Small scale AP Help!!!!!

[alex281]

hey all ive read a lot about aquaponics lately and i went ahead and decided to build my own system!!

However space is a problem and this will be an indoor setup. as useful as this site has been i havent really found the sure answer i was looking for my specific tank size and set up. so here it is!

I was hoping to use a 10 gallon fish tank aquarium. i went online an ordered a pump thats pumps 100 GPH at a maximum height of 3 feet. If you can please let me know if this is the size that is good for a 10 gallon tank, and also a size suitable for this pump if not.

my second question is how do i cycle! i understand that i have to let the water from the tap sit for a day and pump through the system, but when do i add plants and when do i add fish?

also my system set up type is going to be just the aquarium and a growbed with an autosiphon with hydroton.

Thanks in advance!

[davidstcldfl]

Hi Alex, welcome to the forum...

You'll find a lot of great info if you read through....Aquaponics 101 by Oliver.
Here is the link....
viewforum.php?f=112

[alex281]

Hi Alex, welcome to the forum...

You'll find a lot of great info if you read through....Aquaponics 101 by Oliver.
Here is the link....
viewforum.php?f=112

i did i just cant seem to really piece out if my pump is good enough or to what size that pump itself can support.
its a great guide but it kinda sticks towards the 1000 liter plus systems.

[JCO]

Welcome to the show....pull up an easy chair, relax and stay awhile. New voices are always a welcome addition to our family..! Whatever questions you have on you mind, this is the place to get the answers so pick a topic of your interest and start your own thread and Enjoy. Please go to your profile and put in your city and state. There might be other members close by.

[alex281]

Welcome to the show....pull up an easy chair, relax and stay awhile. New voices are always a welcome addition to our family..! Whatever questions you have on you mind, this is the place to get the answers so pick a topic of your interest and start your own thread and Enjoy. Please go to your profile and put in your city and state. There might be other members close by.

Thanks for the welcome

any insight to the questions i have proposed?

[JCO]

Check this link for the answers to almost any question you can come up with.

http://diyaquaponics.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=112

[alex281]

Dear all. i have read the guide. many times for that matter, before i even created an account. please stop linking me to it

I would really appreciate it if you had a specific answer to my exact setup or suggested set up as guidelines wont be as useful thank you.

[stucco]

The 10 gallon is a bit small but will work. If it were me… I would run your grow beds constantly flooded. This will reduce the level fluctuation in the tank and allow for more beds. The pump sounds ok but, a rule of thumb is to turn the water volume over once an hour and you don’t want your fish in too much current either. For the cycling try and get some filter crud from another system/aquarium or throw a few cheep feeders in and let sit for about six weeks for this you will need to get a test kit from the aquarium shop and check.
O and welcome!

[alex281]

The 10 gallon is a bit small but will work. If it were me… I would run your grow beds constantly flooded. This will reduce the level fluctuation in the tank and allow for more beds. The pump sounds ok but, a rule of thumb is to turn the water volume over once an hour and you don’t want your fish in too much current either. For the cycling try and get some filter crud from another system/aquarium or throw a few cheep feeders in and let sit for about six weeks for this you will need to get a test kit from the aquarium shop and check.
O and welcome!

hahhahhhah thank you!!!

i guess the feeders is a great way to start the bacteria cycle. Should i also add the seeds as i add the feeders? at what point do i switch over to goldfish(my guess is after the feeders stop dying )?

Also how do i keep the water clean for them? do i just let it cycle in the system? or is it like a sacrifice where they put waste out until the bacteria comes and they stop dying.(at which point i add nice fish.)

[JCO]

Again, Check this link for the answers to almost any question you can come up with. The technology of Aquaponics isn't really that complicated, however it does require some attentioni to detail. You will either learn the general principles by reading in the beginning or by trial and error experience.

The link below saves you time and answers the majority of question for a "Newbie" but will take a little time and effort on your part to read through it. After that, if there is something that you can't fathom, pop the questions.

http://diyaquaponics.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=112