Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey everyone,

Just decided to share my first aquaponic system. I've been thinking about doing it for a while and i finally did it. I didn't want it to look industrial so i designed it to where its easy on the eyes.
I designed the system myself (as of most peoples systems i guess). I can upload my drawings if anyone would like to see it?
Everything I made except for the 10 gallon aquarium and bell siphon, and the other equipment.


Plants:
As of right now I only have IVY plants and some general aquarium plants and giant duckweed.

Fish:
Several goldfishes.

Equipment:
LED under counter fixtures on timer
Inline UV light canister on timer
aquarium heater
aquarium pump


The system doesn't really get much sun (does not get direct sun) because my balcony prevents it. That's another reason why I have the LED as supplement light and night light . (I like looking at it at night, it feeds the fish some bugs attracted to the light at night)

Would like to get suggestions how I can make this better? What kind of vegetables or i can plant that tolerates no direct sunlight and can thrive in the shade? I'm planning on adding wiggler worms down the road as well.

Thanks!

Nice little system - looks great!

The fish probably don't need much light strictly speaking, perhaps the LEDs could be better used above the growbed for the plants?

His aquatic plants need the light though...

That's true, although the aquatic plants will probably be competing with any veges or herbs for nutrients anyway. I guess it comes down to what you want from the system.

Great system lostraindrop. Love the use of wood. I'd be interested to hear if you get much algae growing in the tank. Is it hard to clean?

Thanks everyone.

Yes, I wanted to keep the light for the aquarium plant as supplement light because the system doesn't get direct sunlight (plus it looks great at night). That's why I'm only using Ivy plants for now because I figured I cant get much veggies or herbs growing in the shade. But that will change when i move it eventually. There hasn't been much competing between the aquarium plants and Ivy plants, both have been growing really healthy.


About the algae, I have a in line UV canister light taking care of green water algae. There was brown algae growing a week after the aquarium was set up so i got Nerite snails, and have not had any algae problems since.

Awesome one man.. I would love to built similar one so how much the entire set up costs?Waiting for reply thanks in advance:)

Thanks!

Oh man, I didn't keep track of what I spent. I think I estimated about $200 to begin with, but I ended up buying more than what I had planned. So probably between $300-$400 maybe? The most expensive stuff is the equipment, so pick what equipment you want then add that one up first. I think all my equipment (uv filter, water pump, air pump, water heater, timer, thermometer, bell syphon, LED lights, piping, aquarium) cost about $200 or so. The other little things like the wood, fasteners, plexiglass, wood stain, paintbrush, polyurethane, gravel, plants and fish will add up pretty quick too actually.

But yea, if you want to make one and you have a tight budget, I would list your equipment and materials first. Probably draw it out first.

If you're like me, I kind of jumped right into it and in the course of a month I was slowly buying parts and pieces. Sorry, hopefully that helps and gives you some idea of cost.