As described in "Introductions", my system uses earthworms as a bio-reactor to covert organic feed stocks to plant nutrient. And, for it's relatively short life, it has been variously and hitherto described as an "aquaponic" variation. As I have progressed, getting the system to work, it seems my system is really closer to hydroponic, rather than aquaponic.
Rakocy describes Aquaponic as having two components: aquacultural and hydroponic. Well, that is just fine in the abstract but the fact is, having fish makes a big dent in how one designs the "hydroponic" side. Among others there is the amount of water in the system (much larger) and how often it is recirculated (many more times). I think, Plants (and worms) don't require it and fish do.
For example, I recently cut my hourly flood and drains to once every 4 hours. As far as I can tell, it has not changed anything except my electricity bill.
I'm interested in your thoughts, particularly on metrics. Presently, I have 5, 4'x8'x6" gravels beds. What, in an equivalent hydroponic system, would be required in terms total volume of nutrient-water and what rates (or how often) would be used for flow.? Ideas?
Thanks,
m
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