Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello all!

I, like many, enjoy the concept of having my own personal "Food Bank" so to speak. I love to watch the fish grow, to care for the plants, and most of all, the tanks and technology that I get to play with

Most people have room for their setup and are pretty good at DIY projects, Sadly, there are too many people who cant start up a system of their own do to lack of space and/or know-how. What if their was a "NANO" system you can put together in a small apartment, or in a small balcony or patio? This system should be small, yet produce high yields relative to its space, it should run on small amounts of energy if none at all while sustaining life for the fish and plants.

I have years of experience with custom fabrication of fiberglass tanks, pond's, aquariums, filters, etc.. anything fiberglass. I have been working on small scale system's that can be setup in a relatively small area, maybe even a closet if given the urge. These systems are all designed and fabricated by myself, with the "Nano Grower" in mind.

I want to share my ideas with you guy's in the coming day's. I will post pics and possibly have videos of the system's setup and running. I am currently working on new molds for filters that will help out tons of growers out there I'm sure. My tanks are of professional quality, ALL fiberglass construction and will last for a lifetime. Thank you for your time and I hope to make new friends here, NANO!

Sounds like a great idea! I look forward to seeing what you've come up with.

Have you seen Nats single blue barrel set up on his balcony? I think it fits the bill.

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Thanks Natetrue, I will post as soon as I have the setup.

Took a look, really nice setup. That's an awesome grow, deff. what I like to see, a working nano setup.

Welcome, many members have small fish tank systems to suit their available space. Look forward to your photos

Well, its been a week since I joined, and what a week!

Its has been months since I started planning, working on my design, and building the molds, but it is finally done! My system (JCF Nano 001A) is complete.

I'm a bit too tired tonight to post my pics and descriptions, First thing tomm. I will have my nano setup (JCF Nano 001A) posted and you all will be the FIRST ever to see it! I am really pleased with the creative-simplicity my design has to offer to the farmer and believe you will be too. ALL fiberglass construction (PVC plumbing) and BARLEY any energy needed, a really GREAT design. And did I mention the small footprint? NANO!

There will be ALLOT more detail and descriptions on tomorrows post. Please stop by and take a look!

Oh dear, now you are keeping us in suspense

Ok, so I was suppose to post yesterday, but got called into work and got home late. Sorry to anyone who actually stopped by.... if anyone.

So I finally have time and can finally post my system (JCF 001A) The best way I can explain the system is to break down each individual tank/filter into sections.

Lets start with the Fish Tank (main tank):



I have the liquid volume, as well as the dimensions all written down, of course I left them at work in the office.

The Main Tank acts as the base and holds the fish, pump, and is the heart of the system. Just like any other full scale system, everything starts here. I have 11 juvenile tilapia in the tank right now. I want to have a few fish to begin with so the system can cycle properly.

The tank can house any fish you like. From small koy, tilpia hatch-lings, fry, African cichlids, or even just goldfish. Whatever is desired.



The return also acts as the aerator and keeps the surface constantly moving. It is also placed opposite from the pump. (top left)

I got ahead of myself and started to cycle before installing the window, the system has an additional viewing window option for the front, BUT, I just had to test it and never got to installing it. (next one)

The next tank in the system is my favorite and own personal CUSTOM design, the filter, a Nano Swirl Filter.



The Nano Swirl Filter is fed by the small fountain pump down on the opposite end of the grow-bed drain (bottom right).



The water is pumped up into the filter, and inside, there is a "swirl" action that allows particles heavy enough to fall and collect in the cone. There is a drain on the bottom which allows for quick cleaning/draining. Good fertilizer From there the clean water is drained into the grow-bed from the top center of the filter where the water is the cleanest.



You can see some "Waste" in the cone already, these pictures where 15 min. after initial setup.

you sure did make us wait for our photos

The final tank for the system (JCF 001A) is the Growbed.

The Growbed rests on the Main Tank and holds all the beautiful plants/flowers for the farmer

I have it filled with pea gravel but can be filled with any grow media available. I have used pea gravel before and it is allot cheaper than clay pellets. Works ok for me.
All the water that enters the grow-bed is from the swirl filter.


The drain for the grow-bed is located opposite from the inlet. This allows for maximum exposure to nutrient rich, clean, oxygenated water, for the roots. This drain also acts as the aerator and creates surface movement.


I have some lemon Balm in my grow-bed, just seeing what happens, and also a small bamboo. Lets see them GROW!

maybe try a media guard its also not a good idea to put the GB inlet under the media

Here are some photos of the system all-together.

Wish I had all the specs and measurements. I will tomm. hopefully.
The system is designed to be adaptable to anyone. Each tank can be used individually for whatever reason you desire, and I have a hybrid system at the shop i'm putting together now, that will adapt a DWC floating raft system into the grow-bed.

The system is small and really light (When empty) and is available in other colors but white. I just used the basic color for demo. purpose. All gel coat paint. The outside is grey latex and standard on all tanks/filters. I have it outside ATM because I have nowhere to put it in my house. Full already

I was able to fit it in my closet and various locations, custom stands or pr-built ones will really make it look nice. I had people comment on how "cool" it was and simple. They were really impressed. Nice little system.

Anyway, tired of typing now here are a few more pics...