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jvision
09-18-2014, 06:06 PM
When I moved into this house last summer, I built a fishroom - breeding aquarium fish has been a passion of mine for over 20 years. Recently, I've decided to sell off almost all of my breeders and want to convert the room into an aquaponics room. I'm having my electrician friend come over on Monday to help me lay out the ceiling lights and distribute the power load.

Here's what I have right now:

Standing on the right side by the crawlspace
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpse4f5wetr.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpse4f5wetr.jpg.html)

From beside the empty rack
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpsiiorlags.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpsiiorlags.jpg.html)

Where I want to put a big FT
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpsghedqoin.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpsghedqoin.jpg.html)

What's growing in there now
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpsckhxxusn.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpsckhxxusn.jpg.html)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpsihumth01.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpsihumth01.jpg.html)

jvision
09-18-2014, 06:12 PM
The space I have for a FT could fit something around 5'x3' footprint. There's a local guy selling food-grade IBCs for $125 - I don't think I can build anything for less!! The problem, of course, would be getting it into the basement!! I remember Roger commenting about how he squeezed a cut-off one through the door; but, I don't need to cut it off for a grow-bed...
I have a friend that has a few cans of Zavlar that he'd sell to me for a great deal. Has anyone made a plywood tank coated with this stuff? I think I'd have to fibreglass the corners before painting the Zavlar on. I think using a pond liner would be a lot easier inside a plywood box, but it might add significant cost.

Ideally, I have at least 300 gallons of FT. I'd like to have all of the stands holding GBs fed from the FT eventually, getting rid of the smaller systems completely. Any other suggestions from you guys who've done basement projects?

JCO
09-18-2014, 11:27 PM
Looking Great...keep those pictures coming and keep up the good work. :mrgreen:

topz
09-19-2014, 05:45 AM
Rubbermaid makes a stock tank that hold 300 gallons runs about 200$ at my local tractor supply store. There was even an off brand that was similar in size but cheaper in cost. Hope it helps man keep the updates coming.

Roger L.
09-19-2014, 07:30 AM
Hi Jason. That's a nice room you have there. As your laying out your lights be sure you get plenty to the lower levels too. As far as the fish tank goes, how big are the entrance doors and stairwell to your basement. My house was built in the 40's and had very narrow doors and stairwell. The amount you would have to cut off the IBC will be limited to that space. You need to cut off the top anyway to open it up for the fish. Also don't forget to put insulation under the tank to keep the floor from sucking all the temperature from the tank. I hope you gave your breeding up because you were tired of it instead of just for room. Aquaponics would be the perfect companion hobby to that.

jvision
09-20-2014, 08:08 AM
Rubbermaid makes a stock tank that hold 300 gallons runs about 200$ at my local tractor supply store. There was even an off brand that was similar in size but cheaper in cost. Hope it helps man keep the updates coming.

I'm planning on running a CHOP(2) system, so I'd have to build a stand to raise up a stock tank, but that may not be too hard with some cinder blocks.... I'll have to take a look around what suppliers have to offer around here.


Hi Jason. That's a nice room you have there. As your laying out your lights be sure you get plenty to the lower levels too. As far as the fish tank goes, how big are the entrance doors and stairwell to your basement. My house was built in the 40's and had very narrow doors and stairwell. The amount you would have to cut off the IBC will be limited to that space. You need to cut off the top anyway to open it up for the fish. Also don't forget to put insulation under the tank to keep the floor from sucking all the temperature from the tank. I hope you gave your breeding up because you were tired of it instead of just for room. Aquaponics would be the perfect companion hobby to that.

Roger, when you moved yours inside, do you remember how much wider your IBC could be than your doorway? I need to squeeze through a 32" door to get downstairs. I'm not completely giving up breeding, but I want to put time into growing food for my family over the winter. I still have a few tanks going, and that one tank in the pics is full of juvenile cichlids - about 50 of them are growing basil, sage, oregano, peppers and zuccini (haven't pollenated any flowers, yet). However, in order to grow quality aquarium fish, I find the nitrate levels have to be much lower than that needed to produce fruit. If I can find an affordible source of tilapia, I'll go that route; otherwise, I'll go with goldfish.

