Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

hey there, am kinda newbie here, would you recommend a moving bed filter such as K1 to be a biofilter for a DWC aquaponics? I read an article about having a mineralization tank, degassing tank, and clarifying tank for DWC aquaponics. So, what Kind of filtration system do i really need for a DWC system? thanks

You'll need a solids filter and a biofilter and maybe some other things. Some have just used media grow beds before the DWC. It depends too on how large a DWC system you're talking about. If you're more specific you'll be more likely to get the right answer for what you're trying to do.

I am planning on using a 1700gal for a fish tank, then, raising Tilapias for bout 1 fish per 5 gallons, then it would be about 350 tilapias, but the DWC bed still don't know what size should it be. The solids filter, am planning on using a swirl filter.

..
One of the bigger AP trainers confirms that you should never have DWC without Bio filtration. Via media..

Were I planning your system, then I would have a swirl filter after the FT........, SUMP after that.. PIST
CRUSTACEANS in ST
A swiming pool Canister filter and then a media bed before the DWC..
An old sand filter, filled with Bio filtration could help... You can put a gravel bed to practical production use..

Is not the rule of thumb, that to contain the needed bacteria, you should have 30L of media per fish..
But if you remove most of the solids and mineralise off line, then you will need less media..

My experience with canister pool filters is contrary to most of the advice given and I assume it is given by folk who have never tried one..
I have one, and contrary to opinion, there is next to no muck in the filter , as it quickly mineralises under good DO and higher water pressure..


IMHO..
..
.

Its a given that you need solids removal and filtration before a DWC and although adding one after a media bed works, its not the ideal set up. But it depends on your plans with this system and what its purpose is.

The raw basics is you need to size your bio-filtration capacity to your feed rates. *Feed input (gram) x protein (%) x 0.092 / 0.6 = surface area square metre*

If you decide on K1, it has a surface area of 500m2 or there is K1 'micro' which has a surface area of 950m2, although its pretty pricey. As an estimate, one litre of standard K1 it has the ability to process approx 10g of feed/day. The DWC itself will provide surface area for bacteria colonisation but the bio-filter is the brains of the operation.

A basic layout would be something like *FT-->RFF or Swirl-->BIO-->DWC-->SUMP-->FT*
There are alterations on this depending on the overall layout. To fine tune the system there could be a mineralisation tank, clarifier, settlement tank, degasser and all sorts. Mineralising is a whole another conversation but there is a good thread running on this at the moment.

I probably also should have said that you don't have to use K1 as a bio-media choice, there are many others like bioballs, bird netting, shade cloth etc etc

Thanks for the reply guys. I have few more questions, so how much DWC bed do i need? Also how much bird netting or other netting, do i need? (per 1 LB of fish). Lastly, do you guys have some any written material about mineralization tank, degassing tank, and clarifying tank? thanks

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=22769

This should get you started on the mineralization tank information.

As Charlie said - you need to size your biofiltration area to your intended feed input, not the amount of fish (as different fish feed differently).

So if you can work out the area of your media you can use Charlies formula. I have no idea of the area of bird netting - I think its normally used more as a mechanical filter than a biofilter, though it would work as a biofilter.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Biomax-K1-Si ... Swo0JWJxn7

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1500-Bio-Bal ... RGEZyHnQbg

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/High-50-Pcs- ... 1c5a33c0a9

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Marinepure-B ... 3641.l6368

which media would you pick ?

depends what for - I'd chose K1 for MBBR

Biomax K1 vs Kaldness K1
any difference ???
that ebay link has Biomax rated at higher surface area
how ever "Charlie" said 950m2 was k1 micro surface area
are they smooth plastic or rough ?

still looking for HEL-X ..
and no idea at all where to get Kaldnes Bio Chips which are meant to be twice the surface area

I am actually half tempted using Marinepure Bio Media to sit on the bottom of the return pipe or anywhere that will have an constant flow of water over it

then create a vortex in the bio filter for K1 to move about

apart from that anyone know a good place to buy the bacteria gels to kick start system ?


mmm

Free sample of Mutag Bio-chip

http://www.aqualifeindustries.com/

The biomax is a 5 spoke cf with 4 spoke for kaldnes K1- The kaldnes is apparently prone to squashing whereas the 5 spoke is a bit more structurally sound.

re- putting in bottom of return pipe, I would not recommend putting any biomedia where you can't easily clean it.

I would also suggest just cycling the system naturally without gels etc - for one if its a new system there are generally teething problems to sort out. patience can be hard but is a good thing.

cheers for heads up on the 4 and 5 difference after seeing this
https://youtu.be/WHxzDPxQa6I
5 for the bio-max is defiantly the winner

Might be buying Mutag Bio-chip @ 3000 m2/m3

downside minimum order is 1 cubic meter = 170kg .....

https://youtu.be/Xxlgkjvw9Ss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAlVg8M_xV8
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcqIKV ... ZPh-3VfeWw

anyone else used these ?
any in OZ interested

1m3 is ALOT of biomedia for those biochips - I've used the domestic version ECO pondchip - need to design the biofilter carefully (no slots just holes) and it can be prone to bunching so agittion/flow needs to be considered carefully.

how much you planning on feeding per day maximum? Is it for AP or a RAS system?