1st ever post! please help with filter and setup feasibility test!

[arachdog]

the fish tank wall (near the top) and draws from the bottom ..........since that's where the solids are.

There reason for drawing from the surface as well is to keep it free of floating scum. That allows the water surface to transfer more oxygen. I haven't really worked out the relative flows, it may well end up being better to have majority flowing from the bottom. I went for a center drain for the improved tank access and less flow resistance compared to a side entry design.

While I liked the overhead trickling bio-filter arrangement, I'm tending toward a Moving Bed filter located in the sump tank itself. In fact, the entire sump tank will be a Moving Bed bio-filter.

Yeah I can see the advantage of that design with regards to maintenance, but I think the efficiency advantages of a trickle filter still just out weigh that benefit. But its a close one. I'm hoping my 50um screen filter will keep the bio-filter clean for quite a while. But I guess its still going to need cleaning eventually.

[aquapoolman]

Seems to me there are so many different types of setups available for every single aspect of a system, this may be more difficult than I imagined. In light of this, I have decided to start with the fish tank. I need to determine which shape, intake and return locations make the most amount of sense for these tanks. Firstly from overflow protection, but also for draining protection. Secondly taking into account maintaining great flow rates and removing waste from top middle and bottom locations to ensure removal of solid wastes, and finally, something that is easy to clean and maintain. I'm heading to the drawing board and when I create a tank which can satisfy these concerns, I shall return

Let the quest for the perfect fish tank design begin!

[GaryD]

Hi Jacob,

Let the quest for the perfect fish tank design begin!

The perfect fish tank is the one that lets grow the largest number of fish........in the smallest amount of water.....using the minimum of electricity.........in the greatest safety.......for the least amount of money......with the shortest possible set up time.

If we've allowed you to become confused, we've done you a disservice.

The simplest aquaponics system requires nothing more than a fish tank (a rubbermaid tote) a grow bed or two........and a small submersible pump.

Position the grow bed(s) in such a way that the water drains directly back into the fish tanks. In this system, the pump is located in the fish tank.

Get your system cycled and then add some plants and a few fish.

Get something like this happening while you ponder the art and mystery of aquaponics. You can add the finishing touches to this little unit......like a simple means of removing some solids.....and a separate trickling bio-filter.....as you go.

Most importantly, buy a freshwater test kit......and learn the fundamentals of water quality management.

You'll learn more from your direct experience of a small system like this than from anywhere else......and you'll be eating fresh salads while your fish grow and you consider what the ideal system might look like.

Gary

[GaryD]

Hi Arachdog,

There reason for drawing from the surface as well is to keep it free of floating scum. That allows the water surface to transfer more oxygen.

I've built and operated ten backyard aquaponics/aquaculture systems......and seen dozens more.......and I've never seen scum floating on the surface of any of them.

..........but I think the efficiency advantages of a trickle filter still just out weigh that benefit.

As much as I like trickling bio-filters, they are not more efficient than a moving bed filter.

You've stated elsewhere that your goal is to build a recirculating aquaculture system (as distinct from an aquaponics system). While I don't think that one is necessarily exclusive of the other, if that's your goal, then everything you need (in terms of technology) is already there.

My advice to you is the same as that I've just provided to Jacob.

Put a small RAS together....buy yourself a test kit.....and let experience drive your development of a better system. A few months of practical experience will stand you in much better stead than years of theorising.

Gary

[aquapoolman]

I appreciate you bringing me back down to earth Gary!

You are right, in every aspect, I am just trying to think big.

I get your point, in your eyes, aquaponics is about maximizing your resources, to create a system which costs less and operates cheaper and more efficient. I can definitely respect that.

I guess there is a fine line which I need to find, where I can be satisfied that my system is reaching its full potential. I am familiar with water parameters and water testing as I have owned and operated 4 freshwater and 1 saltwater aquarium successfully for years. In my home aquariums though I change the intake and return lines and constantly play with the water flow direction, to try and find the best and most efficient possible combination. With my Aquaponics system, I will not have that luxury.

I want a setup which will satisfy my creative and innovative side too. You are very lucky Gary, to have so much field experience. You know what kind of systems are out there and what many people are using. are there any federations, councils, coalitions or clubs (this web forum aside) which link aquaponic participants together??

[GaryD]

Hi Jacob,

I appreciate you bringing me back down to earth Gary! You are right, in every aspect, I am just trying to think big.

Please don't think I was having a swipe at you. My concern was that we had managed to confuse you by conducting a discussion on various system ideas......and that, in so doing, we had done you a disservice.

Your experience of aquariums will stand you in very good stead.

The point of my post was to say.......Don't put it off until you achieve the holy grail of systems.....get in and have a go and fine tune your system and ideas while you're munching on your home-grown salad.

Gary

[arachdog]

I've built and operated ten backyard aquaponics/aquaculture systems......and seen dozens more.......and I've never seen scum floating on the surface of any of them.

Oh, I have. With freshwater it doesn't start to form until you've got a high protein loading that only really occurs once your past a certain stocking density.

As much as I like trickling bio-filters, they are not more efficient than a moving bed filter.

To be honest I'm not sure about energy efficiency, you reckon there not as good?. There's no denying they are better in term of nitrification efficiency though.

You've stated elsewhere that your goal is to build a recirculating aquaculture system (as distinct from an aquaponics system). While I don't think that one is necessarily exclusive of the other, if that's your goal, then everything you need (in terms of technology) is already there.

Well the rotating screen filter wasn't. Not in the size I wanted. Anyway my goal is a bit more complicated than that. I realize it can all be done a lot simpler. I'm interested building an economicly efficient system, thats compact, keeps labour to a minimum, and can be scaled up without compromising those ideals. Its the being compact and keeping labour to a minimum part thats really keeping me away from aquaponics.

Put a small RAS together....buy yourself a test kit.....and let experience drive your development of a better system. A few months of practical experience will stand you in much better stead than years of theorising.

It's true I've been theorising for too long. Not through choice though, I've only just got my own place. My folks wouldn't let me setup anything while I was living with them. You advice to start small is good, and is essentially what I'm doing.

[moose]

The venturi drain