I just have to say, I besigned my system 3 years ago from one of your builds. I left the system to sit for 2 years and it still worked when I added water to it yesterday. Thanks for the help!
I teach aquaponics in a high school and just showed my students this video. It was so helpful for us as we begin designing mini-systems! You explained everything so clearly and made it interesting. I'm now a subscriber. Thank you!
This is your best video ever. Very clear. Very basic. Very systematic. Very comprehensive. The second best is the 9 essential components video. I can't show my admiration to these two videos enough.
Thank you so so much, I honestly wish I could afford to support you financially , I'm low income and disabled which you can imagine my finances . I honestly appreciate all you share , you've helped me so much. This winter I'm growing inside and watching your videos has given me the confidence to build my own small system😊. I wish I knew people in my area that have the same interests but I don't. Anyways thanks again and may God bless you in everything
Please don't feel you need to offer anything Lisa. I get a buzz just hearing folks have found the clips helpful in someway. 😊 Are you growing under lights? That's something I'm yet to have a crack at with aquaponics. Hope the build goes well for you & Happy Growing.
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm I guess you’ve not tried lights as there’s probably little need/benefit with your systems being outside. I’m looking at setting up a small system in my garage to get fresh veggies all year so I think I’ll need to look at lighting. Love your vids, they’re very easy to follow and full of great info. Hadn’t thought about doing hydroponics or even heard of aquaponics until a few weeks back and now I’m reading everything I can get my hands on. My primary water source is the city water utility, so the water is hard, has added chlorine and maybe fluoride. What do I need to do to make this water suitable for fish?
Hello. I'm Ken. I would love to learn Aqua ponies system .Aquaponics is not popular in Japan. but I think Aqua ponies is very very good and eco. Aquaponics that I really want many Japanese people to know about.
I consider you the king of aquaponics, I have thoroughly enjoyed every single video of yours that i've seen, you are always very informative, easy to understand, and hear. Keep up the great work, i already sub'd to your channel ages ago, you get the thumbs up for this one as usual. I've attempted creating my own system here at home a time or two, but never really as much as I plan too this coming spring. I've two tanks in my house 125 gallons each, and because of them I have a little bit of experience with fish, i've tried my hand at gardening the last few years with some small amount of success. I certainly hope that some of the information i've learned from you will help with this in that venture. Thanks!
Thanks again -- I was able to locally and cheaply source some food grade/clean IBC and 30 Gallon tanks (took me a bit to find the non-Ag chemical variety so common in the Midwest. Now beginning a simple build off your basic chop and flip design -- I do like what you pointed out that this can be easily expanded over time. Super appreciative of you sharing your knowledge. Its critical we all learn these skills quickly and efficiently.
You’re a good teacher. You should have local classes for your community, let them know how much they need and take trip to hardware store. Monthly charges to help increase their knowledge.
I do help folks that support us through our website when they need a hand & am looking at holding classes here at our house soon too. Just need to tidy things up around here first. Cheers Lili & have a top one.
What a great overview of the different systems! I'm holding onto my dream of doing a Texas Aquaponics project someday. Thanks for all your hard work Rob!
I plan to do have a natural approach, using Horizontal Flow Constructed Wetlands (HCFWs) Where I use two sub-section HCFWs: 1st HCFW -> Fish Tank -> 2nd HCFW Will this be effective?
I haven't seen anyone set up a system like that sorry. Will you be pumping from the last wetland back to the fish tank? Also look up iAVs or sand bed aquaponics systems. They might have a few ideas that could help you out. 👍
@RobsAquaponics No, I won't pump from 2nd HCFW back to Fish Tank. Oxygenated water already comes from 1st HFCW. Its part of a larger system that would be used to clean grey and black water. And I plan to use just gravity with no pumps. The chain looks like: Anerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) -> 1st HFCW -> Fish Tank -> 2nd HFCW -> SODIS (Solar Disinfection) And thanks for suggestions.
Having been dabbling in aquaponics for the past 10 years I started out with a CHOP system and its evolved into a three fish tank, 6 ibc growbeds and 4 10x4 DWC beds. Soon to include several rows of NFT tubes. All fish tanks are aired by venturi induction (inspired by Rob's design) Its an "organic" evolution.
Blue Nile Tilapia. Just getting this new batch started (70-100) after reengineering the entire system. I'll post an update, the vid I have up is an older configuration. Very messy.
...as in I put up the new system video ua-cam.com/video/I-6oGy4K3H8/v-deo.html for you to have a gander. Thanks for all that you do Rob. BTW, I'm actually thinking about removing the venturi aeration as it is quite noisy. Looking to up the "zen" factor in my little micro-farm.
Excellent video explaining different systems to beginners or someone who is curious like myself. This video sparked my interest in planning a small system using totes. Thanks Rob.
@{// WTF! //} We get a few freezes here in Louisiana and that would be a concern for me too. This small system will be indoors in my grow room and most likely be stocked with gold fish.
@@RobsAquaponics Same here Rob. I've been investigating this topic for a while now and your channel is the best resource for a simple explanation of practical aquaculture for a beginner like me. I really appreciate it.
I've spent a week now going through your videos to learn as much as I can about these systems. I do have a question for you: what exactly is the benefit of using a Split Flow/Dual Loop system over a Single Loop System? Recirculating the sump tank to both fish tanks as well as the growbeds appears to be a dramatic loss of efficiency.
Ahh, thank you. I've watched this video at least 3 times and I thought you were talking about how you personally liked the single loop, not split loop system. That was my misunderstanding.
Have you thought about adding freshwater mollusc to your sump tank? They are excellent water filters, low maintenance. I would also suggest adding red wigglers to the media beds. Your videos are well put together and easy to follow, you are a great teacher. I especially enjoy your animations of your designs, and how you break down how they operate.
I have been using worms in the beds since we started but haven't used mollusc yet. Don't really have huge issues with solids building up in the sumps but do know folks that have used them with no issues. 👍 Am glad you're enjoying the videos & have a top one BL. 😁👍
Not for a farm sorry as that's a very open ended. There are many ways you can set up a system + not all the materials I have access to may be available elsewehere. Likewise, there's a lot of plumbing fittings we don't get here that other areas of Asia & the Americas can get.
We have built a couple giant single water level systems, but the way you lay out the pumps requires much less power than what we were doing. Thanks for the amazing tips
I gain access to some land near my city in Goiânia, Brasil, and these videos really are helping me to think a production of aquaponics in a bigger scale. Thank you for you're time doing this, hope i can contact you for some conversation about the processes. Great work
Hi Davi. I'll help folks where I can but can't get to everyone that requests help unfortunately. Your best off asking questions in the comment sections of clips as I always get back to them eventually. Cheers
Hi Rob Thanks for all your help throughout the years Meeting you Today was the best thing that happened all month! I will send you some captions of the garden From Moe
😁😁😁😁 Your excitement took me by surprise to tell you the truth mate & I did enjoy the chat. It was great meeting you as well & hope you can pop around when we have an open day (after the gardens are set back up of course). Cheers Moe & have a top one buddy.
For the folks that have the pump inside the fish tank, like I do, a electrical float switch is a must have because they are cheap and can prevent water loss by accident and fish loss if there's a leak somewhere on the system, not to mention the fact that you can burn your pump too if it is running dry. You can set the water level that the float switch will actually trip the pump (turn it off). If you want to go a bit further, a relay can be use to switch a backup air compressor in case the pump is switched off.
Keep up the updates, I’ve built the 55gal chop/flip and have my ibcs to eventually build a set up very similar to the one you’ve highlighted at your folks place... I dig it. Cheers mate
A lot of information, concisely presented and without wasting time , that alone made me subscribe. Graphics were clear and precise as well. Yeah I'll be watching more.
