Aquaponics: A new look, same system

It’s been quite a while since my last post. I just want to share some updates with my two little systems.

A view of both of my Aquaponic systems

One day I just realized that I wasn’t getting enough growth for all of the plants and the yellowish color from the leaves are clearly signs of lack of nutrients. If I’m not mistaken, mostly due to lack of iron.

Underneath the small raft

I’ve read from DIYAquaponics that adding a filter in the system would really help a lot in maximizing the dissolved nutrients be fed to the plants since we are reducing the amount of solids in the growbeds which clog up the roots. So I’ve decided to add my own filter! I used recycled plastic containers and some wool and scotchbrite for the renovation.

A top view for the second system showing the home-made filter box

I also painted the outsides of the beds black to minimize the algae that steals away nutrients that should be for our vegetables

Fish tank full of Tilapia

Adding filters on each of the two mini systems and minimizing algae growth have improved the quality of the plants by making sure that they get more nutrients. Leaves looked healthier and the Okra fruits have been almost unstoppable.

As of the moment, the system needs a lot of tweaking since I haven’t done much maintenance lately and I am also planning on setting up a much more ambitious and productive system. Raft is most likely the choice.