Aquaponics (plants Removing Nitrates)

[DoughBoy93090]

Hey everyone! I created a video going into detail with the aquaponics system I set up in my 75 gallon sump.

What do you think?

 

[ChaosTheory]

Will be following this one

 

[DoughBoy93090]

Will be following this one

Thanks! If you could like the video and subscribe to my channel I’d appreciate it!

Once I see results I’ll post another video.

Did a big water change after the video and am registering 20-40 ppm nitrates which is consistent with tap water. Goal is to see no rise in nitrates or a decrease.

I would love to set up a grow bed integrated into the system as well but I am held hostage to what my wife allows lol!

She allows a lot but puts her foot down when I get crazy.

 

[ChaosTheory]

Thanks! If you could like the video and subscribe to my channel I’d appreciate it!

Will do so

She allows a lot but puts her foot down when I get crazy

Amen to that. One must tread lightly around "she who must be obeyed"

 

[DoughBoy93090]

Will do so



Amen to that. One must tread lightly around "she who must be obeyed"

She already told me no to the 40gallon water reservoir I wanted to put in our kitchen lol

 

[ChaosTheory]

She already told me no to the 40gallon water reservoir I wanted to

A wise man once said " it is easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission"....

 

[DoughBoy93090]

A wise man once said " it is easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission"....

To bad I already ran the idea by her. Would be an act of defiance at this point

 

[NavyChief20]

Wait....im unclear on something. The tank has been cycled for 3 weeks? Weren't you asking alot of basic sump questions last week and your friend set it up?

Correction 13 days ago, so almost 2 weeks not 3 weeks.

 

[DoughBoy93090]

Wait....im unclear on something. The tank has been cycled for 3 weeks? Weren't you asking alot of basic sump questions last week and your friend set it up?

Correction 13 days ago, so almost 2 weeks not 3 weeks.

Hey Navy how are yuh!

I’ve owned and ran tanks for most of my life. The only thing that was new to me was owning a sump filter, so I needed help with figuring out the right flow rate.

The new tank was cycled with filter media from the old tank, as well as the original plant decor.

 

[Sarcasm Included]

A wise man once said " it is easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission"....

Trouble is, he only said it ONCE. He learned his lesson after that, lol

 

[NavyChief20]

Hey Navy how are yuh!

I’ve owned and ran tanks for most of my life. The only thing that was new to me was owning a sump filter, so I needed help with figuring out the right flow rate.

The new tank was cycled with filter media from the old tank, as well as the original plant decor.

Ahhh you seeded ok. Yes im aware you have been running tanks most of your life. I have a photographic memory.

 

[DoughBoy93090]

Ahhh you seeded ok. Yes im aware you have been running tanks most of your life. I have a photographic memory.

That’s a good skill to have!

I will read something than have to go back and read it again to finish my thought sometimes haha.

 

[McFly]

Find nitrogen hungry plants. Pothos is a very hearty easy to grow plant,
which makes it popular for this application... I'm going to attempt a couple
of mint plants, just for giggles. They love Nitrogen...

You've got a nice set up. It'll be interesting to see how you progress.
Good luck!

 

[DoughBoy93090]

Find nitrogen hungry plants. Pothos is a very hearty easy to grow plant,
which makes it popular for this application... I'm going to attempt a couple
of mint plants, just for giggles. They love Nitrogen...

You've got a nice set up. It'll be interesting to see how you progress.
Good luck!

I wanted to do a fill and drain bed with mint for the 60 gallon. But doubt the wife will allow it lol

 

[McFly]

I wanted to do a fill and drain bed with mint for the 60 gallon. But doubt the wife will allow it lol

Make her a Moscow Mule (or 3), it might change her mind!

 

[DoughBoy93090]

Make her a Moscow Mule (or 3), it might change her mind!

Lol if only it was that easy!

 

[McFly]

Take a look at my build. Up and running now.
Let me know what you think.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/aquaponic-filter-upgrade.401691/

 

[DoughBoy93090]

Posted an update video a few days ago!

 

[McFly]

Coming slong nicely! Good mods! It's great to see someone
dedicated to making something work efficiently. I'd guess < 5ppm
Nitrates is the goal?

Do you plan on balancing Nitrate consumption (plants) once you
hit your nitrate goal? If so, how?

Are you still performing water changes as frequently? It's an
interesting question, seeing as your water changes also supply
nitrates..... (Things that make you go hmmmm...)

 

[DoughBoy93090]

Coming slong nicely! Good mods! It's great to see someone
dedicated to making something work efficiently. I'd guess < 5ppm
Nitrates is the goal?

Do you plan on balancing Nitrate consumption (plants) once you
hit your nitrate goal? If so, how?

Are you still performing water changes as frequently? It's an
interesting question, seeing as your water changes also supply
nitrates..... (Things that make you go hmmmm...)

Exactly! Lol.

With nitrates in my tap no increase in nitrates would be awesome, but if I can get a decrease in nitrates that would be spectacular!

If you understand basic plant biology than your plants will consume enough nitrogen to support their current leaf mass as well as fuel for new growth.

Once the plants are big enough to consume the amount of nitrogen you want, simply trimming the new growth will suffice in keeping your nitrates where they need to be.

The balance will be from old growth die off, new growth and nitrogen consumption.

Aquaponics has been popular because it allows you to basically overstock your tank. The absorption of nitrates will be greater than your fish can produce creating a perfect ecosystem for plants and fish.

Unless you are supplementing with basic minerals and micro nutrients you will still need to do water changes to replenish these minerals in your water.

This is why people who use RO systems should supplement with basic minerals and electrolytes because some RO systems strip everything from the water.