Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Have been lurking for some time and now and it is time to get started setting up a small experimental system.
I have purchased three 55gal blue barrels. One will be for the fish. the other two will be used for grow beds. My initial thoughts are to have the FT on its side using a CHOP setup, distributing to the grow beds.

In consideration of the grow media, wishing to keep the expense low, I hope to have the bottom 2/3rds River rock and the top to be Hydroton. I did a vinegar test on some River rock and did not see any bubbles. I left the rocks in the vinegar and two days later, saw that the rocks were covered with a white crystalline substance. Does this finding indicate that these rock not be used?

Thanks for any input.

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