You’ve just nailed it for anyone interested multi harvest systems. Excellent easy explanation of these 3 systems with visual of each systems components. This has got to be the next most watched UA-cam video👍 🍻🍻
Don't forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed the video & while you're at it, check out our Aquaponics DIY playlists. Starting An Aquaponics System ►ua-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYj8zCdbSzPJOR3HRXpxuBwf.html Aquaponics 101- FAQ & Tutorial Clips ►ua-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYhMbx39L2FhPUYb2MV55ymP.html Share the clip around with family & friends if you think they'll enjoy it too. 🐟 🌱🍅 Cheers all & have a top one. 😊 Rob
@@RobsAquaponics *The Helpful Garden* The idea is to design a homeless shelter using Aquaponics and permaculture to feed them as well as make money for them. Each place will have 9 to 13 (12 x 18) 216 sq ft building for living in. So the *"Helpful Garden"* will be shelter to up to 13 people as well as a farmers market. The one thing about homeless shelters is that one can be built every 80 miles about or so. I can see a minimum of 3000 homeless shelters of the "Helpful Garden" being built worldwide. (Powered by solar & wind) To build said place is about $500,000 depending where it built. Though it won't need donation or government grants to run for all it's money comes from it farmers market. *Profits:* 40% profit breakdown: Money needed for sheltered women: $15,000/each allotted to each tiny home each year. plus stables (Example: coffee, sugar, flour, salt and pepper) 60% profit breakdown: 10% to building new Helpful Gardens 20% to maintenance 15% to college grants 15% to etc.
*_Budget : $500,000_* *1.)* Land : 3+ acres (Budget $25,000.00 or less) *2.)* Tiny Homes: 9 to 13 (12 x 18) 216 sq ft [on ½ acre] (Budget $156,000.00 or less) *3.)* Intake Office: 600 Sq ft (Budget $25,000.00 or less) *4.)* Farmers Market: ½ acre (Budget $45,000.00 or less) *5.)* Parking Lot: ¼ acre (Budget $5,000.00) *6.)* Aquaponics and Permaculture Farm: 1 ¾ acres (Budget $109,000.00 or more a.) Up to 3 different fish b.) Tiger shrimp c.) Crayfish d.) 3 different apple and pears trees so [to have them throughout the year] e.) Citrus trees like lemons, oranges and 2 two others. f.) Chickens (meat and eggs) g.) Goats (milk and cheese) h.) Honey Bees 4 to 6 hives i.) 2 fig trees (maybe) j.) Freshwater mussels (maybe) k.) Rabbits (maybe) *_Powered : [Total Budget $135,000.00]_* *1.)* Solar (Budget $90,000) a.) Tiny Homes 13 set of 4 - 250 watt cell with light sensors (52 solar cells) cost between $27,287.00 and $36,387.00 b.) Aquaponics System - (?) c.) Intake Office - set of 6 - 250 watt cell with light sensors (cost between $3,148.50 and $4,198.50) d.) Farmers Market - (?) *2.)* Wind Power - (Budget $45,000) a.) Windmill electric generator 15 to 30 KW cost between $18,000 - $48,000 ________________________________________________________________________ *Just some working notes:* Payroll for security : $3,900/wk $16,900/mo $202,800/yr 3 full time: ($24/hr) $2,880/wk $12,480/mo $149,760/yr 4 part time: 17 hour work week ($15/hr) $1,020/wk $4,420/mo $53,040/yr Payroll for gardeners : same as security Volunteers : 36 (though it's like $6/hr to help pay for their gas and childcare if needed). $4,320/wk $18,720/mo $224,640/yr Total payroll : $427,440/yr Money needed for sheltered women: $144,000/yr or $12,000/each allotted to each tiny home (12) Money of the other 60% profit equals $270,000 $450,000 plus payroll equals $958,769.04 Needed $263.34/hr@70/hr@52/wk=$958,769.04 235,000 lbs vegetables @$0.5/lb=$32.28/hr or 64.56 lbs/hr or 645.5 lbs/day 30,000 lbs fish/crayfish/shrimp @ $3/lbs = $247.251/day or $90,000.00/yr *These are all low ball figures* $174,720 online sales per year $117,500 vegetable sale per year $90,000.00 meat sales per year $500 honey sales per year At point soda sales per year Snack & hot food sale per year Cloths & wares sales per year Frozen food sales per year Canning goods sales per year Dairy/cheese sales per year ________________________________________________________________________ *By using a mix of permaculture and aquaponics which in turn use 90% less water to grow food and a minimum of twice as fast :* * Reduces Labor by 75% * Reuses 95% of the water * Low Electricity Need (use solar to stay off the grid) * Faster Vegetable * Longer Shelf Life * Organic Mineral Rich * Produces Its own Fertilizer * Non-Contaminated Fish * Use of Tiger Shrimp &/or Crawfish to clean algae * Uses of the Bacteria and fecal matter are collected to make Methane in place of natural gas &/or Decomposed solids to worm bin which turn is used to make Compost Tea is brewed from worm casting and water. The tea can be used for Fruit Orchard to increase Microbial Content in the soil. ________________________________________________________________________ *_It all came about after a project I worked on to design a green subdivision with many others. I thought I could do more and started gathering info. That was when G+ was still invite only. A village is a 50 million dollar undertaken. Then broke it down to a what I call Dartanyan's Restaurant & Farm but again that was 5 million dollar undertaken. So I decided trying a homeless shelter with my knowledge._* *1.9848 acre per person living in a sustainable village (234 people [35% are child under the age 12] and 464.4432 acres for the village)* 80% crafted, made and grown in said village And 20% are raw materials, food not grown, medical equipment/supplies, electronics and etc. - 0.6250 acre of farmland/person (146.2500ac) - 0.0892 acre of farmland products to be sold/person (20.8728ac) - 0.2321 acre of living area/person (54.3114ac) - 0.0214 acre of wine vineyards/person (5.0076ac) - 0.0714 acre of ponds/person (16.7076ac) - 0.1069 acre of coffee/person or 3,456 trees (25.0146ac) [555 trees/2.4711 acres or 1 Hectare] - 0.0071 acre of teas/person (1.6614ac) - 0.0142 acre of herbs/person (3.3228ac) - 0.1428 acre of schools/person (33.4152ac) - 0.2142 acre of park & wildlife/person (50.1228ac) - 0.1428 acre of village square/person (33.4152ac) - 0.1785 acre of livestock/person (41.7690ac) - 0.1392 acre of roads & etc/person (32.5728ac) -------------------------------------------------- Side Note: The average house in the United States - 2150 square feet A downsized house - 1100 square feet A “large” small house - 750 square feet An efficiency house - 500 square feet A little house - 400 square feet A tiny house - 300 square feet A compact house - 200 square feet A micro house - 150 square feet These are all approximations, there is no exacting classification of “tiny houses.” As Dr. Peter Venkman said, “It’s more of a guideline than a rule.”
Mate, thank you for sharing your knowledge with others. I found this extremely informative, I've been thinking of starting to up my own aquaponic system and I'm just so happy there are people like you sharing all this wonderful info.
Ted i'm right there with you! Rob's video were super instrumental for me building my first small scale system. I actually just posted a video on how i did it if interested: ua-cam.com/video/hKWREFjNWX4/v-deo.html
Not that I know of sorry mate. Berlin Aquaponics used to comment here a bit but I haven't seen any vid's from him recently. ua-cam.com/channels/AmGQk8Z9zaKoMq0i1c3ojQ.html Cheers.
Want to learn more about Aquaponics? 🐟 🍓🥬🍅 Now you can with Rob's "Backyard Aquaponics for Beginners" Guide for only $19.95. You can see the guide in action on my website, ► www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide Or, buy directly here, ► robbobaquaponics.retrieve.com/g/XL0J6T2P#/content/90525
@@RobsAquaponics do you taste any fishy aftertaste in your produce? I ask because I haven't tried aquaponics but I do taste the difference between produce grown with and without fish based fertilizer and meats smoked/dried in the same room as fish and it seems most people don't mind or can't taste it but it tends to stand out for me
Wow. I just learned about aquaponics today. And omg I feel inspired to start this, spread it, promote it. How is this not a bigger deal or something being promoted all throughout the US? Also how is this information free? Thank you so much for all your hard work. This is going to be so important soon.
Im one of your subscriber now, it reminds me one of my favorite character in LOTR, Gandalf the grey, but you will be Gandalf the green, i really learn a lot. From this video. Keep it up!
HI i love ur explaination , i just wanna ask if the water pressure from the fish tank is enough to push the fish poop to the solid capture ? @6:40 will it cause suffocation on the pipe ?
