Grow bed cleaning

[ChilliBear]

Hi Everyone,

I guess this is for the experienced guys who have been running a GB system for a number of years.

I read this today

"In media filled bed aquaponics, after the system has been operational for a period of time, eventually the media and plants have to be removed and cleaned, causing a disruption in the plant and microbial growth."

It prompted a few questions...

1) What sort of period of time are we talking about for a backyard setup..... I have seen some videos saying they are happy with running it for 3 years.

2) Will putting worms in to the GB eliminate having to do this ?

3) I assume that you could then operate a rotation of grow beds during cleaning to combat any eco-system disruption.

4) Are there any other factors I missed barring a filter tank pre GB?

and............. since researching this I have a constant buzz about setting up my backyard system, and even more of a buzz thinking how far this could go in the UK..... Maybe getting some famous "green" celebs to endorse a my set up or taking it to the UK dragons Den with proper business plan etc... Just mind boggling the possibilities. And regardless of income generation (if that ever happens.. I feel I have to educate this messed up little island that sees everyone rushing to the supermarket, paying over the odds for inferior quality goods and and and.......) I'm sure some of you have been through this already.

Anyway.... answers on a post card......

OMG I have another question........... not sure its for this forum though.... I have always wanted to emigrate to OZ.... no real qualifications or trade to speak of that increases my points..... I am a project manager managing 1.3 million a year budget but...... Question is... is there a course... long distance, internet based... or something that I could do to get over to OZ and work on, operate, own an AP farm?

Ok enough Brain dump... sorry Gary if to much variation in one post!

[ChilliBear]

and................ really ?

"A bio-filter is simply a place for the beneficial bacteria to colonize. These bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate. In raft aquaponic systems, a separate bio-filter is not usually used because the rafts, tank walls and all other surfaces in the system provide sufficient area for the bacteria."

I understood that a bio filter pre raft tank was essential......confusing info....

[Crusty]

"In media filled bed aquaponics, after the system has been operational for a period of time, eventually the media and plants have to be removed and cleaned, causing a disruption in the plant and microbial growth."
Always good practice to reference text taken from another source in most countries it is law. In this case
http://www.aquaponics.com/articles/raftmethod.php

It prompted a few questions...

1) What sort of period of time are we talking about for a backyard setup..... I have seen some videos saying they are happy with running it for 3 years.


Only have time for number one one the list

1) This depends on the amount of feed you are putting in and dead root build up. It will also depend on your pre filtration. If you have none the time between cleans will be shorter. I think I was hearing people cleaning them at least once a year in a well filtered system.

The stories about not doing it for three years will be true, but I will guarantee they are not growing very many fish but plenty of plants which makes the fertilizer expensive. In fact, I will guarantee they are killing fish. This advice comes from someone who does not mind allowing severe cannibalism in carnivore species because they are cheap, even endorses this type of poor fish care.

Another strange argument from the same people is, a raft system needs pre filtration because the roots get "smothered" which is bad for the plants, which is very true. Then out of the other side of their mouths, they say that media grow beds do not. Part of that logic makes some sense for flood and drain growbeds, as the draining provides some oxygen for the plants, where as the rafts are always flooded (but always aerated). Do you see any logic in that?

My advice to you is keep an eye on the beds, if you see a build up of waste, you may be able to simply flush them. Or when you have a harvest, give them a good stir and clean before planting the new crop in. If it looks anything like this (operating without cleaning for 18 months), I would suggest checking your filtration and clean more often. Though by then it will have killed fish.

680681

[ChilliBear]

Hey Crusty,

Exactly what I meant about contradictory communication/information.
So point one is basically common sense.................. I'm getting the feeling that some people releasing videos and or books are not 100% committed to teaching the world how to live better but concentrated on personal sale targets for his products..... Hmm shame, disappointed but not surprised!