Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Since the water level won't get much higher than the bottom of the drain hole, the roots shouldn't be an issue. However if it does become an issue then a pvc guard is prolly a good idea.

Being able to change the water level at will would be great. But the water change in the pump tank would be greater.

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I think the roots like the drains because there might be even more air there. Like why do so many trees plant themselves right on the waters edge? As long as you keep an eye on it , they will be ok. It would take time and the water level would go up slowly as they clogged it. mine is very hard to get to so I covered it with a plastic cap 9 inches down.

Okay, I need to think of how to keep the roots out of there. A pvc guard/ slider thing like you explained may just do the trick.

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On my next system the drain will be on the FT side of the new units. Then the roots can go where ever they please.

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Yes that will work as long as you don't mind sending the GB water directly thru the fish. many people do this with no problems. I do it also right now. even on the new test4 it will be done this way so if you fail I will need changes. lol

You could just slide the gravel over and do it now if you wished. Toss a wall up of that mesh you got and try it.

I would but I'd have to empty the GB and drill holes then seal them with silicone or clear pvc cement.

I did have a fish in isolation in the GB when it was only half full of gravel. He was swollen and swimming alone. I fed him to a stray cat eventually.

The water should go from the growbed to the FT in most AP systems shouldn't it? The GB should act as the primary filter where the roots take in nitrates created by germs out of ammonia.

My current system drains the water from the GB to the FT.

Last night I left the pump on as usual, and woke to see half the water spilled out over night. The drain exit was not close enough to the FT. :facepalm:
I have the bubbler goin to keep water oxygenated untill I have fully sun treated some tap water.
Most people think i'm crazy, but I can smell the crap in the tap and the difference after I sun-treat it

And for a metaphysical boost I drop in an exceptional quartz crystal. Not saying it has an effect, I just like to try everything.

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Hmm. My small fish I think might be tetras. When I was examining them however, I saw groupings of black spots on their bellies. Also my goldfish is missing a few scales on one side.
I feel like disease is about to run rampant.

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I remember your drawing as fill on the right, drain on the left. You drew the fish in on the right where the fill is and you originally had the plants in the photos with the empty area at the drain. Are you saying that the drain is too low there to have enough water for the fish. Can you add an up elbow inside, Take off the screen bring that exit up with a 90 and then screen it again at the top. Rotate it for water depth if the cut is too long.

Since you are having a problem with knowing exactly what fish they are maybe it is normal for them to add color spots at that age and the GF rubbed the scales off against the sharp rocks. They like to itch places. If it itches the scales against the floor all day then there might be a problem of a parasite. I had to pull all sharp objects out of my tank, GF like to injure themselves.

Are you talking about this drawing?

I have it filling the GB side, then drain on the FT side

In my next, second system I'll make it so I can raise and lower the water level in the Growbed-fishtanks by 2 inches. Then transplanting will be much easier.

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If I go back and look at the original setup you had what I am talking about. The fish would then be on the left, not right. Add a 90 degree elbow to the drain to raise the water level and put the fish on the left. Use a wall to hold the gravel back, like you were talking about. Fill on the gravel side. You should not have to redo much. In those totes, I bet the entire gravel bed would slide to the other side with ease. Then you are done and have little pocket of fish the way you want them.

Without measurements and calculations I don't know which way would hold more then the other or if it is just an artistic design you like. And that is all that is needed.

I'm keeping the current system setup until I get more gravel for the top gb. Once lights and new pump are installed I plan to sell for a break even price and rebuilding a bigger better AP system

I was thinking last night, and I think I'm going to ditch the GB for floating cups. More fish space and growing space

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My dirt garden got blasted by the sun today.
Pintobeans and squash wilted a lil before I could fix the shading. Tomatoes loked okay but they don't know what's good for them. Got everything fixed at 11am. Looking for a windproof solution.

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Now there is a major leak in the GB. I may have to scrap this unit and release most of the fish.
It's seems like nothing sticks to sterilite plastic tubs.

I'll try sanding the area then gluing it.

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I never use glue on any GB fitting. I use screw together fittings and washers on both sides. No leaks ever so far. One side is PVC with a brass thread and the other is 100% PC thread. Tighten by hand and add a little extra, you're done. If you are gluing those pipes to the GB, then IMO you are using the wrong connectors and it might never work. Go to your PVC store and see what they have for thru wall connectors for tanks. They are dirt cheap.