Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Thanks Mathew, good questions and thoughts. Initially I had sludge on the bottom and I vacuumed to waste about 1500 gallons, twice. Now I stay ahead of it. By running each day for an hour or two, the bottom stays clean. Of course I do not want to pump to waste that often, so it is closed loop with filtering. Fish waste will not go anaerobic in 24 hours, so once a day prevents that.

I read a paper (maybe one of the ones in the above link from MF) - no, now I remember, it was a book on recirculating aquaculture systems. It said the fine particles were the worst for the fish, so the 0.3 micron was to help with that.

I got the zeolite filter working on June 14th - I keep a log of my operations.

BTW, my fish density right now is very low, clogging may be a major problem for me when I get more and bigger fish. Then daily backwash could be needed. That is a problem, I am trying to automate the system with an embedded computer controller, so we can get way for a vacation. This filter would be a challenge to automate (5 way valve). It already has a 220 vac outlet controlled by the computer so I can control the times and durations of filtering.

Delgrade, I am running DWC. The number I had for sand filters was 3 microns (probably depends on what kind of sand). Please read post to Mathew.

I just read about pumping rates required to keep 1" pvc pipe free of clogging. It is way more than I do (~10gpm). So is my next problem clogged pipes? I will know because my water drops from the biofilter into the growbeds and from the growbed to the sump and I can see how much is flowing. So far so good from May 3rd to July 12, not clogged.

But arent we all? I got 2' of snow on the driveway to shovel off today

Doug, I've kept approx 100 chickens with about 6 feral cats.. Only time the cats were interested in the chickens was when they were chicks, and I was letting them roam freely outside. I ended up keeping them indoors in the shed till they were approx 6" tall then opened up their "Dog Door" so they could roam outside. Guess what happened? Chickens are one of the most nasty tempered critters I have ever run across, and my Rhode Island Red Rooster preferred cat meat..........

Thanks Boyd, your comments on chickens and feral cats is very helpful. I have had Rhode Island Reds and that is what I will get again. Hope they do not eat my dog (;>)!

I wrote a reply to your private message, I see from this post you are in Flint. I should just about be able to see your place from here!

Doug whats going on with your stuff or did I miss something?

Hi John;
I am not dead, but have not been posting for a long time. I have a consulting contract with Chrysler and it is keeping me very busy!
The aquaponics system is operational with salads for the dinner table. The fish are fine (have not lost a fish since August). I was surprised that the hybrid blue gill are actively feeding in 49F water. The catfish are not eating, but are swimming around lazily.
How are your perch doing? Do they eat in cold water? How cold does your water get?

Good to here from you
Doug

great to hear your fish are doing well Doug, I had been wondering.
Is there any chance of some updated photos? or are they on your site?

Well good your not dead, for sure. Keeping busy is good I guess. I'm taking a break from my chores. So many dreams so little silver.
I just feed the fish once a day, they seem fine with that during the winter.
Water temps mostly in the 40-50 range Id guess. I'm not heating at night as much as last year so let the Green House air temps get down to below freezing often.
Lettuce, spinich and onion greens pretty much cover my winter growing.
No fish pictures to share?
Glad your still about.

Doug, I've just had a peek at your website and no, there aren't any updated pictures there Oh well, we'll have to wait until you get the chance
(the 'P' word) :sigh:

Waiting for more pics also... want to see the fishies!!!!!

I feel the pressure. I will find time to do pictures. It is a problem though. It is hard to see the fish in the big & deep tank that is sheltered from much sunlight.

I can only try. I will take some pictures of the greens. They are in the light and stand still for a photo opportunity.

grin

no pressure Doug

Thanks