Great question. I have had the flow rate down to about 800lph/211gph running through a 40mm/1½" SLO pipe & that worked fine & picked up the solids. The fastest I've run is about 2800lph/739gph through a 50mm/2" SLO pipe. As long as the pipe is wide enough there shouldn't be any solids blockages as the solids are very small & are picked up in small amounts at a time, basically as the fish deposit them. Hope that helps some.
Great clip, really good at showing the different systems at a high level. With your links to the specific elements of the system for more detail you have become the one stop shop for aquaponics education. Will be starting on a chop and flip system soon as my entry into aquaponics. Looking forward to you getting chickens again. You actually gave me inspiration to get chickens which have surprised me with how entertaining they are. Keep up the great work on educating people in what can be achieved in a backyard.
That's great to hear you're going to have a crack Ed. 👍 Am glad the clips have helped you out some mate. Am looking forward to getting some girls back in the patch here too. Cheers & happy growing.
I always enjoy your explanations. :) I remember that I have been fascinated by liquids flowing through tubes and components as a concept (haven't had too much exposure or in-person experience with the phenomenon) since I was a five year old. It's why I answered that I wanted to be a chemist (among so many other things, lol). In recent years, I've come to love plants as well. And fish are one of my favorite food sources (but I don't know how attached I'd get). Your channel is like a window into a part of my desired future. Thanks for so much great content. ^.^ Also, your beard is longer than mine now, I think. I had suggested to you not to shave it previously when you had brought up the topic, but I don't want you to feel like your personal life is dictated by this community, so I'm revising my statement to "I'll race you," though it appears you've already won, lol. Take care.
😅 I need to cut about a fist full off to look after some split ends so you might just take the lead yet. Hope you do have a crack at growing your own mate, is very satisfying to raise your own.| Cheers & all the best.
Cheers Sal. 👍 Was happy that it turned out as well as it did as it was a bit of a rush job & wasn't the clip I was planing to post this week. Have a top one.
My indoor systems arent big enough to bother but I've been obsessed with the idea of adding an irrigation controller to the plant loop on a split flow in order to fill beds sequentially rather than simultaneously. This should allow a smaller sump tank and overall water volume compared to the grow area and should translate into cost savings on food and additives to reach water concentration targets and a smaller lower flow pump consuming less energy.
Nice idea. I know TCLynx uses them in her large outdoor system a while back but haven't seen how her system is set up recently. ua-cam.com/video/zrrQlxkwqX4/v-deo.htmlm32s Hope that helps some. 👍
Another awesome vid Rob! I like the new intro , and can't wait to see those upcoming component vids! I really love your take on aquaponics. Take care man!
Plz tell us where to order all these basic systems you recommend. I live in USA , UTAH ! This is the best descriptive video I've seen ! Great job ! Ty brother
Sorry it took so long to respond to you mate. Some aquaponic stores will sell basic systems or will have components on the shelf you can use to put together your own system. Last weeks video might also have a few ideas for you as well, ua-cam.com/video/nPXuEpyCfMg/v-deo.html Hope that helps some.
I use them on fruit trees at the moment but ideally I'd like to mineralise them in an offline system then add them back into the aquaponics so the plants can use up the nutrients. Cheers Luke.
I’m 18 and this kinda stuff intrigues me. I just wanted to know why you need to filter the fish waste from the plants? Wouldn’t you want to keep the fish waste as fertilisers? Thank you so much!!!!
Most of the nutrients will also be suspended in the water itself so saving the solids isn't necessary. I am now adding the solids I collect from the filter into a mineraliser to process the waste. This video is a quick explanation of the mineralisation process if you're interested, ua-cam.com/video/pX8yB4-fJLs/v-deo.html Hope that helps some.
I use a fires clay ball media in mine. Other alternatives are rock that doesn't contain any carbonates or volcanic rock like the scoria we get here in Australia. Folks in the USA also use an expanded shale medium but I haven't seen it here in Australian. Hope that helps some.
hold up, regarding the basic aquaponics system, can i just add more pipes from the solids filter? one path for the grow beds and another to the fish tank? i feel like i can save up on the aerator that way
You can if you want but you will be returning untreated, ammonia laden water back into the fish. I would include an aeration system/pump in the fish tank anyway. Have had a few water pumps burn out here & would have lost the fish if I didn't have a dedicated air system as well.
@@RobsAquaponics okay, it's just that granted if the tank is deep enough but coming from a guy who takes care of aquariums at my own house i feel it's a bit off for me to reduce the water from the tank even though it will be returned again. unless i made a constant flood system?
I'm not sure about the fly ash Ashu. I would be looking into it to see if there are any toxins that could leach out & into the fish or veggies. Another option would be a carbonate free rock. Many folks I know use that as a growing medium. You just need to make sure that the bed stands are built strong enough to hold their weight. Cheers.
No water needs to be swapped out if the system has been cycled correctly KF. 👍 The only water I remove from ours is a small amount when I clean out the solids filter.
We live in the sub tropics so it very rarely drops below 0°C here Zoltan. Folks that live in climates where it freezes will grow in greenhouses or only grow through the warmer months with fast growing fish. Hope that helps some mate.
I have grown a few root crops like ginger, carrots & sweet potatoes. Ginger does really well ( ua-cam.com/video/tacxjNcWJJk/v-deo.html ) while I only got good leaf production from the sweet potato. Carrots turn out a but bumpy due to pressure from the media but grow OK. Beets are one I always like to have in the system but they tend to sit more on the surface. Hope that helps some.
Hi there, I own a Koi pond but is a bit far from the patio were I would like to build the system, I was thinking on mixing aquaponics with a hidroponic tower system to avoid adding additives or suplements to the water. Because of the distance between the pond and the patio, the system would not had a direct water flow from the pond, instead it would have a water bin, were I would feed regularly with water from the pond, but I wonder in what part of the tower I should put the growit clay pebbles?, in the water bin? , on the top were the water sprinkler drops the water or in the little baskets were the plants grow?, I hope You can help since my problem is a bit unique and I am new to aquaponics and hidroponics. Thanks for the video, keep the good work and thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Mate. If the pond is functioning fine as it is with fish in it & don't think you'll need to add any clay to act as a biofilter. You should be able to use the water as is. 👍 Sorry it took so long to reply.
Hello, thanks for all , I wanna to confirm if connecting bio-filter to sumb-tank then using the pump to circulate the water from it to pipis and fish tank
I live in East Africa and teach sustainable agriculture to indigenous people. I would very much appreciate your input. I need to create simpler systems for people with more limited skills. Would it be possible to build a system based on a tank filled with fish, an aeration system for oxygen, and then simply once a day use the fish water to to directly irrigate soil gardens. Sort of an open loop system where the dirty fish water is directly fed to soil gardens/fields through a sprinkler system. The system would refill with fresh water as the dirty water is delivered to the gardens.
good day, just wanted to thank you- your videos are well done! good info with good details explained clearly, thanks well done ! new subscriber, american in Philippines looking into aquaponics as a method to feed large family here as well as to see if i can come up with decent alternative fish food for a grow out operation. if i build i think kang kong will be a good one to grow as it loves water to grown in and i can feed that to pigs and the fish up to 20 percent of their diet i think, but small budget to work with so wil see how it goes might take some time
@@RobsAquaponics that is my hope, while i have long been aware of aquaponics, even have a couple of books. it is my looking into fish farming that drives me deeper. it is possible here to make a little money on fish farm but the need to figure out home grown food for the fish is big- the cost of commercial feed is crazy high. my goal is actually grow enough africn night crawlers to feed fish replace the fish meal, i know rice bran will also be part of the diet some kang kong is always needed we feed it to our pigs a mix of kang kong, moringa and madre de agua, space and money is tight old guy feeding my family on a social security disability, but then that is why i am eager to grow food , save lots of money
Nice one Sean. I have a playlist for folks just starting out if that helps at all. ua-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYj8zCdbSzPJOR3HRXpxuBwf.html Happy growing mate.
You can use the clay in the filters but they would need to be cleaned periodically as they would tend to sink once being waterlogged. One of the benefits of the propper bio-media is that it's neutrally buoyant so stays in the water column. It also has a larger surface area for the bacteria to colonise as well. Cheers.