Roger L.
09-20-2014, 08:51 AM
I'm raising tilapia also. I got mine from a place out in Kansas I believe. I can look that up if you need me to. Not sure how the border crossing would be though? My door is also 32" so you will have similar issues that I did. The IBC is easy because once the top is cut off you can fold it over some for extra clearance. What is the issue is the cage. I cut my cage just above the first cross bar and just nearly got it in and down. Mine was a 275 gal. model, the 375 will be even taller. I could hold about 225 gallons in the tank but would need a top to prevent jumping. I keep about 150 gal. now and have a 75 gal. breeding/nursery tank also. Good luck. I'll be watching your progress.

jvision
10-28-2014, 07:26 AM
A friend of mine was going to sell me a 230 gallon aquarium and stand for a decent price (around $500), which I was giving some real thought to b/c I could (relatively) easily get it into the basement - it's only 24" wide.
He's building a 1000 gallon pond for his basement! I told him that I was thinking about building something in the 300-500 range, as it'd cost less and he offered to sell me a piece of glass he has from an old 300 gallon tank, and some zavlar he'll have left over from his project. I told him I didn't need the glass, as it'd just be a stock tank... that's when he brought me to his back yard to show me a 300 gallon stock tank he's not using!! I think I found my tank!!

It's a swimming pool style - cylindrical, only about 30" high, 4.5' wide and sits on the floor. If I use this tank, I can't see myself doing a CHOP style system... unless I modify the design slightly to have the FT act as the sump, and use the sump as overflow feed to the FT.
The problem I see with this is that I only have a 75 gallon sump - with evaporation, I don't know if there'll be enough flow to engage the sump-pump if I'm running a few beds. Anybody have some ideas on a design, given the space I've shown above?

Thanks!

jvision
10-28-2014, 07:01 PM
I'm thinking of doing a system similar to the Barrelponics set-up with the pump in the FT. I have most of the pipe and fittings, it's just a matter of deciding on a pump. Any good recommendations on a pump that won't suck up young fish?

Roger L.
10-28-2014, 07:46 PM
Currently using a 396 gph pump off of amazon here. It's about to be to small with the addition of my breeding tank and swirl filter. Aim high as far as pumps go.

Prometheus7504
12-05-2014, 06:58 AM
Whats the status jvision ? any progress to report? I will be starting my basement system soon as well and I am looking for all the input I can get to "try" and eliminate blunders. Let us know.

jvision
12-05-2014, 10:28 AM
I have everything except the pump; and, I need to finish wiring the timer for the room lights.... I'll see what I can get done this weekend and post some pics.

badflash
12-05-2014, 10:40 AM
Put a vapor barrier in the ceiling and paint the wall with oil based pain to prevent moisture intrusion. Very important!

Aloha Don
12-08-2014, 04:30 PM
Looks like a great start. I have read other posts of those doing basement AP. I know it has its own challenges. I prefer to stay on my balcony...but then again...I am in Hawaii... :D :lol: :mrgreen:
Please let us know your progress.

jvision
12-14-2014, 05:34 PM
OK, got a lot done the last couple weekends... but not quite enough!

This is the view from the doorway - 300 gallonish tub in the middle of the room and growbeds directly over top.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpsewut8wfz.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpsewut8wfz.jpg.html)

Moved the lights up on the cichlid tanks... also combined all fish (breeders and young adults) into 1 larger FT (I only lost about 15 gallons by combining into a larger FT).
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zps4ifxfilc.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zps4ifxfilc.jpg.html)

Moved the turtle down to the tub - it's illegal to sell them here, and the market isn't that great for large ones, anyway. I'll be able to sell the tank she was in, easier this way.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpslleatsmg.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpslleatsmg.jpg.html)

And a better shot of the grow beds (around 180 gallons worth)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zps8tebuypw.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zps8tebuypw.jpg.html)

The GBs are drilled and plumbed; I just need to see if I have any 4" pipe for the bells, and a new union for the pump - it only came with the 1/2 of the joint that attaches to the pump. I should have enough pipe and fittings to get it all plumbed up once I get those parts.
I'll be putting the vapour barrier up on the ceiling this week as well. I have a dehumidifier running in the room, but I'll eventually upgrade to an air-exchanger.

I'm not sure what I'll be putting in the tub for fish. I was thinking goldfish... I'm about 3 months late for getting all the free ones I want, as many people in this area give their pond fish away before winter sets in. I could put the young cichlids in there, but the tub won't be heated, and that isn't good for their long-term health.

I'll update again once I get the GBs going.

topz
12-16-2014, 10:09 PM
Man that's looking good! Wishing I had that racking when I had my basement system.

JCO
12-17-2014, 07:24 AM
You've got things looking great. So what's next? :mrgreen:

jvision
12-17-2014, 12:02 PM
Next step is to finish installing my hot tub!! My wife derailed the work being put into this system for a bit by getting an early Christmas present :D
I should have the hot tub in by the weekend, then it's time to get the syphons working. I had enough material kicking around to make one (there's still a pile in the garage I need to go thru to find more), but I don't think I have enough water flowing thru the bell - the syphon wouldn't engage, and the flow was already more than when I will have it filled with media. I tried restricting the intake a bit, but that didn't work. I'll make a bigger gap at the bottom of the bell and see how it works. Once that one's going, I'll put in the media and start growing!!

