Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I got a flood and drain type aquaponic system. I got about 50 tilapias in a 300 gallon tank. I got the planter filled with half inch river stones, up to 6 inch deep. Water is pumped from the fishtank into the planter of 32 square foot. However, the water return to the fishtank is not clear water. Does anyone know how to improve the filtration of the water back to the fishtank? I want the water to be clear so that I can see the fish in the tank.
Thank you.

How long has the system been running?

Thats the question! if the system is New, sediment will take some time to settle,

If it's an older system the discolouration may be coming from fish waste or sometimes the type of food you are feeding with, If my daughter has over feed the gold fish it stains the water an Orange colour, from the fish food!
Flow rates could be a cause to! Too much running through the bed, not enough time for filtration?

Also 6" deep isn't that much media for filtration when using smooth media like river stones. I'm a fan of good flow rate but also use simple solids removal at the moment because my system is just kicking off. Are you feeding the fish more than they can scoff in a couple of minutes, leaving nothing behind?

I reckon Gazza has asked the most important question though... Any pics??