Hi Rob, Thank you so much for all you do! You have helped me immensely! I do have a couple of questions too. When first setting up the system, how much water do you put in? Do you fill the fish tank and the sump tank? The other question I have is probably more of a favor, would you show a system design that includes a raft bed after the media bed and how the water would move through that system?
Hi Michelle. Is best to fill the sump, fish tank & any filters before turning the pump that runs system on. You'll find that you'll need to do a small top up after as the base of the grow beds generally hold a small amount of water in you're running them as flood & drain. To top up a system once full I turn off the pump & let any excess water above the outlets in the fish tank & filters drain back into the sump. I then pull out the standpipes in the grow beds & let them drain back into the sump. All you need to do then is top the sump up to where you want it & turn the system back on. I would recommend staying with the system while doing top ups as you don't want to overflow the sump or forget to turn the water pump back on. 😉 Hope that helps.
This is the best video I found. I really appreciate the animation. It makes things so much simpler. I was confused at other videos as I couldn't imagine how the system works as a whole but your animation really helps me understand it.
I have a total beginners question. I already have a 1500 gallon pond. If I build a bed can I just let water from my pond flow through a canister filter and into my Aquaponic bed, then drain back into the pond? Or must it fill and syphon in a cycle in order to work? Thank You very much. Dave in PA, USA.
Hi Dave. Constant water height grow beds work too. 👍 I just like the flood & drain beds as I know that the plants & bacteria are getting a decent amount of O2 delivered to them when the beds empty. Cheers mate & hope the build goes smoothly for you.
Instead of using media, have you ever tried the free floating setup with the fish living under the floating garden? Just wondering if it would save in cost and the cleaning you have to randomly do.
The rock/clay balls provide a place for the bacteria (that are the backbone of the system) to live. They oxidise the toxic ammonia all the way through to fish & plant friendly nitrate. This video in a playlist on starting aquaponics might help you out some. ua-cam.com/video/b3KMLZiWYns/v-deo.html
BEST aquaponics video I have seen on UA-cam! Thank you for breaking it down into logical and simple terms. Questions: any book recommendations? And is it manageable to add pond plants to the fish tank in a system like this? I was hoping to growing some duckweed, taro, lotus, and watercress in the fish tank in addition to the grow beds...
No books I can recommend as being a complete guide sorry. If you do buy any, get them from known aquaponics folks with a public profile & not random online ads as many are very poor in information. I had a few pond plants in ours over the year & found they did well. Water chestnuts & duckweed are 2 stand outs. Duckweed does tend to get everywhere so I would only grow that in a tub separate to the system now. Hope that helps some.
I just have to say, I besigned my system 3 years ago from one of your builds. I left the system to sit for 2 years and it still worked when I added water to it yesterday. Thanks for the help!
Nice one Kaylee. Hope it grows you some top Nosh. 👍😁
I teach aquaponics in a high school and just showed my students this video. It was so helpful for us as we begin designing mini-systems! You explained everything so clearly and made it interesting. I'm now a subscriber. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful Elizabeth. I hope the kids have fun designing their own system. 👍
Cheers & all the best to you & the class. 🌱🌱🐟
If I've never grown anything in my life, should I start with something smaller and more traditional before moving onto a closed loop system?
Awesome! I am currently looking reading materials bout aquaponics for my future business, maybe you can share it hehhe
@@RobsAquaponics 0
@@deefresh517able 🤔 ??
This is your best video ever. Very clear. Very basic. Very systematic. Very comprehensive. The second best is the 9 essential components video. I can't show my admiration to these two videos enough.
I'm glad you've found them helpful. 👍👍 Hope to be producing more like these soon.
Cheers & happy growing. 🌱🐟
Thanks!
You sir are a top quality human being! Thank you for your awesome work in putting these videos together for us to learn! Can't thank you enough!
I appreciate that mate.
Cheers & have a top one.
And I have been following you for almost 10 years now and I still go back to this everytime!
I'm glad the vids are still helpful mate.
Cheers Mark & hope all's well with you.
Thank you so so much, I honestly wish I could afford to support you financially , I'm low income and disabled which you can imagine my finances . I honestly appreciate all you share , you've helped me so much. This winter I'm growing inside and watching your videos has given me the confidence to build my own small system😊. I wish I knew people in my area that have the same interests but I don't. Anyways thanks again and may God bless you in everything
Please don't feel you need to offer anything Lisa. I get a buzz just hearing folks have found the clips helpful in someway. 😊
Are you growing under lights? That's something I'm yet to have a crack at with aquaponics.
Hope the build goes well for you & Happy Growing.
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm I guess you’ve not tried lights as there’s probably little need/benefit with your systems being outside. I’m looking at setting up a small system in my garage to get fresh veggies all year so I think I’ll need to look at lighting.
Love your vids, they’re very easy to follow and full of great info. Hadn’t thought about doing hydroponics or even heard of aquaponics until a few weeks back and now I’m reading everything I can get my hands on.
My primary water source is the city water utility, so the water is hard, has added chlorine and maybe fluoride. What do I need to do to make this water suitable for fish?
Hello. I'm Ken. I would love to learn Aqua ponies system .Aquaponics is not popular in Japan. but I think Aqua ponies is very very good and eco. Aquaponics that I really want many Japanese people to know about.
Here for a sustainable future. First time viewer, very informative thankyou, i look forward to being here 👍🏻
I consider you the king of aquaponics, I have thoroughly enjoyed every single video of yours that i've seen, you are always very informative, easy to understand, and hear. Keep up the great work, i already sub'd to your channel ages ago, you get the thumbs up for this one as usual. I've attempted creating my own system here at home a time or two, but never really as much as I plan too this coming spring. I've two tanks in my house 125 gallons each, and because of them I have a little bit of experience with fish, i've tried my hand at gardening the last few years with some small amount of success. I certainly hope that some of the information i've learned from you will help with this in that venture. Thanks!
Thanks again -- I was able to locally and cheaply source some food grade/clean IBC and 30 Gallon tanks (took me a bit to find the non-Ag chemical variety so common in the Midwest. Now beginning a simple build off your basic chop and flip design -- I do like what you pointed out that this can be easily expanded over time. Super appreciative of you sharing your knowledge. Its critical we all learn these skills quickly and efficiently.
You’re a good teacher. You should have local classes for your community, let them know how much they need and take trip to hardware store. Monthly charges to help increase their knowledge.
I do help folks that support us through our website when they need a hand & am looking at holding classes here at our house soon too. Just need to tidy things up around here first.
Cheers Lili & have a top one.
What a great overview of the different systems! I'm holding onto my dream of doing a Texas Aquaponics project someday. Thanks for all your hard work Rob!
Thanks Mr Blake. 👍😊 Let me know if you need any input. More than happy to give you a hand if it's needed.
All the best to the family.
I plan to do have a natural approach, using
Horizontal Flow Constructed Wetlands (HCFWs)
Where I use two sub-section HCFWs:
1st HCFW -> Fish Tank -> 2nd HCFW
Will this be effective?
I haven't seen anyone set up a system like that sorry. Will you be pumping from the last wetland back to the fish tank?
Also look up iAVs or sand bed aquaponics systems. They might have a few ideas that could help you out. 👍
@RobsAquaponics No, I won't pump from 2nd HCFW back to Fish Tank.
Oxygenated water already comes from 1st HFCW.
Its part of a larger system that would be used to clean grey and black water.
And I plan to use just gravity with no pumps.
The chain looks like:
Anerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) ->
1st HFCW ->
Fish Tank ->
2nd HFCW ->
SODIS (Solar Disinfection)
And thanks for suggestions.
Having been dabbling in aquaponics for the past 10 years I started out with a CHOP system and its evolved into a three fish tank, 6 ibc growbeds and 4 10x4 DWC beds. Soon to include several rows of NFT tubes. All fish tanks are aired by venturi induction (inspired by Rob's design) Its an "organic" evolution.
Sounds like an impressive system mate. 👍 What sort of fish are running the show?