Roger L.
12-18-2014, 10:36 AM
If the bell won't work or it gives you problems, you might look at Apollo's pipe siphon. Given the simplicity I believe I'll go to that next time I empty the grow bed.

jvision
12-26-2014, 12:50 PM
I have to head to the hardware store today or tomorrow (Boxing Day Sales!!) and get a fitting or two, so I can add the REAL pump. For now, I'm just running a MaxiJet 1200 into a single bed. It's a bit much for flow - it runs a 10 minute cycle, I'd prefer 15 minutes.

I needed about 15 gallons more rock - I had about 40 gallons worth in my old system - so, I went to the landscape supply store to dig out some frozen rock (I'm using 3/4" lava). It's been unseasonally warm here, so it wasn't hard to get a couple 10 gallon pails full. Plus, the guy at the till couldn't be bothered to look up the code for the rock, so I got it for free!!

I moved a small tomato plant into this new system - I pulled it off the old turtleponics system and have no idea what it is. Here are a couple pics
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpslcu5ncaq.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpslcu5ncaq.jpg.html)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpswjnpzsff.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpswjnpzsff.jpg.html)

davidstcldfl
12-27-2014, 11:09 AM
Looking good jvision... ;)

I'm with Topaz....really like the metal racks... :mrgreen:

jvision
12-27-2014, 03:02 PM
The metal racks were only $170ea at Costco - I'm loving their diversity!

jvision
12-27-2014, 07:14 PM
I went to the hardware store to get the fittings I needed, and missed 3! GRRRR!

Here's all the plumbing
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/output_zpswbshylk0.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/output_zpswbshylk0.jpg.html)

That closed ball valve pointing up in the pool is for future strawberry towers. That'll have to wait, tho. I'm going to try to resist buying any goldfish for a year and get a bunch of free ones next fall when everyone is shutting down their ponds for the winter. I need about 100 gallons worth of rock to fill the other 3 GBs, but the landscape stores are only open during the week around here. If I get the same deal as last time, I may just pick it up 20 gallons at a time!!

JCO
12-28-2014, 12:11 PM
So there is another person like myself that forgets things when at the store :mrgreen:

jvision
01-27-2015, 10:04 AM
A couple weeks ago, I heard a rumor that a local aquarium store had some 5' T5HO fixutres on sale for $25. I have a 5' tank in my living room with a couple LED fixtures (designed for growing aquarium plants) over it, and thought if I could get 2 of these T5 fixutres (single bulb) for that cheap, I'll move the LEDs to grow veggies!

Well, instead of getting 2 T5 fixtures for my tank (I did buy them, but to canibalize for another project), I got 24 72" T5HO bulbs for the amazing price of FREE!! Guess how long these metal racks are!
When I ask what kind of ballast I'll need to run these bulbs, he tells me that everything runs off the same ballast as 48" T5HOs... Boy was he wrong!! That's OK, I found a lighting supplier in town that has ballasts for signs and he sells me one that will work... wrong, again! This morning I swapped ballasts for something stronger and a little lower cost. When I get home, I'll wire one of these babies up and post some pics... assuming it all work, of course. :)

JCO
01-27-2015, 11:04 AM
When at first you don't succede, forget it and have a beer :shock: :mrgreen:

jvision
01-28-2015, 10:27 AM
Surprise, sur-effin-prise... The ballast had a min of 16' of light and a max of 24'; my fixture is 3x6' for a total of 18' - no problems, right? The ballast fired up one completely, one only half way and the third was barely a flicker... PLUS, the lights are purple. Ef this, I'll stick with the hodge-podge lighting I have for now.

JCO
01-29-2015, 07:18 AM
Make that a six pack :lol: :mrgreen:

jvision
02-21-2015, 01:29 PM
Getting the media I need at this time of year is quite the chore! It's frozen, so I have to get the landscape store to get the loader to load up my 2 pails! I finally got enough rinsed for another GB.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150221_125858_zpsvnzlnwu8.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150221_125858_zpsvnzlnwu8.jpg.html)

Since that last lighting FIASCO, I remembered I had a bunch of 12W LED Spotlights, so I went out and bought 2 48" Sunblasters to supliment. My 7yr old son helped me put this fixture together today.

