Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I am in the early stages of planning my aquaponics system. I have a 55 gallon fish tank that I am using, this will be a small scale indoor system. I will be using fancy goldfish. I am having a hard time finding an appropriate grow bed. For my shelves I am using a 5 shelf storage rack. Approx 120 cm by 60cm shelf size. Should I get one growbed that is approx that size, or should I use several smaller ones? Which is easiest for growing several different veggies. Also, any suggestions on where to find a grow box that size?

Also, should I cycle with or without the goldfish?

Single GB is less plumbing. I haven't seen anyone worried about different plants in the same Gb except when it's mint or similar invasive types.

I'd get the fish in ASAP and let them do the cycle for you - saves buying stuff and some of the things you might choose are quite smelly for an indoor system

Okay! I will try getting some fancies tomorrow then. I was planning on getting 5 little ones, and then transferring some out when they outgrow the 55 gallon.

Does anyone have an opinion on the size pump I might need for a 55 gallon?

Hi Celkins,

I asked the same question back when i started, the advice i got was to move about 1-1.5 tank volume per hour. I will attached the thread, there might be some information you might find helpful.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15431

Regards

Awesome, thank you. That did help. So with a 55gal tank I would want at least a 55gph pump (for example) ? with a head hight that's right for my setup of course. And if I go higher, I just need to divert the water flow back into the tank if it gets to strong? I was thinking about going with a 120 gph pump, would that be okay?

Hi Celkins,

I am assuming you are OK, but this is only based on my personal experience with a constant flooded GB. I am not too sure if you are running another set up and is trying to time the ebb and flow of your GB, it might be a bit more complicated. Can you link your setup? I am interested to see what you have going.

Regards

I would use one big GB as less work, also would suggest getting a 1200lph or more canister filter (2nd hand) as you can have just the white filter media without the carbon filter as solids removal plus bio balls and noodles add a little more surface area for beneficial bacteria.
If not just get a pump rated similar and forget about the solids removal as its only a small system.

gold fish are good cos they eat and shit a lot but I think (my opinion only) there are way cooler ornamentals and even edibles out there, I would cycle with goldies and move them on for an eel tailed cat or barra or similar, but this is just me adding my 2 cents plus I hate gold fish lol

oh lol just realized you are in the U.S so yeah not aussie natives for u goldfish will be fine anyway im just a neigh sayer

also are you growing under lights? if so i would suggest running a single 250w Metal Halide

It's still in it's infancy. Just got the growbed tonight. Ended up getting a 54 gallon tote. We are working on putting in the drain... was having a really hard time with male and female pvc fittings, which was my first attempt...now I'm getting a flexible bulk head, I think its called Uniseal? So still waiting on that.

MY FRICKEN AQUARIUM IS FAILING ME! The crossbeam cracked and broke when I filled my aquarium....so I'm just crossing my fingers that it lasts till I can get a replacement...urg.

As for fancy goldfish, I actually chose them because I really like them haha. I will eventually upgrade to a bigger system with edible fish I'm sure.

Lighting I am using 4 fluorescent bulbs, 4ft long. I will take a picture of all of this when I get it set up and all my stuff gets shipped from amazon. Hopefully this is soon....

What is the reasoning behind your lighting suggestion? I went with the 4ft fluorescent bulbs since that was what I was told by my local grower, just curious what the difference is?

I actually have a canister filter, I believe its about that high of a rating. Would you suggest just putting it over the side of my tote and getting an extension for my tubing?

Celkins, I beleive that slimjim was suggesting that you use the canister filter as your pump, to draw from the fishtank, and outflow into your growbed.

I did try the canister filter, unfortunately it was not strong enough =( purchased a stronger one that is working great.
I'm going to start up a thread in the members sections with pictures in a little bit!