Aquarium Hydroponics

[ldaniel]

Hi all,
just looking into the idea of using the open area in the back of a planted tank as a small aquaponics area. From what I have read most the macro's and micro's are close to the same for both aquatic and non-aquatic plants.
Any idea's?
Thanks.

 

[andresdeo]

What specifically were you thinking of? It will probably work with most though, so go ahead. Watch for anything that may leak into the tank.

 

[ldaniel]

What specifically were you thinking of?

Well I was thinking about using a small netting basket or just a small "stand" (foam or something that floats) for the plant (most likely a bell pepper) and leaving the roots in the water full time.
A different option I have though of is hanging the plant from a shelf or the celing as to allow the plant to grow with out having any base, if the plant grows at all.
I have a glass top on the tank now but there is a small, about 2 inch, gap between the back of the glass and the back of the tank. this is also where the HOB filter is placed.

 

[andresdeo]

Yes, that'll definately work, either floating for smaller plants or with a pot holder drilled to a wall for larger plants.

 

[ldaniel]

Do you think that the aquitic plants will out compete the peppers for their Macro's and micro's?

 

[Mogurako]

I know a guy who has a planted tank and grows spider plants out of his big HOB.

 

[Pizentios]

You will have to dose stuff for any plant that flowers. Stuff like lettuce etc that doesn't flower will do fine with out dosing anything

 

[ldaniel]

You will have to dose stuff for any plant that flowers. Stuff like lettuce etc that doesn't flower will do fine with out dosing anything

I currently dose kno3. And I was working on finding a way to dose iron without having to buy the pre packaged cleted iron. As it stands now I have been unable to create any meaningful results. So tomorrow I will head to the store to pick up some iron.
Thanks.
What else do you think I should be dosing?

 

[Pizentios]

I currently dose kno3. And I was working on finding a way to dose iron without having to buy the pre packaged cleted iron. As it stands now I have been unable to create any meaningful results. So tomorrow I will head to the store to pick up some iron.
Thanks.
What else do you think I should be dosing?

Plants that flower (like a pepper) need Phosphorus to help create the flower/seed. If you intend to just grow green vegtables you can get away with out having to worry about Phosphorus.

Check out Plant nutrition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for more info on what plants generally need to really do well.

There is a way to grow flowering plants using aquaponics without having to really dose Phosphorus, however you need to use a growing media and introduce worms to create the phosphorus for you. It sounds liek you are wanting to use floating nets though.

Check out: How to Grow Tomatoes in Aquaponics | eHow.com for a guide that is fairly simple and strait forward. They use tomatoes as an example. I found it using google while trying to gather information as i haven't research aquaponics in a year or so and wanted to be sure i wasn't giving you crappy advise lol.


I would be really interested in seeing how you make out as i am planing a aquaponics system in the future (was going to be sooner but we decided to build a house first lol). I will be following along.

Sorry about the late reply was away from the computer for a while.

 

[ldaniel]

Thanks for the info. I have been holding off until my next set of days off which start next Thursday. I am planning on starting with spearmint. As I have a large batch growing in the yard. I will post some pics when I get everything working.

 

[Pizentios]

Looking forward to seeing how you make out!

Please give us an update when you can