smaller systems

[whiteFinches]

I've seen some people in posts discussing how big their aquaponics set-ups can be, but what I wanted to know is if it would work on the small scale equally as well. I'm looking to develop an aquaponics system for smaller spaces, like apartments, and was wondering if there was a limit to how small these systems could be and still function properly. I would be using gold-fish, not fish for eating, and only be growing herbs and lettuce.

[SwampCreek]

Yeah, you can make them as small as you want. I have seen a lot of the smaller setups on youtube. I had a system in my "mancave" that was out of a 20 gallon fish tank, a few potted plants and it worked fine.

[whiteFinches]

Really, thats great. I was looking at doing something with a fish tank that I already had, 'converting' it to an aquaponics system I suppose, but it's only about 30L. Would I be correct in assuming that if something goes wrong in a smaller system, it happens a whole lot faster than in a big one?

[GaryD]

Hi,

Things certainly happen faster in small systems.

Am I right in assuming that you're thinking of something like this (http://www.earthsolutions.com/Farm-in-a-Box--Little-Tokyo-40no-tank41_p_608.html).

People often use such systems as a tool to educate themselves or as a proof of concept device to educate a partner who may want to see how things work before committing to a larger system.


Gary