Evan's Indoor Nano-System

[evan]

Hi,

I'm new to aquaponics, however I have been keeping aquariums and gardens for years separately. Time to try and combine the two I figure. Plus it would be nice to get some fresh veggies in the winter :)

Here's my plan:

I'm going to build a relatively small unit compared to what I've seen here. Here's my rough sketchup:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzcXuAwjm6I/AAAAAAAADOA/X4cXCfDMPxc/s128/2Daquaponics.jpg (http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzcXuAwjm6I/AAAAAAAADOA/X4cXCfDMPxc/s800/2Daquaponics.jpg)

I'm going to be using a ~40 gallon rubbermaid (http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?CatName=Storage&SubcatId=Roughneck&Prod_ID=RP091417) for the fish tank, similar to the one in the link.

For the light in the fish tank I will be using this apparently waterproof led strip light (http://www.besthongkong.com/product_info.php?cPath=10_59&products_id=175&osCsid=26e4e36e0147d547fbc2e4794681248f), hope it will be enough light for the fish :confused:

Here's the pump (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4587+8164&pcatid=8164) I've chosen, I think I'll go for the 480 model with four feet max head. I will probably only need to push the water up three feet but I would rather have the extra room to work with.

There's a few different containers I'm considering for the grow bed, but I know that I want to try and make a bell siphon for the return to the fish.

As far as fish go, I'm planning on trying to get some bluegill (http://www.sprucecreekfish.com/bluegill-fsh-farm.htm) fingerlings from a nearby game farm. My only concern is that they are a "game fish" and I'm unsure on the laws. I know you're not supposed to catch them and keep them in a tank. I wonder if I'll be able to buy from the game farm and keep them.

Can't wait to get things rolling, tomorrow I plan on grabbing a couple different rubbermaids, do leak tests and see which model holds water the best. I will probably be designing a strap system to support the center of the tank.

Any help for this first timer would be greatly appreciated.

[LFCummins]

You should really consider this for a plant bed. big enough, yet not huge like the beds you will endup with in the end (4' x 8') if you should get the "AQ Bug" its nice size to go along the walls since 2 ft is average reach, and most of all its cheap. Durable, since its basicly used to mix concrete or soils for gardening, even washing a dog. I have several. they work absolutely great


MacCourt
Large Black Mixing Tub
36" x 24-1/2" x 8" HD Polyethylene
Item #: 19252 Model: ST3608
LOWE'S - Price : $11.38

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=19252-1569-ST3608

[LFCummins]

For a tank you might try this small tub.

Rope Tub - Blue (18 gal)
21.5 x 16.5 " Polypropylene
Catalog #: 11271942
TARGET - Price : $6.99

http://www.target.com/Rope-Tub-Blue-18-gal/dp/B002C0VBB8/ref=sc_qi_detaillink

I have one running with the bed I linked in the post below with an air pump - thats it. Use the air to lift the water threw 1/2" PVC and elbow into the bed, siphon loop back to tank.
Any who it has lots of uses.

[evan]

You should really consider this for a plant bed. big enough, yet not huge like the beds you will endup with in the end (4' x 8') if you should get the "AQ Bug" its nice size to go along the walls since 2 ft is average reach, and most of all its cheap. Durable, since its basicly used to mix concrete or soils for gardening, even washing a dog. I have several. they work absolutely great


MacCourt
Large Black Mixing Tub
36" x 24-1/2" x 8" HD Polyethylene
Item #: 19252 Model: ST3608
LOWE'S - Price : $11.38

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=19252-1569-ST3608

That's perfect for my setup, thanks for the link!

[GaryD]

Hi LFC,

Those tubs look like they'd make excellent grow beds. Are they robust enough to hold gravel?

The price is certainly right.

Gary

[LFCummins]

I will try that one soon as spring arrives and let ya know. They are for kids room to put toys in, got to ne somewhat tough. For 7 dollors it wouldnt hurt if it worked. be nice for small trees :D

[evan]

Few updates:

I got a 35 gallon container that I will be returning as I found the 45 gallon container below for the same price.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzmrHM0VqdI/AAAAAAAADP8/hq4XU3jPQmY/s128/PC280008.JPG (http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzmrHM0VqdI/AAAAAAAADP8/hq4XU3jPQmY/s640/PC280008.JPG)

I was experiencing bowing with the old smaller container so I bought two this time and the double layer approach helps big time and adds piece of mind knowing that a leak is very unlikely.

