{"id":410,"date":"2021-06-10T10:14:19","date_gmt":"2021-06-10T10:14:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaponicseasy.com\/?p=410"},"modified":"2022-03-04T21:09:00","modified_gmt":"2022-03-04T21:09:00","slug":"aquaponics-filtration-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaponicseasy.com\/aquaponics-filtration-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"Aquaponics Filtration Systems – Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"aquaponics<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For a beginner, setting everything about your aquaponics system may take a while. Indeed, you need to find a perfect balance, consider expansion and learn how every part of the system works. While it could be time-consuming, it is also totally worth it. Getting everything right from the beginning will improve efficiency, but it will also prevent all kinds of problems. You will get healthy crops and fish with little to no maintenance required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, aquaponics filtration systems are sometimes overlooked. While most people focus on the fish and plants, these extra parts require just as much attention. As a general rule of thumb, the necessity of a filtration system becomes obvious if the grow bed system has a density of one or higher. You will need a good system to break down all kinds of solids. There are a few other rules you should consider for aquaponics systems \u2013 the necessity of worms, the need to distribute water throughout the grow bed, and a depth of 12 inches or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how does the filtration system work then? There are a few variables you should take into consideration. If the growing area is 16 square feet, for instance, and you have a depth of 12 inches, you should have not more than 16 pounds of fish. Solids will break down, but they require a bit of help from worms. Bring in more fish, and the waste will not be properly handled by the grow bed, leading to clogging issues. Such general rules can obviously be adjusted as you gain experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of using the right aquaponics filtration system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your water will inevitably have bacteria to help in the process. Its main responsibility is to turn fish waste into nutrients for your plants. This is a completely natural process that maintains the self-sustainable profile of your system. The process occurs naturally in nature as well and not only in your aquaponics system. The bacteria is not responsible for helping plants only. Instead, fish will also benefit from it. The toxic ammonia is turned into nitrates<\/a>, creating a healthier environment for fish \u2013 no toxins at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, fish produce more types of waste, and solid waste is never to be overlooked. This is the part that lots of newbies forget about, leading to clogging problems in the long run. There are plenty of worms in a grow bed<\/a>, and their responsibility is to break solid waste down. Of course, the system ratio should be relatively low \u2013 usually, just below one. Things could be a bit different if you rely on other growing methods, such as NFT, vertical towers<\/a> or floating rafts. Extra solid filtration will be necessary then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to grow beds, solids will build up. They will make small deposits and eventually clog up the whole system. They will also bring in aerobic zones. Such issues can be easily controlled if you keep an eye on the pH levels \u2013 if they go up, you better act quickly. As solids build-up, aerobic areas will naturally kick in as well. The bacteria responsible for the conversion will die, so the pH will get even higher. Monitor your system and keep in mind that if the ratio is too high in your grow bed system, chances are you will need to clean it on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Floating rafts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How about floating rafts then? A so-called DWC system<\/a> comes with different requirements and rules. For example, the density should be under 0.3 if you want less maintenance. Such a density does not imply cleaning up solids. But then, aquaponics filtration systems become mandatory if the density is higher. Again, this issue is sometimes overlooked by newbies. As a direct consequence, the bottom side of your troughs will end up covered in sludge. Not only do you end up with aerobic areas, but gases will also be released. All these issues will slowly kill the good bacteria in the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, solids will end up stuck to the roots of your plants. With time, the nutrient intake will be fully blocked. Plants will die, and your fish will soon follow up. It is pretty obvious that failing to maintain the system will ruin everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you think the NFT system is easier to look after, you are wrong. In fact, there are even more requirements in such a system. If you use this option, the water must be exceptionally clean. This is by far the most significant part in the process \u2013 as well as the most challenging one for NFT users. From this point of view, NFT systems are not really recommended to complete beginners. Fail to remove all the solids, and problems will kick in straight away \u2013 plus, you need to target both suspending and settable solids. Solids will slowly kill your plants by attaching to their roots, meaning they will no longer be able to get the nutrients they require.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With time, they will also block channels. Hard work and dedication will pay off though. Just like any other system, the NFT system can be well looked after if you filter the water as it leaves the tank. It should be filtered before it reaches channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n