Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I live in Hawaii and have just set up a 3'hx8'x8' raised pond with a 55 gallon barrel settling tank w/ drain, a mechanical filter tank with matala mats, and 40 gallons of bioballs in a rubbermaid trashcan wet/dry setup.

I'm thinking of going with a raft style deep flow bed system primarly because I dont want to deal with cleaning the gravel beds ever (bad memories of years of undergravel filter use in my aquariums). I also like the idea of a constant flow system as opposed to ebb and flow. I believe it will be pulling nutrients from the water all the time. Is anyone using raft systems currently? Its been a while since I've looked around the forum but I know almost everyone advocates ebb and flow on here.

I was also wondering if anyone has an aquatic plant filter setup? I was thinking of using vallisneria to remove nutrients and add oxygen during the day. I've been thinking of setting up a solar powered pump to keep the system running during the day and off at night. I'm hoping this stabilizes the system as far as pH since it will oxygenate the water during the day time only.

Anyone, glad to see this place is still going strong and glad I've got the aquaculture side of my set up going.

Anyone, glad to see this place is still going strong and glad I've got the aquaculture side of my set up going.

Sorry about that.

Meant to say anyway not anyone.

Don't know if there is a lot of gravel cleaning. A lot of AP'ers put compost worm into the GB to get rid of the solids. Post some pictures when you have the chance.