Roskar's system

Roskar

Update,

Got the first growbed hooked up this weekend, and ran the pump Sunday afternoon for the first time.

Now I can not see the fish anymore, due to the amoun tof dust that must still have been in the wsahed gravel. Anyone knows whether this will settle? Or do I need to change the water (gradually)? Just started to filter the trickle from the growbed through a colander lined with an old cloth nappy or a teatowl (can;t recognize the rag). Would this catch the fine dust that is suspended in the water?

There is some sand in the bottom of the sumptank, but I guess with the bubbler and the return water dumping in from 1/2 meter there is too much movement in the big tank for it to settle.

Also found out another little problem, which might become a feature. The growbed is lower than the tank. When I turn the pump off, the water keeps on running and the bed overflows because the drain through 2 6mm holes can not keep up with it. So the pump creates a syphon. Easy to brak I suppose by getting a non return valve to atmosphere that will open when the pump pressure falls away, thus letting in air and breaking the syphon.

But I could of course maintain the supply syphon and change the drains to (the much talked about) auto-syphons. That would save me the running cost of one pump.

What do youse reckon?

Karel

Aquaddict

I'd hate to make a call till I saw a photo of the set-up. Non return sounds easiest, give us a peek!

your gravel dust will clear up in 2-3 days. A rag would catch it be careful it doesn't back up pipes. I collect mine in a sponge filter and put it straight back in for trace monerals and particulates for my bio-film to build with.

aquamad

yep... it will clear - my classroom system went super murky when I first got it going, then I put some filter wool under the irrigation outlet and it was clear after just 24 hours (keep in mind it was only a 28 gallon tank so your system will take longer, but it will clear)

Roskar

Gee,

Haven't added to my own thread since September!

See photo below, had some growth happening over that period. Have been eating the occasional cos lettuce leaf, and the first tomatoes have set. Strawberries are only leaves so far, capsicum is a baby yet, basil gets regularly harvested, kids eat the chives all the time.

Getting ready to install the next three growbeds in the next couple of weeks, will update then and try and keep my thread in teh first page of the members systems.

Oh, and I still have some 70-odd Jades and all arrangements seem to fall into place for 50 Silvers on Friday.