Djimo wrote:
-Why did you ditch a solids removal, swirl, clarifier etc. I have considered also including GBs to make use of the bio filtration as well as growing capabilities offered to bigger plants. But why did you take KISS to the extreme? Plus, you end up using sponges of some sort. I am a bit confused and intrigued. Also, you have worms in the media I suppose?
-Why invest in NFT? Any estimates on cost per hole/ sq m for both? I feel like I would just focus on DWC and invest into the solids/bio filtering capabilities and then just expand through DWC. Unless there is a true reason where NFT is better. Could the NFT offer better density or perhaps more vertical use?
-Why are your rafts layered in two? To float better?
You and Rupert have kind of inspired me to experiment with low pressure aeroponics for indoor/vertically stacked purposes. Instead of the troughs being filled with water for DWC, have nozzles spray a decent volume of water that quickly runs off. This would allow for the vertical stacking although the electricity costs might be a bit high. Not to mention the solids would have to be very well filtered. How is your aeroponics holding up and what kind of pressure/nozzles are you using? Do you have valves between them to direct the pressure to where to want it (clean the tubes/nozzles)?
HI Djimo, thanks for your feedback.
I have solid removal in three stages of my system, up to 100micron screens, settling tanks as well as GB's with worms provide partial break down, mineralisation and nitrification. It's a particular design for a number of reason to long to be listed, a system in my very unique way, and mostly different than average BYAP user.
No sponges in the system by the way. (unchecked... could become a potential problem any sponge!)
I have abandoned the idea of NFT as it would have required heating to operate in full winter and the set up cost would have been higher than DWC. (I personally prefer DWC systems with incorporation of media beds)
Raft are not layered, what you see it's probably the interlocking sides. the interlocking grove help the boards stay flat when the weight of the plants is not evenly spread and stop raft from sinking sideways. (30 kg plant mass on some boards!)
Aeroponic in my case it's only used to germinate seeds and to maximise use of space and double use of resources. (Aero-SUMP TANK!)
Plants only stay there a maximum of 3 weeks then get transplanted to DWC or GB
It is mostly very helpful to germinate my seeds as I can control moisture with accuracy and then to stimulate root growth of a few millimetre before transplanting.
I would not recommend aeroponic for a full plant growth unless you are dealing with atomisers(very fine misters) , high pressure, hydro mineral nutriment etc..
700 plants AERO-SUMP
pump on cyclic timer
super fine pump screen
grid made from 25mm black PVC pipe
200 misters nozzle's (360* range )
pump cycle time=(8:00am to 17:00pm) @ 1 minute of water spray every 20 minute
Backyard Aquaponics
