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scottderby
7th March 2011, 05:22 AM
I am a high school teacher and my class is about to finish setting up a continuous flow aquaponics system. I want to get the seeds started but was wondering what the best way to start the seeds would be? Once in the system the plants will be growing in pots filled with river pebbles. What is the best way to start the plants? Thanks in advance for any help that can be offered.
GaryD
7th March 2011, 09:03 PM
Hi Scott,

I
am a high school teacher and my class is about to finish setting up a continuous flow aquaponics system.

I want to get the seeds started but was wondering what the best way to start the seeds would be? Once in the system the plants will be growing in pots filled with river pebbles. What is the best way to start the plants?

Are you talking about surface continuous flow.....or sub-surface continuous flow....or will the pots be sat in a pipe (like NFT)?

You can rear the seedlings in some vermiculite (which holds moisture well). When a couple of inches high, transplant them into your net pots.

Gary
scottderby
8th March 2011, 04:10 AM
Thank you for the reply. The water will come up about 1/3 the height of the pots.
GaryD
8th March 2011, 02:24 PM
Hi Scott,

A photo of your system would be helpful in getting a better understanding of how it works.

Gary
scottderby
10th March 2011, 12:39 PM
Gary - here is a link to a youtube video of the system: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jArG7t5CA0E

Thanks again for the help.

Scott
kellenw
10th March 2011, 07:08 PM
Hi Scott,

Sorry, not really an answer to your question, but in looking at your video...

I did not see any form of mechanical filtration present. You'll need it with your system unless you go extremely light on the fish stocking. I noticed some cut up pieces of pvc pipe in one of the 55 gal barrels. I assume that is intended for biofiltration. If you could chop those up further that would give you more surface area for bacteria. Just a thought.... smaller the better.
GaryD
16th March 2011, 12:21 PM
Hi Scott,

You've clearly invested a heap of effort in your little system.

Like Kellen, I can't quite make out any mechanical filtration......and I agree that your bio-filter media should be smaller.....much smaller.

Can you talk us through the various components in your system? You have what appears to be a number of grow beds but I don't see media in them.....so I'm not too sure what's what.

Gary