Here it is turned off
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150221_125935_zpswm4nyvmy.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150221_125935_zpswm4nyvmy.jpg.html)

Here are the spotlights... I thought I put in all "mixed spectrum", but looks like the far end is all red... I'll dig around to see if I have another mixed. I know I have all red, all blue and mixed kicking around. I might switch things up if I want to get things blooming.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150221_130008_zpskhmszjcm.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150221_130008_zpskhmszjcm.jpg.html)


I set up the smaller GB as an herb garden. I planted most of these seeds a week ago
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150221_130051_zpsbcx8dbrb.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150221_130051_zpsbcx8dbrb.jpg.html)

And looks like the Thyme is already sprouting! I got the fixture built just in time! :)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150221_130119_zpswr4a0vcs.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150221_130119_zpswr4a0vcs.jpg.html)

JCO
02-21-2015, 03:41 PM
Looking great...keep the pics comming :mrgreen:

jvision
03-09-2015, 11:29 AM
When I went to the local university's aquaponics research station last fall, they told me the most expensive part of your system will be oxygen. They saw TREMENDOUS increase in yields when they started adding O2 as opposed to just aeration, so I've spent some time in the last few months trying to get an oxygen concentrator for less than a few hundred dollars.

Guess what?!http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150307_140727_zpszemiepn2.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150307_140727_zpszemiepn2.jpg.html)
I got this and another for FREE! They were kicking around at a local hospice for years, never being touched. They were happy for me to just make them away.

I added a little reactor to help dissolve the O2 before goin to the GBs
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150307_140904_zpsifi8cyty.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150307_140904_zpsifi8cyty.jpg.html)

It's been a couple days but it looks to be having a benefit in my herb garden. I plumbed the supply line so that it adds the oxygen-rich water to the bottom of the GB, as I am hoping to prevent as much O2 from gassing off as possible. Since I'm adding O2 directly, and not bubbling in atmospheric air, I want as little splashing and turbulence to and in the GB as possible.
I'm still letting it splash when the GBs drain into the pond Bc O2 concentrations over 20ppm are lethal to fish.

JCO
03-09-2015, 03:06 PM
Looking good and great scrounging for parts. Keep us posted. :mrgreen:

jvision
03-29-2015, 06:06 PM
I shot some pics today:

First is my lettuce GB, right now it's a Kale and a couple Swiss Char that were moved from the DWC system. There will be a couple more additions this week. I harvested the largest leaves for dinner today, which is why they will all look a bit sparse. I picked up a lot of 10 LED bulbs that pop into my old T8 fixtures - so far so good, and they were only $11ea!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150329_182723_zpsoau47hju.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150329_182723_zpsoau47hju.jpg.html)

This is one of my DWC beds. That little pepper plant puts out mini yellow peppers. I am also trying a cutting from an African violet - even just to get it to root before moving it into a F&D GB.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150329_182652_zpsx8dn2yku.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150329_182652_zpsx8dn2yku.jpg.html)

This is my other DWC bed, just a parsley, oregano and swiss char - the big lettuces from the 1st GB and basil from my herb GB were moved from this one recently.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150329_182629_zpslxb4rygw.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150329_182629_zpslxb4rygw.jpg.html)

This was the first GB I planted. The celery is from a cutting from the grocery store, and most of the little pepper plants are from one of the yellow peppers in my DWC tank. The big plants are spider plants from the living room. This GB has seen a great boost since I started adding O2.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150329_182605_zpszj4tithk.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150329_182605_zpszj4tithk.jpg.html)

Here's my herb garden. For some reason, the green onion hasn't done well. Rosemary never sprouted, for some reason, and only one sage came up. Dill, parsely and thyme all sprouted from seed and seem to be doing well. The basil is from the DWC and is doing fantastic.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20150329_182541_zpseaevjjqp.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20150329_182541_zpseaevjjqp.jpg.html)

I'm running the O2 at about 4L/min and may increase it a bit - I haven't noticed any distress from the fish, so it should be OK to increase it. The proff at the University says that there is no maximum for the bacteria or plant roots. Right now, it's only running on the pond with the F&D GBs, but I'm thinking about T-ing it off and running it to the DWCs.

davidstcldfl
03-30-2015, 05:49 AM
:lol: .....jvision, guess I've been spending too much time on facebook....I was looking for the 'like' button... :)

JCO
03-31-2015, 02:43 PM
lOOKING GREAT :mrgreen:

jvision
02-01-2016, 07:08 PM
My wife and I have been talking about ways to get more production out of the system... really, it's light limited. I mostly have LEDS (those T8 retrofit bulbs are pretty good!), but if I want more light, I'll have to find another cheap source of fixtures. I have a friend that works electrical for the city, so maybe I can snag some fixture when they upgrade from T8 to T5 or to LED... Meanwhile, we're going to research the cost of moving the system to the the garage. We'll need to insulate it pretty well, and we're thinking of adding 2 or 4 solar tubes. I might look at solar power to run the lights in the winter - we only have about 6 hours of light in December.

