Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

OK my duck system intitial gravel water cress filter bed is collecting slimy greasy stuff and thankfully it goes no further YET and my cress grows lovely.
I have read of human waste systems requiring a "grease trap" otherwise the "grease" eventually contaminates and disrupts the whole system.
Is there something else I could look at incorporating into my system to achieve a similar goal?

Picture would help Evan... not sure if it's gease, algae or bio-film...

If it's either of the first two... then you'd have to ask where it's coming from...

Might be better to eliminate the problem...

Can you describe the "grease" more fully... or post a pic....

Grease traps come in all shapes and forms. Under the sink models up to the pit ones that are 4mts deep. If you need to make one it's not that hard. Its only a box with a couple of surface deviders that stop fat from moving on. You do have to clean out the fat every couple of months. Was going to draw one but if you google images you will get a lot of different designs. Another way might be a protien skimmer.

I was gonna ask if the ducks used the fish tank but see the chooks also love a drink as well - the "grease" isn't coming from the poultry having access to the water is it

Rup, check out the first link on Ev Signature. Has plenty of pics.

I bet the ducks love the water. I hear the can make a quite a mess.

Would love to get myself some ducks. Good eating I would say.

Nah Gilly... meant pictures of the "grease"....

Sorry shouldn''t under estimate you Rup...

Love the set up Balga boy well done

The grease I think is mainly duck feather "oil" , thinking now it is probably easiest just to cycle my gravel.

ie pull out some cress and gravel, eat some let the ducks clean up the rest and let the gravel "rest" for a while and and put in some cleaner rested gravel