Richard bray

Aquaponic Systems
All aquaponic systems have the same basic components, but they can be modified to fit a number of different growing scenarios. Each system serves a unique purpose, so before you decide which plants and fish you want to grow, research available system designs to see what would work best for your location. While any design can be scaled up or down for a hobby system, a basic media-filled bed or deep-water culture (DWC) system are best for beginners.
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plants grow here
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AQUAPONICS
A basic aquaponic system consists of a fish tank, grow beds, and plumbing. Water is pumped from the fish tank into the grow beds, where plants are able to access nutrient-rich water. As the roots absorb nutrients, bacteria turn harmful fish waste into beneficial plant-soluble compounds. This process cleans the water, which is then returned to the fish tank.
Media-Filled Bed
This is the simplest system to build, and the easiest to maintain. Media- filled beds have a fish tank, solids filter, grow bed, and grow media. Many systems also incorporate a sump tank to help maintain consistent water levels.
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Basic media-filled bed systems consist of a grow bed with gravel or clay pebbles, and a siphon that returns water to the fish tank. Any design that fills the grow bed area with media, such as Dutch buckets, is a type of media-filled bed. However, when growers refer to a media bed system, they are generally referring to large, rectangular grow beds.
Most media-filled bed systems use a flood-and-drain circulation method. With this method, water is pumped from the fish tank into the grow beds once per hour, and allowed to drain back into the fish tank. This keeps roots moist, allows for nutrient uptake, but also prevents root rot.
Media beds help support plants, and act as a biological filter. They can also contain red wiggler worms to help break down organic matter and excrete worm castings, which are rich in nutrients. These beds support the most variety of plants and are easy to maintain.
Media beds are for small to medium operations, and it is best suited for personal or educational use.
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