I'm building a tabletop aquaponics system that I'm hoping will eventually be something that small classrooms and kids at home could use to learn about biological processes, nutrient cycles, etc. I'll post more about it in the member's system forums.

Anyway, point is, I'm ready to start testing it and I'm trying to figure out what fish to use. Most of the literature focuses on larger systems with larger fish breeds, but this is an 8 gallon aquarium. From what I've read, the plants are going to prefer a PH around 5.5-6, which is a bit lower than what most freshwater aquarium fish seem to prefer (7-7.5).

Does anyone have some good tips on species that do well in tiny systems? My current plan is to get a couple goldfish and a filter feeder of some sort to keep the algae down (catfish, snail).

Thanks!

Goldfish would be a good option, they are hardy and come in nice colours that the kids will enjoy.

Goldfish might get a bit big for a 8 gallon tank. A betta or guppies will probably be better if it doesn't get too cold.

My young fella has goldfish in his 3 gallon aquarium

Well I had a tough time explaining to the fish store lady what I was up to, but she steered me towards some zebra tetras. Said they were basically immortal (and good for getting a tank started).

I figure I'm probably gonna kill a few things before I get this figured out, so probably better to stay away from fish the wife will be tempted to give names to for a while .

I have all sorts of tropical fish in my aquarium....

As long as your water parameter are OK it does not really matter. Just follow the usual mantra of enough filtration for the fish load. Always do a bit of research into the species you want. Especially fully grown size. I am going to have to get a bigger tank because I didn't... Oh no

Your plants will do fine at ph 7 - 7.5. A lot of people run that high.

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By filtration you're just talking about the grow bed right? I have a flood drain system, and I would assume the expanded clay would act as a mechanical and biological filter. Do I need anything else?

I posted some images of my system here if you want to check it out. The second, square one is what I'm running now.

http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=15881

Thanks!

I have two large fan tail goldfish one 3.5 other 4.0-4.5 and a albino pleco. The small feeder fish die off on me quickly every time I try to use them.

For filtration Solids just go to the sump fine stuff goes to the GB. I have a smaller HOB filter to help with water movement that has a few bio balls in it.

I have not tested water in a few months. So far no deaths or plant issues.

I only have a grow bed in my aquarium system. But i do not mind having very fine particle floating around in there. If you wanted to remove them then a fine filter would be needed

Use an external canister/pump biofilter and NFT x2 across the top, if you can get a small enough biofilter.

Thanks guys!

I don't have a sump, and I'm trying to keep cost down. Sounds like the filters probably aren't necessary unless I just want the water to be more attractive? I do have the grow bed inlet on the opposite side from the siphon, so I'm hoping it will help filter things a bit.