Blue Nile Tilapia. Just getting this new batch started (70-100) after reengineering the entire system. I'll post an update, the vid I have up is an older configuration. Very messy.
@@saguarotreker Let me know when you do & I'll suss it out.
Cheers mate.
@@RobsAquaponics Done!
...as in I put up the new system video ua-cam.com/video/I-6oGy4K3H8/v-deo.html for you to have a gander. Thanks for all that you do Rob. BTW, I'm actually thinking about removing the venturi aeration as it is quite noisy. Looking to up the "zen" factor in my little micro-farm.
Finally someone who explains this properly.
Hope it helped you out some Perry. 👍
Cheers.
Excellent video explaining different systems to beginners or someone who is curious like myself. This video sparked my interest in planning a small system using totes. Thanks Rob.
Thanks Joe. 👍👍Send me a PM if you want any more info or a hand mate.
Cheers
@{// WTF! //} We get a few freezes here in Louisiana and that would be a concern for me too. This small system will be indoors in my grow room and most likely be stocked with gold fish.
@@RobsAquaponics Same here Rob. I've been investigating this topic for a while now and your channel is the best resource for a simple explanation of practical aquaculture for a beginner like me. I really appreciate it.
@@TehOldGamer Cheers mate. 👍
The first video ever with the graphical designs and concept behind the setup, thank you sir!
Glad it helped some MI.
Happy growing. 🌱🌱🐟
Great summary! I always preferred to keep things as simple as possible with my aquaponics. Fish tank -> canister filter -> Growbed.
Nice one Punky. 👍👍 Am still tossing up what filters I'll be adding to the new system here.
Cheers & all the best.
I've spent a week now going through your videos to learn as much as I can about these systems. I do have a question for you: what exactly is the benefit of using a Split Flow/Dual Loop system over a Single Loop System? Recirculating the sump tank to both fish tanks as well as the growbeds appears to be a dramatic loss of efficiency.
I run through some reasons at 10:30 if that helps any. 👍
Ahh, thank you. I've watched this video at least 3 times and I thought you were talking about how you personally liked the single loop, not split loop system. That was my misunderstanding.
I'm 14 and building an aquaponics system at my school. I luv ur vids ☺️
Thanks Linus. Hope they help to get you good marks mate.
Cheers & happy growing.
That's a cool school that's teaching you guys things like that!
Thanks very much!
Side note- I have a friend who used lava rock with worms for a solids filter. He said it worked very well.
Nice one Membrane. 👍 Always like to hear how others run their systems.
have a top one.
You just resolve all my doubts about these system. Tomorrow I'm starting to design and build one. Thanks a lot
Glad I could help some Jose. How is the build coming along?
Cheers & happy growing.
How did it go?
thanks for your tips I'm learning from you a lot and trying to make my system and upload in my channel
Great to hear Bibi.
Cheers & happy growing.
Have you thought about adding freshwater mollusc to your sump tank? They are excellent water filters, low maintenance. I would also suggest adding red wigglers to the media beds. Your videos are well put together and easy to follow, you are a great teacher. I especially enjoy your animations of your designs, and how you break down how they operate.
I have been using worms in the beds since we started but haven't used mollusc yet. Don't really have huge issues with solids building up in the sumps but do know folks that have used them with no issues. 👍
Am glad you're enjoying the videos & have a top one BL. 😁👍
This is maybe the best video on UA-cam about this topic! Amazing you make it so simple I WILL WATCH ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS
Glad you think so Georgi. 👍
Hope the other videos give you some useful ideas.
Happy growing.
@@RobsAquaponics thanks ☘️☘️
Can you make a list of materials needed to make an aquaphonic farm? I want to make a list and calculate costs.
Not for a farm sorry as that's a very open ended. There are many ways you can set up a system + not all the materials I have access to may be available elsewehere. Likewise, there's a lot of plumbing fittings we don't get here that other areas of Asia & the Americas can get.
We have built a couple giant single water level systems, but the way you lay out the pumps requires much less power than what we were doing. Thanks for the amazing tips
I gain access to some land near my city in Goiânia, Brasil, and these videos really are helping me to think a production of aquaponics in a bigger scale.
Thank you for you're time doing this, hope i can contact you for some conversation about the processes.
Great work
Hi Davi. I'll help folks where I can but can't get to everyone that requests help unfortunately. Your best off asking questions in the comment sections of clips as I always get back to them eventually.
Cheers
Hi Rob
Thanks for all your help throughout the years Meeting you Today was the best thing that happened all month! I will send you some captions of the garden From Moe
😁😁😁😁 Your excitement took me by surprise to tell you the truth mate & I did enjoy the chat. It was great meeting you as well & hope you can pop around when we have an open day (after the gardens are set back up of course).
Cheers Moe & have a top one buddy.
For the folks that have the pump inside the fish tank, like I do, a electrical float switch is a must have because they are cheap and can prevent water loss by accident and fish loss if there's a leak somewhere on the system, not to mention the fact that you can burn your pump too if it is running dry. You can set the water level that the float switch will actually trip the pump (turn it off). If you want to go a bit further, a relay can be use to switch a backup air compressor in case the pump is switched off.
Good point.
Thanks for mentioning it. 👍
Rob you robbed the show 😄...what a great explanation man.
Was searching for it...thanks much.
😄Glad I could help some 👍
Keep up the updates, I’ve built the 55gal chop/flip and have my ibcs to eventually build a set up very similar to the one you’ve highlighted at your folks place... I dig it. Cheers mate
Nice one Christopher. Have posted a few aqua clips to the channel over the past month or so.
Happy growing mate.
A lot of information, concisely presented and without wasting time , that alone made me subscribe. Graphics were clear and precise as well. Yeah I'll be watching more.
Hope you learn what you need from them mate. 👍👍
You’ve just nailed it for anyone interested multi harvest systems. Excellent easy explanation of these 3 systems with visual of each systems components. This has got to be the next most watched UA-cam video👍 🍻🍻
Thanks Bradley.
I'm posting them at the wrong time of year for them to do much on UA-cam but such is.
Cheers mate & have a top one.
Great. I think I found my Guru . Such clear advise and the science behind it..visually represented helps so much.. Cheers
Don't want to be a guru but am happy to help where & when I can. 👍
Cheers & have a great one.
Don't forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed the video & while you're at it, check out our Aquaponics DIY playlists.
Starting An Aquaponics System
►ua-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYj8zCdbSzPJOR3HRXpxuBwf.html
Aquaponics 101- FAQ & Tutorial Clips
►ua-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYhMbx39L2FhPUYb2MV55ymP.html
Share the clip around with family & friends if you think they'll enjoy it too. 🐟 🌱🍅
Cheers all & have a top one. 😊
Rob
Here one of my favorite mockups/setups though one would need a bigger backyard. ;) Green Society Aquaponics: ua-cam.com/video/Pyz55YHE_Is/v-deo.html
@@DaleModisette It is a great system 👍 Cheers Dale.
@@RobsAquaponics *The Helpful Garden*
The idea is to design a homeless shelter using Aquaponics and permaculture to feed them as well as make money for them. Each place will have 9 to 13 (12 x 18) 216 sq ft building for living in. So the *"Helpful Garden"* will be shelter to up to 13 people as well as a farmers market. The one thing about homeless shelters is that one can be built every 80 miles about or so. I can see a minimum of 3000 homeless shelters of the "Helpful Garden" being built worldwide. (Powered by solar & wind) To build said place is about $500,000 depending where it built. Though it won't need donation or government grants to run for all it's money comes from it farmers market.
*Profits:*
40% profit breakdown:
Money needed for sheltered women: $15,000/each allotted to each tiny home each year. plus stables (Example: coffee, sugar, flour, salt and pepper)
60% profit breakdown:
10% to building new Helpful Gardens
20% to maintenance
15% to college grants
15% to etc.