While we do that, why don't you guys enjoy some pics?!

Room shot
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20160201_184334_zpsdzwduhyn.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20160201_184334_zpsdzwduhyn.jpg.html)

Herb Garden (parsley still gets ravaged by thrips)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/20160201_184445_HDR_zps1azdqaoc.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/20160201_184445_HDR_zps1azdqaoc.jpg.html)

Beside the herbs is an NFT system... still trying to figure out how to get the tomatoes to bloom
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/20160201_184515_HDR_zps9gx24sj7.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/20160201_184515_HDR_zps9gx24sj7.jpg.html)

The near tube never did sprout - a couple different lettuces and echinacea :( Will try hydroton or lava instead of the rock wool next time
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/20160201_184450_zpsrhvp077j.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/20160201_184450_zpsrhvp077j.jpg.html)

Backside GBs
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/20160201_184525_HDR_zpsxsymmiaw.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/20160201_184525_HDR_zpsxsymmiaw.jpg.html)

Baby Bell and Medusa Peppers really like the T8 retrofit LEDS!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/20160201_184543_zpspwqjjjfa.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/20160201_184543_zpspwqjjjfa.jpg.html)

Getting some thickness on the celery - more light is the key!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/20160201_184529_zpsyype789k.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/20160201_184529_zpsyype789k.jpg.html)

DWC tanks - I really hacked back the tomatoes, which grew way above the lights. Pretty bare, right now.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/20160201_184557_HDR_zpswvspi7ak.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/20160201_184557_HDR_zpswvspi7ak.jpg.html)

These guys are feeding the DWC... hopefully, in a year or so, they'll be feeding me, too!! Redclaw Crays!!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/20160201_184607_zps0l0tsshz.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/20160201_184607_zps0l0tsshz.jpg.html)

Jason
02-02-2016, 08:55 PM
Looking good Jason, love the pictures.

While it would be nice to move the setup to the garage for the larger space, it would require some major upgrading to the insulation or it will cost an arm and a leg keep it warm in the winder. I like the idea of the solar tubes as they can really add light. I would suggest going with the 21" vs the 13" version as I do not find they throw enough light for my liking. The brand I went with are made right here in Edmonton. They refer to their pipes as Sun Scopes. Here is the link. Sun Scopes - Natural lighting systems. (http://sunscope.com/) It seems they also make a 17" model now.

jvision
02-02-2016, 09:08 PM
We are definitely going to beef up the insulation - probably going to get an insulated door. Thanks for the link to Sun Scopes!

jvision
03-09-2016, 09:11 PM
I lost all but one of the crays w. a trace fert OD, I think. :(

But, I have tomatoes growing in my basement!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/MillerJason/IMG_20160307_204211_zpsxpslkkli.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/MillerJason/media/IMG_20160307_204211_zpsxpslkkli.jpg.html)

jvision
03-09-2016, 09:13 PM
I have 2 tomato plants going nuts in an NFT portion of the main system

Jason
03-14-2016, 09:27 PM
I lost all but one of the crays w. a trace fert OD, I think. :(

But, I have tomatoes growing in my basement!



hey Jason,

Very sorry to hear that you lost almost all the crayfish. Are you still thinking of giving them a try and thinking of buying more. I lost one myself and we could go in again. I have this strange feeling that the one I lost was the only male of the group, so I might be interested in pick up a few more.

Jason

PS. The plants look wild. :)

jvision
03-16-2016, 05:05 PM
I think I will go for more crays, but it may have to wait a while. My wife's actually taking me seriously about moving up to the garage! We want to have that done by the fall. Once I have the system moved up, I'll be setting up for more crays.

Jason
03-16-2016, 10:29 PM
If you are planning to wait that long, mine might have bred by then. If your willing to grow them out, you can have a dozen or so. Are you planning on taking over the whole garage or only half?

Jason

jvision
03-17-2016, 01:29 PM
If you have young by then, I'll definitely take some. I think we'll end up using most of the garage, eventually. With a 300 gal pond, and probably another 75 or 90 gal sump (going to combine the 2 systems I have), I could grow A LOT! I plan on adding some grow towers, and more NFT. At the University test site, they do a drip system that I'd like to try as well.