building a diy aquaponics system with a fish tank

[eleNt]

To make an indoor aquaponics system using a large fish tank, I'm guessing I'll need some basic tools and equipment. What exactly do I need to get started? I've been looking into aquaponics for a while now, but I still don't fully understand the process - can someone explain how it all works together?

[willie32]

I'm curious, what plants are you looking to grow in your aquaponics system? I've had success with Pothos, Monsterra, and Wandering Dude in mine - they seem to thrive. I also have some Lucky Bamboo and Peace Lillys, though my Asparagus Fern isn't doing too great at the moment, still trying to figure that one out.

[BadgersSong]

I'm looking at growing the Wandering Dude in my system, among other plants.

[eleNt]

I'm curious, what plants are you looking to grow in your aquaponics system? I've had success with Pothos, Monsterra, and Wandering Dude in mine - they seem to thrive. I also have some Lucky Bamboo and Peace Lillys, though my Asparagus Fern isn't doing too great at the moment, still trying to figure that one out.

Herbs, that's what I'm looking to grow.

[graye]

Aquaponics can be as straightforward or as intricate as you want it to be, depending on the setup. I've had success with basil, which thrives with its roots submerged in the water, drawing nutrients from fish waste. The convenience of having fresh herbs year-round, like during a Canadian winter, is a definite perk. However, positioning them above the tank can be a bit cumbersome from a fishkeeping perspective.

[eleNt]

Aquaponics can be as straightforward or as intricate as you want it to be, depending on the setup. I've had success with basil, which thrives with its roots submerged in the water, drawing nutrients from fish waste. The convenience of having fresh herbs year-round, like during a Canadian winter, is a definite perk. However, positioning them above the tank can be a bit cumbersome from a fishkeeping perspective.

"graye, would love to see your setup, could you share some details or pics of your aquaponics experiments, especially the ones with basil, that sounds like a great success."

[graye]

I didn't bother with photos, I just devoured the results. I repurposed those old hard plastic grills designed for fluorescent lights - they were easy to cut to size. I gently pushed young basil plants through the 1cm by 1cm holes, making sure their roots were submerged in the well-filled tank. The setup covered a small section, about 20cm, at one end of the 275-litre tank, and it received plenty of natural light. I had Geophagus in the tank, and I performed regular water changes anyway, as they're delicate fish.

I ended up with a bountiful harvest of basil, but my wife wasn't too keen on eating anything grown in a fishtank, so I eventually moved on. I've been toying with the idea of reviving the project this winter, though.

[eleNt]

Aquaponics can be as straightforward or as intricate as you want it to be, depending on the setup. I've had success with basil, which thrives with its roots submerged in the water, drawing nutrients from fish waste. The convenience of having fresh herbs year-round, like during a Canadian winter, is a definite perk. However, positioning them above the tank can be a bit cumbersome from a fishkeeping perspective.

Unfortunate that the evidence got eaten, I was looking forward to seeing those experiments.