*_Budget : $500,000_*
*1.)* Land : 3+ acres (Budget $25,000.00 or less)
*2.)* Tiny Homes: 9 to 13 (12 x 18) 216 sq ft [on ½ acre] (Budget $156,000.00 or less)
*3.)* Intake Office: 600 Sq ft (Budget $25,000.00 or less)
*4.)* Farmers Market: ½ acre (Budget $45,000.00 or less)
*5.)* Parking Lot: ¼ acre (Budget $5,000.00)
*6.)* Aquaponics and Permaculture Farm: 1 ¾ acres (Budget $109,000.00 or more
a.) Up to 3 different fish
b.) Tiger shrimp
c.) Crayfish
d.) 3 different apple and pears trees so [to have them throughout the year]
e.) Citrus trees like lemons, oranges and 2 two others.
f.) Chickens (meat and eggs)
g.) Goats (milk and cheese)
h.) Honey Bees 4 to 6 hives
i.) 2 fig trees (maybe)
j.) Freshwater mussels (maybe)
k.) Rabbits (maybe)
*_Powered : [Total Budget $135,000.00]_*
*1.)* Solar (Budget $90,000)
a.) Tiny Homes 13 set of 4 - 250 watt cell with light sensors (52 solar cells) cost between $27,287.00 and $36,387.00
b.) Aquaponics System - (?)
c.) Intake Office - set of 6 - 250 watt cell with light sensors
(cost between $3,148.50 and $4,198.50)
d.) Farmers Market - (?)
*2.)* Wind Power - (Budget $45,000)
a.) Windmill electric generator 15 to 30 KW cost between $18,000 - $48,000
________________________________________________________________________
*Just some working notes:*
Payroll for security : $3,900/wk $16,900/mo $202,800/yr
3 full time: ($24/hr) $2,880/wk $12,480/mo $149,760/yr
4 part time: 17 hour work week ($15/hr) $1,020/wk $4,420/mo $53,040/yr
Payroll for gardeners : same as security
Volunteers : 36 (though it's like $6/hr to help pay for their gas and childcare if needed).
$4,320/wk $18,720/mo $224,640/yr
Total payroll : $427,440/yr
Money needed for sheltered women: $144,000/yr or $12,000/each allotted to each tiny home (12)
Money of the other 60% profit equals $270,000
$450,000 plus payroll equals $958,769.04
Needed $263.34/hr@70/hr@52/wk=$958,769.04
235,000 lbs vegetables
@$0.5/lb=$32.28/hr or 64.56 lbs/hr or 645.5 lbs/day
30,000 lbs fish/crayfish/shrimp
@ $3/lbs = $247.251/day or $90,000.00/yr
*These are all low ball figures*
$174,720 online sales per year
$117,500 vegetable sale per year
$90,000.00 meat sales per year
$500 honey sales per year
At point soda sales per year
Snack & hot food sale per year
Cloths & wares sales per year
Frozen food sales per year
Canning goods sales per year
Dairy/cheese sales per year
________________________________________________________________________
*By using a mix of permaculture and aquaponics which in turn use 90% less water to grow food and a minimum of twice as fast :*
* Reduces Labor by 75%
* Reuses 95% of the water
* Low Electricity Need (use solar to stay off the grid)
* Faster Vegetable
* Longer Shelf Life
* Organic Mineral Rich
* Produces Its own Fertilizer
* Non-Contaminated Fish
* Use of Tiger Shrimp &/or Crawfish to clean algae
* Uses of the Bacteria and fecal matter are collected to make Methane in place of natural gas &/or Decomposed solids to worm bin which turn is used to make Compost Tea is brewed from worm casting and water. The tea can be used for Fruit Orchard to increase Microbial Content in the soil.
________________________________________________________________________
*_It all came about after a project I worked on to design a green subdivision with many others. I thought I could do more and started gathering info. That was when G+ was still invite only. A village is a 50 million dollar undertaken. Then broke it down to a what I call Dartanyan's Restaurant & Farm but again that was 5 million dollar undertaken. So I decided trying a homeless shelter with my knowledge._*
*1.9848 acre per person living in a sustainable village (234 people [35% are child under the age 12] and 464.4432 acres for the village)*
80% crafted, made and grown in said village And 20% are raw materials, food not grown, medical equipment/supplies, electronics and etc.
- 0.6250 acre of farmland/person (146.2500ac)
- 0.0892 acre of farmland products to be sold/person (20.8728ac)
- 0.2321 acre of living area/person (54.3114ac)
- 0.0214 acre of wine vineyards/person (5.0076ac)
- 0.0714 acre of ponds/person (16.7076ac)
- 0.1069 acre of coffee/person or 3,456 trees (25.0146ac) [555 trees/2.4711 acres or 1 Hectare]
- 0.0071 acre of teas/person (1.6614ac)
- 0.0142 acre of herbs/person (3.3228ac)
- 0.1428 acre of schools/person (33.4152ac)
- 0.2142 acre of park & wildlife/person (50.1228ac)
- 0.1428 acre of village square/person (33.4152ac)
- 0.1785 acre of livestock/person (41.7690ac)
- 0.1392 acre of roads & etc/person (32.5728ac)
--------------------------------------------------
Side Note:
The average house in the United States - 2150 square feet
A downsized house - 1100 square feet
A “large” small house - 750 square feet
An efficiency house - 500 square feet
A little house - 400 square feet
A tiny house - 300 square feet
A compact house - 200 square feet
A micro house - 150 square feet
These are all approximations, there is no exacting classification of “tiny houses.” As Dr. Peter Venkman said, “It’s more of a guideline than a rule.”
Ive been going crazy trying to find decent information thats actually informative! I really cant thank you enough man. Youre my aquaponic godsend
g'day
very generous to show all these ideas. thank you
Glad you like them Moe.
Have a top one.
Mate, thank you for sharing your knowledge with others.
I found this extremely informative, I've been thinking of starting to up my own aquaponic system and I'm just so happy there are people like you sharing all this wonderful info.
Glad it was helpful Tim. Hope the build goes smoothly if you have a crack at one mate. 😁👍
Your a goodman, the only person that i understand pretty much
Am glad the videos help some TP. 👍
You're on fire these days Rob! Another amazing video I'll probably watch another dozen times while I endeavor to set up a small system :)
Thanks Ted. Was a bit of a rush job this one.
Cheers & have a top one mate.
Ted i'm right there with you! Rob's video were super instrumental for me building my first small scale system. I actually just posted a video on how i did it if interested: ua-cam.com/video/hKWREFjNWX4/v-deo.html
Do you have a build video on the single loop aquaponics system? Or a link to one
Not as of yet but will be working on one as soon as I knock off a few other jobbies.
Any German speaking Aquaponics-enthusiasts here?
Not that I know of sorry mate. Berlin Aquaponics used to comment here a bit but I haven't seen any vid's from him recently.
ua-cam.com/channels/AmGQk8Z9zaKoMq0i1c3ojQ.html
Cheers.
Ich kann! Mein Deutsch ist nicht perfekt aber ich kann es lesen und schreiben
Yes sir
Ich spreche ein wenig Deutsch allein in Texas. kann aber besser lesen und schreiben
Hier bin aus bayern
Thanks for sharing what you know mate, going to be starting a small indoor system under some grow lights in the basement.
Hope the build went smoothly Nate.
Happy growing. 🐟🌱
Want to learn more about Aquaponics? 🐟 🍓🥬🍅
Now you can with Rob's "Backyard Aquaponics for Beginners" Guide for only $19.95.
You can see the guide in action on my website,
► www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide
Or, buy directly here,
► robbobaquaponics.retrieve.com/g/XL0J6T2P#/content/90525
What species of fish are you growing? They're beautiful!
@@johnsmith-yi8bk The ones with the black markings are the Aussie Native Jade Perch & the plain silver ones are the native Silver Purch.
@@RobsAquaponics do you taste any fishy aftertaste in your produce?
I ask because I haven't tried aquaponics but I do taste the difference between produce grown with and without fish based fertilizer and meats smoked/dried in the same room as fish and it seems most people don't mind or can't taste it but it tends to stand out for me
@@2MinuteHockey None at all. 👍
Wow. I just learned about aquaponics today. And omg I feel inspired to start this, spread it, promote it. How is this not a bigger deal or something being promoted all throughout the US? Also how is this information free? Thank you so much for all your hard work. This is going to be so important soon.
I have a guide for sale to help pay the bills. 😉😁
Cheers Alicia & happy growing. 🌱🌱🌱
I’m really gonna consider some of these for our next redesign this winter. Thanks rob!
