Bio filter

[matwalk]

Does any one use a bio filter in there systems?
Or does it take out all of the nutients?
I'm just getting started and the only equipment I have is IBC 275 gal tanks and 55 gal drums.
I want to raise afew fish this fall and winter and then start my growing beds in the spring.
The spring plans include the purchase of a 40" steel shipping container and a home made green house as the future home for this project.
Thanks
Mike

[Hotrodmike]

Mike
Yes I do and no it doesn't ! The beds would be your normal bio-filter but the plants are what will take out the nutes . If you plan on starting the fish before the beds ,then yes you would need some form of bio-filter or your ammonia will spike and fish will die unless you are changing out lots of water very often .
Have A Kind Day
Mike

[swamp creek farms]

Yeah, I made a biofilter for my system, kinda like yours. With an IBC tank. I made mine for less than $10 US. The only bad thing about it is the cleaning. So I took it off the system.

Trying to figure out how to create one with a 55 gallon barrel that cleans itself, using a backflow. Here is a link that shows ya some pics on how I made mine. If you can see them.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/alb ... 1691732449 (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=15493&id=1691732449)

I replaced the rock with plastic dish scrubbies from the dollar store. It was getting time consuming taking it apart every week and spraying them down. It was easily assembled though.

I am trying to make one like this with a 55 gal barrel.
http://users.vcnet.com/rrenshaw/BubbleBead.html

I dont know why it is hour glass shaped, I do not think it has to be.

[badflash]

The geyser filter is a good one. Rather than use the odd shaped canister, I've seen it done with 2 barrels and a 5 gallon bucket. It is basically a reverse bell siphon that siphons air, up rather than water down.

My main system is an indoor recirculating system.
Check My 700 gallon basement system (http://www.diyaquaponics.com/forum/showthread.php?33-My-700-gallon-basement-system)