Your aquaponics builds are the most reasonable and methodical approaches I've come across. For me - living in a cold European climate - it's really inspiring to watch this latest build taking shape, you give me plenty of good ideas. Thanks for sharing.
People don't care much for hard work, they're more interested in the end product. This channel will take off when the profit generator's fully built and operational. :)
Keep direct sunlight off the mineralization tank to cut down on the algae. You can throw a couple of old blankets or cardboard on and around the tank to test that sunlight is the problem.
Your system design looks great , parts 13 & 14 of the Radial flow & Mineralisation tank is what i want to do, I was wondering if there are any changes to the system now that it has operated for awhile, thanks for the videos , regards mike.
I have always been impressed with your ingenuity and not being afraid to experiment and also showing what does not work. Have you looked at any designs for bead filters? Thanks Von
I've experimented essentially the same as you with cone tanks; in my experience, you'll appreciate results using larger cone tanks. I used the 80-gallon tanks because of the cost and regretted not having 130 or larger.
You should integrate some prawns and or possibly red wigglers(worms) to your system to deal with that algae issue. It will help to break down the fish manure and could give you somethings you hadn't thought about yet. I don't know? Just an idea from a few things I'd seen on TH-cam lately.
15k litres of water to filter with 20min retention. water passing though would be 15k litre divide by 60min = 250L p/min multiplied by 20min retention would be 5000L. so the radial filtre would need to have to be minimum of 5000L capacity to achieve 20min retention. please correct me if i am wrong. you also mention that smaller radial filters would be easier to maintain. in your opinion would it be better to have 5 x 1000L capacity radial filters or 2 x 2500L radial filtre. cheers.
Could you pack the stilling well with k1 media or similar to make the center stack an upflow filter? I couldn't think of why that wouldn't work and may be easier to service should the need arise.
Are you in the southern hemisphere? If so, the water vortex is anti clockwise like your setup. If you're in the Northern hemisphere the vortex should be clockwise. Right?
When your designing your pieces with the 3D printer. What brand and size of printer are you using? And any upgrades to the printer. I have been looking at them but not sure what to get.
It's a MakerFarm Pegasus 10 with all the upgrades. I then modified the print bed so the table was 10x12" to deal with some of the bigger prints. It takes a little reprogramming of the firmware (arduino) to use the larger bed.
i just got my Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D printer cant wait to start printing stuff once i figerout how this thing works...... do you have a list of files i can print? i have this idea for a fish feeder for my first project i would like to do...... also why not 3d print air lifts to replace the air stone?
@@Bigelowbrook well i make my air lifts by running 1.5in pipe through a 2in tee and drilling plenty holes in the 1.5 ...... seal of the ends of the tee around the 1.5 with couplings and reduce the open end to a garden hose that is run to the air pump..... maybe i should do a vid.....lol
Instead of air stone use a section of double walled diy PVC pipe (on outside) with air gap between & drill tiny holes for air injection .. no obstruction in pipes that way. You'll get mad flow no maintenance that way.. stack a bigger size pipe outside put cut C rings of pvc on top & bottom to create air gap & install nipple for air hose.. let me know what u think.. I plan on doing a how to video on it soon on my 800 gallon aquaponics tricks/n/tips .. nice job so far
been watching your videos for years, this is awesome. I subscribed back in your geodome days and glad I did. I love to see the continued work and optimization of your system. I really enjoy seeing all your uses for a 3D printer. can I ask why you dont run a UV-c filter to reduce the algae growth?
This is a lot like a design that I've been envisioning. I'm super excited to see it implemented! Has it been working for you? Are the wastes becoming adequately mineralized?
Nice job! What kind of temps are inside the greenhouse? Any issues with heavy snow-load? Does snow slide off by itself or do you have to help it break loose?
No problems with the snow. inside air temperature stays about 3-5 degrees warmer than the outside during the night so it's gone well below freezing. The water temp is currently 38F
I love your CAD drawings, I can't wait to be even 1% as good one day. What model 3d printer are you using? I just started learning Fusion 360 Auto Desk and 3d printing almost 1 month ago and can't wait to be able to make my own parts for my AP System. Love your videos, Thanks for sharing and as always Keep Building👍
Hi great video how about painting the tank black and fitting on a lid no light = no photosynthesis = cleaner tank maybe try with some black plastic bags first
You can get it at a better price. Contact Ryan Chatterson. He designs very good systems. Farmtek will sell you a system but won't tell you how to use it.......
Nice Build! Where does the water from the mineralisation tank go? In the video it looks like there are still some particles that get taken with the water.