Nice one Wes. Hope to have a few more helpful clips out before your Spring arrives.
Cheers mate.
Great video, perfect for a newbie - cheers from Oregon USA!
Glad it was helpful mate. 👍
happy growing.
Im one of your subscriber now, it reminds me one of my favorite character in LOTR, Gandalf the grey, but you will be Gandalf the green, i really learn a lot. From this video. Keep it up!
Welcome aboard & thanks MC. 😁👍👍
HI i love ur explaination , i just wanna ask if the water pressure from the fish tank is enough to push the fish poop to the solid capture ? @6:40 will it cause suffocation on the pipe ?
Great question. I have had the flow rate down to about 800lph/211gph running through a 40mm/1½" SLO pipe & that worked fine & picked up the solids.
The fastest I've run is about 2800lph/739gph through a 50mm/2" SLO pipe.
As long as the pipe is wide enough there shouldn't be any solids blockages as the solids are very small & are picked up in small amounts at a time, basically as the fish deposit them.
Hope that helps some.
I'm curious: what software are your using to illustrate the systems?
I'me using Paint.Net for the art & DaVinci Resolve (my editing software) to animate them.
Cheers.
this is by far the best video I've seen on aquaponics. Great diagrams and very simple! good job!
Glad it was helpful Taylor.
Have fun with the build mate.
Quite comprehensive, Rob.
Well done.
This is why I've been subscribed for ages and love your videos.
Thanks KJ. Hope it helps a few folks out there new to aquaponics.
Cheers & have a top one mate.
Wow!! Your channel is my one stop shop to learn aquaponics! Great video!!
Glad you're enjoying the vids. 👍👍
Great clip, really good at showing the different systems at a high level. With your links to the specific elements of the system for more detail you have become the one stop shop for aquaponics education. Will be starting on a chop and flip system soon as my entry into aquaponics.
Looking forward to you getting chickens again. You actually gave me inspiration to get chickens which have surprised me with how entertaining they are.
Keep up the great work on educating people in what can be achieved in a backyard.
That's great to hear you're going to have a crack Ed. 👍 Am glad the clips have helped you out some mate.
Am looking forward to getting some girls back in the patch here too.
Cheers & happy growing.
I like that you explain things so clearly in an organized fashion. Thanks!
Cheers RB&R👍
Have a top one.
your brahmi's going nuts, i have found our system keeps brahmi alive in cold frosty winter.
It's just gone burko over the past few weeks Shane. Even the small section on the deck is flowering now.
Cheers mate.
thanks rob my system is running well eating nice greens just waiting for the fish
Nice one Jandre. 👍👍What sort of fish are you running?
@@RobsAquaponics at the moment mozambiek telapia winter started soo its going slow now
I always enjoy your explanations. :) I remember that I have been fascinated by liquids flowing through tubes and components as a concept (haven't had too much exposure or in-person experience with the phenomenon) since I was a five year old. It's why I answered that I wanted to be a chemist (among so many other things, lol). In recent years, I've come to love plants as well. And fish are one of my favorite food sources (but I don't know how attached I'd get). Your channel is like a window into a part of my desired future. Thanks for so much great content. ^.^ Also, your beard is longer than mine now, I think. I had suggested to you not to shave it previously when you had brought up the topic, but I don't want you to feel like your personal life is dictated by this community, so I'm revising my statement to "I'll race you," though it appears you've already won, lol. Take care.
😅 I need to cut about a fist full off to look after some split ends so you might just take the lead yet.
Hope you do have a crack at growing your own mate, is very satisfying to raise your own.|
Cheers & all the best.
Just found this channel, Clear information.
Cheers Paul.
Happy growing mate.
I love this. Thank you for explaining it so clearly!!!
Cheers Sal. 👍 Was happy that it turned out as well as it did as it was a bit of a rush job & wasn't the clip I was planing to post this week.
Have a top one.
ua-cam.com/video/jqgw4DQMLGw/v-deo.html
My aquaponics system in Bangladesh
My indoor systems arent big enough to bother but I've been obsessed with the idea of adding an irrigation controller to the plant loop on a split flow in order to fill beds sequentially rather than simultaneously. This should allow a smaller sump tank and overall water volume compared to the grow area and should translate into cost savings on food and additives to reach water concentration targets and a smaller lower flow pump consuming less energy.
Nice idea. I know TCLynx uses them in her large outdoor system a while back but haven't seen how her system is set up recently.
ua-cam.com/video/zrrQlxkwqX4/v-deo.htmlm32s
Hope that helps some. 👍
Another awesome vid Rob! I like the new intro , and can't wait to see those upcoming component vids! I really love your take on aquaponics. Take care man!
Thanks Neil.
Cheers mate & have a great one.
Plz tell us where to order all these basic systems you recommend. I live in USA , UTAH !
This is the best descriptive video I've seen !
Great job !
Ty brother
Sorry it took so long to respond to you mate. Some aquaponic stores will sell basic systems or will have components on the shelf you can use to put together your own system.
Last weeks video might also have a few ideas for you as well,
ua-cam.com/video/nPXuEpyCfMg/v-deo.html
Hope that helps some.
Great work sir,, looking forward to see more of this system of your own,,very educational and Creatively done.
The new system is up & running now if you wanted to suss that out MW,
ua-cam.com/video/xpA-5XZioz0/v-deo.html
Cheers & have a top one.
What's the best use for solids after they've been collected from the system?
I use them on fruit trees at the moment but ideally I'd like to mineralise them in an offline system then add them back into the aquaponics so the plants can use up the nutrients.
Cheers Luke.
Thank you Sir Rob! very generous giving ideas. Nice video!
Glad you enjoyed it & hope it gave you a few useful ideas.
Cheers.
9:07 finally, system that i was looking for, thanks 🙏
Am glad the video helped mate.😁👍
Happy growing.
The illustrations are amazing thank you
No problem Robert. 👍
I’m 18 and this kinda stuff intrigues me. I just wanted to know why you need to filter the fish waste from the plants? Wouldn’t you want to keep the fish waste as fertilisers? Thank you so much!!!!
Most of the nutrients will also be suspended in the water itself so saving the solids isn't necessary. I am now adding the solids I collect from the filter into a mineraliser to process the waste. This video is a quick explanation of the mineralisation process if you're interested,
ua-cam.com/video/pX8yB4-fJLs/v-deo.html
Hope that helps some.
Your videos are fantastically informative. Thank you. I plan to use a lot of your videos in building my new system.
Glad you like them👍
I hope they help with your design & build as well.
Cheers.
a very nice vid.thanks a lot for your work.but could you please tell me what are the alternatives for the sand their names please
I use a fires clay ball media in mine.
Other alternatives are rock that doesn't contain any carbonates or volcanic rock like the scoria we get here in Australia. Folks in the USA also use an expanded shale medium but I haven't seen it here in Australian.
Hope that helps some.
hold up, regarding the basic aquaponics system, can i just add more pipes from the solids filter? one path for the grow beds and another to the fish tank? i feel like i can save up on the aerator that way
You can if you want but you will be returning untreated, ammonia laden water back into the fish. I would include an aeration system/pump in the fish tank anyway. Have had a few water pumps burn out here & would have lost the fish if I didn't have a dedicated air system as well.
@@RobsAquaponics okay, it's just that granted if the tank is deep enough but coming from a guy who takes care of aquariums at my own house i feel it's a bit off for me to reduce the water from the tank even though it will be returned again. unless i made a constant flood system?
Hey Bob which pebbles are better can you help I am getting two options - fly ash pebbles and clay pebbles
I'm not sure about the fly ash Ashu. I would be looking into it to see if there are any toxins that could leach out & into the fish or veggies.
Another option would be a carbonate free rock. Many folks I know use that as a growing medium. You just need to make sure that the bed stands are built strong enough to hold their weight.
Cheers.
THANKS BOB
I am learning a lot here. I plan to build my own aquaponics and your videos are excellent instructions on how to do it.. thank you!
I'm glad the videos are helping some.
Cheers mate.
How often do you need to swap out the water? Live in Arizona and need my water hauled. Curious as to what all it will take.
