I built a backyard AqP system, based on an IBC Tote and a wooden box lined with a pond liner to create a lava rock-filled Grow Bed. The sump is simply the filter box for the pump. Total size 16' x 4' including a 12' long growbed. Koi and goldfish power the system.

It worked well for a while, but the dead roots, etc are causing a lot of back up. I tried to raise worms in the growbed, but only a few are surviving in the Continuous Flow system.

I plan to change to a FLOOD AND DRAIN system, using a high-capacity bell siphon system (several regular bell siphons that are "daisy-chained" together so they start & stop together). The 200 gallon sump will be located below the grow bed.

QUESTION:

  • Will the worms flourish in this environment?
  • Will they clean out the pore-spaces and allow free-flowing water?


Any comments/suggestions you have would be appreciated.

Thanks.