Filtering my water - Part 2

My first attempts at filtering the algae out of the water failed so I bought a bunch of aquarium filtration material and a plastic container to build a "proper" filter. So far I have spent R350 (close to $30) including the new material trying to clear up my water. I am beginning to wonder if seeing my fish is worth it, or should I take it by faith that since there are no bodies floating around and no strange smells that all is well and the fish are doing fine?

Anyway onto the filter. I took the plastic container and drilled about 15 small holes in the bottom. I then placed the white almost wool like material in first. I cut it so that it would completely cover the bottom and the sides when it is in place. Next I cut a piece of the black large particle filter and placed it on top of the finer white material. The large particle filter collects all the food and manure and other large particles so they don't clog up the finer filter. The finer material is supposed to catch the algae and other tiny particles.

After running this all night I saw that the fine filter was clogged up with algae and the water was no longer running through the filter but was simply poring over the side of the plastic container. I tryed cleaning the finer filter but to no avail. Fortunately the pet shop does not sell this stuff in small pieces so I had plenty left over to cut another piece and re-assemble the filter before I left for work. On arriving back home I saw the filter was clogged again (this is not going to work). None the less I keep cleaning it and re-assembling it.

My bell siphon is also starting to give problems. At this point I would like to say that I can't understand why so many people are making a fuss about these devices, mine is extremely reliable and (almost) never gives problems. It is a simple device with no moving parts and this is the first time I am going to have to do some maintenance on it. I love my aquaponic bell siphon!

Just so you know I tried to add an extra filtration device around the outside sleeve of my siphon. Needless to say I was impatient (this is a first for me:)) and now my siphon is clogged with gravel and has moved out of position. I though it would be OK but I guess I was wrong (also a first for me:)). I will do a post on bell siphon maintenance soon.

- Grant

PS: I don't wan't to use an algaecide to clean the water because I don't know what the side effects will be on me and my children not to mention my fish.

Filtering my water

I am tired of not being able to see my fish. Half the point of aquaponics is enjoying the fish with your eyes not just your tastebuds. I know, I know the algae feeds the fish so that I don't have to, but the truth is I like feeding the fish.

So I loaded my wife and kids in the car and rushed off to the hardware store before closing time(they are open till 7pm). Needless to say they had not filters for a fishpond. 'We are not a pet shop'. Was all response I got.

So I bought a big sponge and a few other things and hacked together a makshift filter. Hopefully this works and I get to see my fish again.

- Grant

System schematic

Here is a quick schematic I did of the 3000 liter system I plan to build while I am on holiday. Basically it is 3 tanks for fish of different sizes, a large deep water 'grow bed' and a sump.

I chose this method because I only need one pump so hopefully I will save on electricity inputs to the system.

The plants will be planted in floating rafts and the system will have almost no gravel in it.

I am planning to grow lettuce, basil and chard on the rafts, but we will see since I am not sure how I will be doing the grow bed yet.

- Grant