No water needs to be swapped out if the system has been cycled correctly KF. 👍
The only water I remove from ours is a small amount when I clean out the solids filter.
This was exactly what i was looking for. Thanks mate!
Glad I could help some Jasper.
Cheers.
Hi aquaponia in the video excell .. But how do you do it in winter ? How do you do not freeze everything
We live in the sub tropics so it very rarely drops below 0°C here Zoltan.
Folks that live in climates where it freezes will grow in greenhouses or only grow through the warmer months with fast growing fish.
Hope that helps some mate.
What kinds of food can you grow with aquaponics? Is it just leafy veg or could you grow things like carrots?
I have grown a few root crops like ginger, carrots & sweet potatoes. Ginger does really well ( ua-cam.com/video/tacxjNcWJJk/v-deo.html ) while I only got good leaf production from the sweet potato. Carrots turn out a but bumpy due to pressure from the media but grow OK. Beets are one I always like to have in the system but they tend to sit more on the surface.
Hope that helps some.
Hi there, I own a Koi pond but is a bit far from the patio were I would like to build the system, I was thinking on mixing aquaponics with a hidroponic tower system to avoid adding additives or suplements to the water. Because of the distance between the pond and the patio, the system would not had a direct water flow from the pond, instead it would have a water bin, were I would feed regularly with water from the pond, but I wonder in what part of the tower I should put the growit clay pebbles?, in the water bin? , on the top were the water sprinkler drops the water or in the little baskets were the plants grow?, I hope You can help since my problem is a bit unique and I am new to aquaponics and hidroponics. Thanks for the video, keep the good work and thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Mate. If the pond is functioning fine as it is with fish in it & don't think you'll need to add any clay to act as a biofilter. You should be able to use the water as is. 👍
Sorry it took so long to reply.
Thanks Rob… you do an excellent job at teaching others how to do this and you do it well!
Thanks Shannon.
Came back to smash the like button... I like your' vids... Very sincere contents
Many thanks mate. 😁👍👍
Cheers & have a great one.
I am absolutely amazed by this system. Thank you
Glad you like it Michael.
Cheers & have a top one.
Hello, thanks for all , I wanna to confirm if connecting bio-filter to sumb-tank then using the pump to circulate the water from it to pipis and fish tank
Yes, that's correct. water from fish ► solids filter/settler ►Biofiltration ► sump tank ► pumped to grow beds & fish tank
Cheers.
I live in East Africa and teach sustainable agriculture to indigenous people. I would very much appreciate your input. I need to create simpler systems for people with more limited skills. Would it be possible to build a system based on a tank filled with fish, an aeration system for oxygen, and then simply once a day use the fish water to to directly irrigate soil gardens. Sort of an open loop system where the dirty fish water is directly fed to soil gardens/fields through a sprinkler system. The system would refill with fresh water as the dirty water is delivered to the gardens.
It might pay for you to look up iAVs sand based systems Paul. I haven't grown with them myself but many folks are saying that they work a treat.
Thanks for this presentation. So, I would like to ask you, if possible to mention total cost of those filters and water pump
good day, just wanted to thank you- your videos are well done! good info with good details explained clearly, thanks well done ! new subscriber, american in Philippines looking into aquaponics as a method to feed large family here as well as to see if i can come up with decent alternative fish food for a grow out operation. if i build i think kang kong will be a good one to grow as it loves water to grown in and i can feed that to pigs and the fish up to 20 percent of their diet i think, but small budget to work with so wil see how it goes might take some time
You'll find that the kang kong will thrive in the system Dennis. It grows faster than we can eat it here.
@@RobsAquaponics that is my hope, while i have long been aware of aquaponics, even have a couple of books. it is my looking into fish farming that drives me deeper. it is possible here to make a little money on fish farm but the need to figure out home grown food for the fish is big- the cost of commercial feed is crazy high. my goal is actually grow enough africn night crawlers to feed fish replace the fish meal, i know rice bran will also be part of the diet some kang kong is always needed we feed it to our pigs a mix of kang kong, moringa and madre de agua, space and money is tight old guy feeding my family on a social security disability, but then that is why i am eager to grow food , save lots of money
Thank you! Extremely informative and the animations make it very easy to understand
Glad I could help some.
Cheers Britt. 👍
This is a great video. I’ve just recently became interested in this topic. Thanks
Nice one Sean. I have a playlist for folks just starting out if that helps at all.
ua-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYj8zCdbSzPJOR3HRXpxuBwf.html
Happy growing mate.
Would you see any issue with using inflated clay pellets for the biofilter in place of the plastic bits or mesh?
You can use the clay in the filters but they would need to be cleaned periodically as they would tend to sink once being waterlogged.
One of the benefits of the propper bio-media is that it's neutrally buoyant so stays in the water column. It also has a larger surface area for the bacteria to colonise as well.
Cheers.
@@RobsAquaponics awesome. Thanks for taking the time to reply!
Hi Rob, Thank you so much for all you do! You have helped me immensely! I do have a couple of questions too. When first setting up the system, how much water do you put in? Do you fill the fish tank and the sump tank? The other question I have is probably more of a favor, would you show a system design that includes a raft bed after the media bed and how the water would move through that system?
Hi Michelle. Is best to fill the sump, fish tank & any filters before turning the pump that runs system on. You'll find that you'll need to do a small top up after as the base of the grow beds generally hold a small amount of water in you're running them as flood & drain.
To top up a system once full I turn off the pump & let any excess water above the outlets in the fish tank & filters drain back into the sump. I then pull out the standpipes in the grow beds & let them drain back into the sump. All you need to do then is top the sump up to where you want it & turn the system back on. I would recommend staying with the system while doing top ups as you don't want to overflow the sump or forget to turn the water pump back on. 😉
Hope that helps.
@@RobsAquaponics Awesome, thank you very much!
Thanks for such an informative video on the different systems.
Glad it was helpful Don.
Cheers mate.
This is the best video I found. I really appreciate the animation. It makes things so much simpler. I was confused at other videos as I couldn't imagine how the system works as a whole but your animation really helps me understand it.
I'm glad it helped you out mate.
Cheers & Have a great one.
Awsome Job in explaining the systems and the diagram,s you showed helped out alot ... Peace and Grace too you and your Family!!
Thanks mate. Hope it's given you a few useful ideas.
Have a top one.
I have a total beginners question. I already have a 1500 gallon pond. If I build a bed can I just let water from my pond flow through a canister filter and into my Aquaponic bed, then drain back into the pond? Or must it fill and syphon in a cycle in order to work? Thank You very much. Dave in PA, USA.
Hi Dave. Constant water height grow beds work too. 👍 I just like the flood & drain beds as I know that the plants & bacteria are getting a decent amount of O2 delivered to them when the beds empty.
Cheers mate & hope the build goes smoothly for you.
Instead of using media, have you ever tried the free floating setup with the fish living under the floating garden? Just wondering if it would save in cost and the cleaning you have to randomly do.
Fish still poop so cleaning would still have to be done. You can also have issues with some fish eating roots.
Thank you Rob for sharing your Knowledge !!!
No problem mate. 😁👍
Cheers & happy growing.
Thank you so much for the fantastic presentation!
Glad you liked it!
we can only do with grow beds? i want to grow in pvc. What is the role of pebbles?
The rock/clay balls provide a place for the bacteria (that are the backbone of the system) to live. They oxidise the toxic ammonia all the way through to fish & plant friendly nitrate.
This video in a playlist on starting aquaponics might help you out some.
ua-cam.com/video/b3KMLZiWYns/v-deo.html
BEST aquaponics video I have seen on UA-cam! Thank you for breaking it down into logical and simple terms. Questions: any book recommendations? And is it manageable to add pond plants to the fish tank in a system like this? I was hoping to growing some duckweed, taro, lotus, and watercress in the fish tank in addition to the grow beds...
No books I can recommend as being a complete guide sorry. If you do buy any, get them from known aquaponics folks with a public profile & not random online ads as many are very poor in information.
I had a few pond plants in ours over the year & found they did well. Water chestnuts & duckweed are 2 stand outs. Duckweed does tend to get everywhere so I would only grow that in a tub separate to the system now.
Hope that helps some.
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm awesome thanks so much