As you can see in the first image I added an air stone, here's the air pump I had laying around.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzmrGUX2FrI/AAAAAAAADP4/3EFNq-m-PVc/s128/PC270004.JPG (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzmrGUX2FrI/AAAAAAAADP4/3EFNq-m-PVc/s640/PC270004.JPG)

I also found a great deal on a grow bed. This grey container was only $7.00 and after cutting it down a little I have a decent grow bed:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzmrHWgYaxI/AAAAAAAADQA/6VPK1igjet8/s128/PC280009.JPG (http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzmrHWgYaxI/AAAAAAAADQA/6VPK1igjet8/s640/PC280009.JPG)

I already installed the stand pipe for my bell siphon. I plan on building a stand for this bed to sit at least a couple feet above the tank so I can access my fishes.

Here's the downspout that returns the water from the grow bed to the fish tank:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzmrIG-ZpyI/AAAAAAAADQI/OIgvOfbYVuU/s128/PC280011.JPG (http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzmrIG-ZpyI/AAAAAAAADQI/OIgvOfbYVuU/s640/PC280011.JPG)

The goofy looking fitting with an end cap at the bottom is something I'm going to experiment with. I plan on fitting a length of airline into the end cap and then run the line up a ways. Hopefully this will create a venturi effect and create even more water/air mixin.

[evan]

Made a little more progress tonight. I upgraded the air stone and finished the bell siphon. Testing this thing was fun:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzrmjIZf2sI/AAAAAAAADTA/C8OylDVTuQs/s128/PC290001.JPG (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/SzrmjIZf2sI/AAAAAAAADTA/C8OylDVTuQs/s640/PC290001.JPG)

The grow bed fills about half way and then drains almost completely. I can't believe how well this thing works. A also drilled a small hole at the bottom of the standpipe, in case I lose power before the auto siphon begins, let me know what you think.

I might pick up the PVC for my frame tomorrow. I still need to do some more sketches to figure out how much I will need though.

[GaryD]

Hi Evan,

You're going like a train. Getting auto-syphons working is always a big day in the life of a budding aquaponicist.

Have you discovered tank outlets yet? They're a good way to connect hoses and pipes to tanks and drums.

They should be available from your local Home Depot store.....and they'll make life easier (and less inclined to leak).

Gary

[evan]

I probably should go with the outlet. I just bought a male and female connection, then siliconed it to either side of the container.

http://www.dripworksusa.com/products/maleadapt.jpg http://www.dripworksusa.com/products/p34fa.jpg

It clamped down well, the seal is pretty tight but I should use something with a bit wider surface connection.

[GaryD]

....and that works, too.

[evan]

Got my stand built:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/Sz7oloEgSPI/AAAAAAAADbk/xSW6z-7D3iU/s128/P1010003.JPG (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/Sz7oloEgSPI/AAAAAAAADbk/xSW6z-7D3iU/s512/P1010003.JPG)

It isn't pretty, but it was cheap and is very sturdy. Good thing it's in a spare bedroom.

My initial plan was to just use one grow bed in the same direction as the fish tank, however it looks like two will fit perfectly side by side. :)

Next step will be to cut and fit a plywood base for the grow beds to sit on and finish the plumbing.

I've been running an air stone in the fish tank for a few days now. Can't wait to get the whole system running and cycling.

I was thinking of heading down to the bait shop to get a half scoop of crappie minnows to help the cycle along. The minnows wouldn't be in there for more than a couple days anyways as I hope to get out ice fishing soon. :cool: good or bad idea?

[evan]

Made some more progress tonight. Got the second grow bed built, complete with bell siphon. Then I hooked everything up and gave it a go. It's a little loud when the drains start going.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/S0BNHLYpVwI/AAAAAAAADc4/FE8l_u_rQqw/s128/P1020001.JPG (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aOxtVgEOxqE/S0BNHLYpVwI/AAAAAAAADc4/FE8l_u_rQqw/s512/P1020001.JPG)

It floods and drains perfectly, can't wait to get some hydroton in there. I think I'm going to add some clay pots, fake aquarium plants and rock to the fish tank.

Next big step is to get the lights, I'm going to take my time though - I will probably let the tank cycle for another month or so. I want to make sure there's enough beneficial bacteria going before I start adding livestock.

[LFCummins]

Looking good.

As to looking pretty, from a previous post. It does look good to me, specially when it works :)

[evan]

Looking good.

As to looking pretty, from a previous post. It does look good to me, specially when it works :)

Thanks, I really spent a lot of time planning, which is starting to pay off when everything just starts fitting together - and works perfectly. :)