Cheap Aquaponics Indoor Setup

This setup has cost me about $500. I plan on raising Tilapia in this setup and should be receiving them in the fall. If you want more information about aquaponics check out http://www.aquaponicshq.com/

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Aquaponics
• IBC
• Hydroponics
• Tilapia
• DIY

[POC3442]

A swirl tank basically makes the water that goes in make a swirling motion like your toilet. What it does is allow for particles to settle to the bottom so they can easily be removed. If not removed they will cause excess ammonia which will kill the fish. And yes I am very happy with this setup. I have switched to an automatic feeder for the fish which allows me to ignore it but once a week if I need to when I'm busy.

[POC3442]

I have since changed this setup....with the inline filter it gets clogged way too often. I have since switched to a swirl tank because it's easier to maintain and clean. We close on our new house in September and I should have new videos explaining the new system and setup by December.

The PVC for the pump to the grow bed is 1/2"

[mayorphill]

I love your Rick Moranis impression!

[TheDudeRulez09]

@mayorphill man!! I didnt even realize that until I read your post and then bam!!! Rick Moranis!!

[MrCyphrex]

Nice system, glad to see that you changed to a vortex filter to remove particulates. I'm just learning about aquaponics myself, however based on the chart for the Eco 633 submersible pump you showed it states Total Head maxes out at 7.9ft(seeing what approx. is 5 - 5 1/2 ft pump height); to get better flow, you might need to install a bigger pump, decrease the height it has to pump to(as well as removing the cartridge filter) or add a booster pump closer to the top to get the Flow that you want.

[bkpickell]

I understand the theory behind Aquaponics, but there is one thing I don't understand. Most plants require the PH of the water to be 5.5-6.2. And Fish don't like PH to be that low and will die. Fish like PH to be up around 7.0. So I'm confused how you are keeping your fish alive in low PH water, or how your plants are receiving any nutrients in the High PH water.

[carlojpf2]

i think that is 633 Gallons per minute (633 GPM)

[dlvmark]

Did you raise any fish?

[frackcha]

nice system man!! serial!! :)

if you want your pump to pump water higher, a reasonable solution is to use narrower tube in your 'fill plumbing'.. you wont get the same flow rate, but you might have enough push left to run your ancillary outlets..

[vonlossberg]

Hi.great video. My friend told me to tell you that your filter is backwards. Put a hose on your water pump and you can pull your waterpump out of the water to clean its filter. Good luck!

[vickim247]

What is a swirl tank? Are you happy you have this indoor instead of out? I live in California and winters would be too cold.