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Experimental Aquaponic setup


GrahamC

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Still trying to get this working

first pass at the radial flow filter .. riser in the top shub courtesy of Carine

and then riser now shrouded in a drain pipe so that I have a radial flow filter ( I think ). This also shows the bell siphon kicking off to drain the lower shub.

currently the bath tub below the paved area is holding 6 goldfish, refugees from a Victoria Uni science experiment. But nitrate levels are 0 so I need to add more fish, or, remove the duck weed in that bath so I can start to feed the plants.

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The waterfall is for aeration of the water, and possibly nitrate removal using algae if I get too many nitrates.

I need to channel the waterfall to the centre so I don't lose any water on the sides. I was thinking of using polycarbonate but polythene sheet around the waterfall to prevent loss from Wellington wind sounds good.

I've got my polystyrene raft that I need to cut up to fit the top of the upper shub, and need to drill the 2" holes for the net pots if I can find anyone who sells them!

My endeavour is strictly veggies, not growing any plants to make rope or clothing!

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the radial flow filter ( the upper shub ) removes the fish solids only. Any plants in the DWC might remove some, but the intention is really to provide nitrates for the grow bed. If I have too many nitrates then this might help. If I don't have enough I can cover the waterfall with an opaque sheet to prevent light falling on the waterfall.

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I got the raft in place now, and am restricting the waterfall to the centre so that I don't lose too much down the sides.

styrofoam-raft-in-place.jpg

Still waiting for a source of 2 inch net pots so I have not drilled the holes yet. The system is working on a 2 hourly flood and drain cycle lasting 2.5 minutes, and hourly at mid day ( timer only has 8 settings ). There's an air gap of about an inch below the styrofoam raft for air to circulate and reach the oxygen roots.

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