ellistattoo's first AP setup

[ellistattoo]

Ok, here goes...

I just got 4 botanicare 115 gallon reservoirs that are approximately 4ftx4ftx14.5in. In the next few weeks I'm going to pick up at least 8 more of them for a total of 12. I'd like to use a 1,100 gallon poly water tank as the FT. The FT can be found here and the GBs are in the pic below. IMG_20120119_123455.jpg

The plan is to use 3/4" limestone free river gravel as the media and set it up flood/drain. I'll probably put channel catfish in the system since they're native and inexpensive (and get big ). It will be enclosed in a 18ftx30ft pvc hoophouse.

I am new to this but will try to post my progress as it develops. I welcome any and all questions, comments, and critiques

[Earthan Group]

Diving right in there . Great stuff. I like the trays.

[ellistattoo]

Thank you Earthan Group. I can assure you it won't be nearly as aesthetically pleasing as any of your projects! I'm really impressed with your newest integrated garden and have enjoyed reading about it on your website.

[Earthan Group]

Thank you.

I think you will be suprised by the end result when you get there. There is plenty of time to tart it up a bit once you take care of the fuctionality. I am looking forward to seeing it.

[RS_]

hea,

looking like a great start to me too......... and local no less..........

[ande]

The plan is to use 3/4" limestone free river gravel as the media

Welcome aboard aphq, please beware of limestones impact on the water parameters (Ph/gh)

cheers

[ellistattoo]

Thanks RS, was checking out your 5000gal system w/ the massive sump. Very neat! Glad there's so much AP activity here in the lone star state

Ande-I'm sorry, I didn't word my first post very well I found a local source that has river gravel with no limestone in it and that's what I meant. I'm gonna get a bucketful this week and test to make sure. What do you feel will be the best way? Was thinking maybe fill a bucket half full w/ gravel and the rest with water, leave it for a week, and then do a PH test. I read somewhere you could pour vinegar on it too and it'd fizzle if it was too acidic.

BTW I'm brand new and haven't a clue what I'm doing. That's why I joined this great forum, so you veterans can keep me in check!

[Earthan Group]

I read somewhere you could pour vinegar on it too and it'd fizzle if it was too acidic.

Perhaps make up an acid water mix with at pH around 6, put that in your bucket with an airstone and test the pH daily. You will see the increase quickly if is it alkaline.

I would not go to too much trouble though and dive in. As long as there is no specific lime in the gravel the system will work itself out.

[GaryD]

Hi Ellistattoo,

Great looking growbed containers. Not only would they make great grow beds.....but they'd be good for raft tanks, sump tanks, filtration tanks.....all manner of stuff.

Compared to the US, we suffer for the lack on good off-the-shelf plastic ware.

Gary

[RS_]

ellistattoo,

the DFW AP meet up group, is planning a tour of my system on Feb 4.

http://www.meetup.com/dfwaquaponics/

you, and any other local's reading this, are welcome to attend......

RS