Aquaponic overhead sump filter

[Mcfly]

I recently built this overhead sump filter for nitrate reduction and to
add some additional bio-filtration. It's been running a few days and
already has reduced nitrates considerably.

The tank water is pumped up to the sump through a pond pump.
The overhead sump has bio ball media, and net pots with clay
pellet media. Plants are planted in the net pots. As water flows
through the sump, nitrates are removed by the plant roots. This
in turn feeds the plants to grow. The water then drops down two
drain hoses back into the tank.

Water is pumped at about 100 gph through the sump, and supplements
a Cascade 1200 canister.

This has lowered my nitrate levels by 30ppm, to a much lower 10-15 ppm. As the plants grow,
they will consume more nitrates. Making the nitrate level even lower.

 

[obedey]

Thats a sweet setup. I like the shelf idea. If I owned my own place that would definately be the go.


What plants are you growing? How long did it take for the nitrates to drop?

 

[Mcfly]

Thats a sweet setup. I like the shelf idea. If I owned my own place that would definately be the go.


What plants are you growing? How long did it take for the nitrates to drop?

Thanks! Right now I have 4 Pothos house plants, and 2 mint plants (spearmint).
Within a few days the Nitrates dropped to about 5ppm from averaging 20ppm prior.
These days I rarely see any nitrates at all. When I trim roots it goes up to 5ppm
for a week or two. The plants grow like wild fire. I'm cutting them back weekly.

 

[Mcfly]

Here's a look at the plants these days.... A jungle I'm tellin' ya.

 

[obedey]

How stocked is the tank? Could you forego the canister filter completely?