I am sure you know rob bobs backyard aquaponics. He had problems with solids building up in his media beds so he had to clean them out after a few years. I don't have much practical experience with aquaponics but I fear this might happen with your system too if there are as many solids coming out of the mineralisation tank as it looks. I would have the mineralisation tank go back into the settler so no solids will make their way through. (As I said I don't have your experience so I might be completely wrong here)
It flows into the media bed. The other greenhouse has been running for 6 years with red wigglers in the beds and they are still in pretty good condition.
I've been wondering whether it makes sense to filter with the grow bed before or after using the mineralization step -- I was assuming that red wigglers would make faster work of the waste than the microbes in the mineralization tank, just because of the oxygen restrictions in the water, but do you find that this tank is able to handle the bulk of the large waste? Do you still use red wigglers in beds in this case?
For your air lift for the mineralization, consider looking at airlift.eu and the pressure chamber air lift system. It can be adapted to smaller tubing, I built 3" and 2" versions. No air stones. No clogging. Air is injected via the pressure chamber and it's virually a maintenance free self cleaning air lift pump that is extremely efficient. Your "at water level" design is perfect for this application. If concerned about it clogging, you can put this inline with connectors on each side to be able to do maintenance. Even go as far at isolating the chamber with valves to not have to drain the tank. I have used this application and it moves 10 gallons a minute through a two inch pipe with a 40w air pump. Link to the parts and construction: www.airlift.eu/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=126&t=15797
photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNpiNTf7R8Edd6z_2LlYxX2VoCcbcxJ-gP-xiKMn2FkLmFMfhWXyxDqqE--F8XEKA?key=M0lIT09TWmt4QmFKM0o3LU00VzhHSXB4OVdlRDl3 Attached are some images of the one I created. This is a 3" model. Basically you create tiny holes (0.5mm or less) in the riser tube and create a chamber around those for the introduction of the air. It helps pressurize the air, generating air lift to the water in the riser tube.
photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPXn5UewE96ieWYY-73QFn8jbs76tUMJYrCxdxabf2JnlVjzPm1npTlLIyZZJprGA?key=eWFIU0RiMXhFa3FfSDBSSjZITmNoZW1oRkQtSEZR Here's a video of the the 3" pump performing. You will produce greater flow with the outlet at water level as is your design.
photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOT18iXMjkyryi_PhjmmuGHE9Eh2f1IRE6J8J1NiJUbA0tAct-9DMpjaE-Y01NMSg/photo/AF1QipO5WZogb_KCYV4hDaT1QrJQtutyifRrPsKUAXPo?key=bWhQNzZtcGVwdVhNcnB3LW1MRWhCRG5vcmdDY0N3 This is the 2" model I fabricated. It moved about 10 gallons a minute using the same 40w air pump. It would have been more had I had a water supply to the barrel I was using for the test, the water level was dropping as I pumped into the 5 gallon bucket, reducing efficiency. You can see the flow is great and the system is pure pass through, which will eliminate the issue you have of air stone clogging. The images of the rubber connector was a test. (Stay away from that idea) If you decide to go this route, build the pvc air lift pressure chamber. It's more reliable, will not leak and performs the best.
@@Bigelowbrook Ok cool but I meant inside this tank. I am thinking of a similar design yet with some significant differences but I want to put more surface area in my air-lift loop, but not sure how to plan for the flow of the media around the loop.
@@Bigelowbrook It would if you prepare (condition) it for painting - however that would be a great mistake! Wrap the tank in a radiant barrier like: www.reflectixinc.com/
These fish are fine and live in a clean environment and are not overcrowded. The koi will have no problems living 20-30 years like this and are actually quite social when you go near the tank (especially when you feed them). I suppose they could be released into the wild where they will have the constant threat of being eaten by a predator or catching some odd disease from being in an uncontrolled environment.
@Steve Sherman I'm actually not a vegan. And speaking of hate, we can clearly see that you are the one full of it with your comments. I've just said that the environment where the fishes live looks like a prison. As there's not much entertainment for them. It's not because they are fish they have the right of a shitty life. I think your cognitive dissonance on the subject can't let you see the full spectrum. I like his channel and I think he has done a tremendous work over the years. Peace out my friend, mucha love for you, you might need some...
Your aquaponics builds are the most reasonable and methodical approaches I've come across. For me - living in a cold European climate - it's really inspiring to watch this latest build taking shape, you give me plenty of good ideas. Thanks for sharing.
the most reasonable and methodical approaches
People don't care much for hard work, they're more interested in the end product. This channel will take off when the profit generator's fully built and operational. :)
Just cover the clear tube to prevent algae and uncover when you need the sight. Some sort of sock or sleeve would work
Keep direct sunlight off the mineralization tank to cut down on the algae. You can throw a couple of old blankets or cardboard on and around the tank to test that sunlight is the problem.
Really enjoying the Pro-Tips and Fun Facts.
Super nice build
Always make sure to include isolation valves everywhere in you design so you can work on/ replace the system components without draining everything.
Your system design looks great , parts 13 & 14 of the Radial flow & Mineralisation tank is what i want to do, I was wondering if there are any changes to the system now that it has operated for awhile, thanks for the videos , regards mike.
I like your video and design!
Do you have an updated video of the modifications you wanted to to? If so,how well are they working?
What is the purpose of the mineralisation tank? Great vid!
I have always been impressed with your ingenuity and not being afraid to experiment and also showing what does not work. Have you looked at any designs for bead filters?
Thanks Von
yeah. I'm sure they work fine but they really don't interest me very much.
He really is brilliant.
@@ironmyno Right on...
I've experimented essentially the same as you with cone tanks; in my experience, you'll appreciate results using larger cone tanks. I used the 80-gallon tanks because of the cost and regretted not having 130 or larger.
Aquaponic symptoms very good. I like aquaponic 👍
the thing you printed and struggled to name at 8:45 looks like a scupper. i'd call it a scupper- just a fun word to say.
You should integrate some prawns and or possibly red wigglers(worms) to your system to deal with that algae issue. It will help to break down the fish manure and could give you somethings you hadn't thought about yet. I don't know? Just an idea from a few things I'd seen on TH-cam lately.
Maybe you said but how many gallons are those tanks and about what's the cost with shipping?
As soon as I saw that 3D printed baffle I immediately heard "Laminar Flow" in Destin from SmarterEveryDay's voice in my head.
love his videos!
All container with water in them should be opaque. You can make a drape to lay over the clear hose for quick inspection.
Love your ideas. I subbed. Thanks for everything can't wait to learn more!
I understand you can use most any inert plastic for bio-media, what materials are safe? Would you recommend wiffle golf balls?
15k litres of water to filter with 20min retention. water passing though would be 15k litre divide by 60min = 250L p/min multiplied by 20min retention would be 5000L. so the radial filtre would need to have to be minimum of 5000L capacity to achieve 20min retention. please correct me if i am wrong.
you also mention that smaller radial filters would be easier to maintain. in your opinion would it be better to have 5 x 1000L capacity radial filters or 2 x 2500L radial filtre.
cheers.
This is a Cornell-style tank. Only a small percentage of the water goes through the RFS. The rest goes through the top overflow.
Could you pack the stilling well with k1 media or similar to make the center stack an upflow filter? I couldn't think of why that wouldn't work and may be easier to service should the need arise.
Thank you for the video. If you may kindly inform me, why did you choose a Mineralisation Tank rather than a BioFilter?
Hello Sir, I have planned to start aquaponics. Can you guide me?
Hi great video , can you let me know for aeration piping which formula to use is there any guidelines
How would bio-media interact with the bottom drain? Would you have to drain some media with solids and put it back?
Are you in the southern hemisphere? If so, the water vortex is anti clockwise like your setup. If you're in the Northern hemisphere the vortex should be clockwise. Right?
3:00 Get you a cheap piece of styrofoam pipe insulation to put over it works great. And easy to remove.
Very good
When your designing your pieces with the 3D printer. What brand and size of printer are you using? And any upgrades to the printer. I have been looking at them but not sure what to get.
It's a MakerFarm Pegasus 10 with all the upgrades. I then modified the print bed so the table was 10x12" to deal with some of the bigger prints. It takes a little reprogramming of the firmware (arduino) to use the larger bed.
Hi,
Is it possible to design the mineralisation digester so that it is flow through, therefore not needing manual intervention to fill with sludge?
I'm sure it could be automated with a few automatic valves.
I was waiting for this
i just got my Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D printer cant wait to start printing stuff once i figerout how this thing works...... do you have a list of files i can print? i have this idea for a fish feeder for my first project i would like to do...... also why not 3d print air lifts to replace the air stone?
PLA 3D printouts leak water so they have to be sealed well. They also shouldn't be used for anything that is under pressure.
@@Bigelowbrook well i make my air lifts by running 1.5in pipe through a 2in tee and drilling plenty holes in the 1.5 ...... seal of the ends of the tee around the 1.5 with couplings and reduce the open end to a garden hose that is run to the air pump..... maybe i should do a vid.....lol
Flex Seal spray the part after printing?
Instead of air stone use a section of double walled diy PVC pipe (on outside) with air gap between & drill tiny holes for air injection .. no obstruction in pipes that way. You'll get mad flow no maintenance that way.. stack a bigger size pipe outside put cut C rings of pvc on top & bottom to create air gap & install nipple for air hose.. let me know what u think.. I plan on doing a how to video on it soon on my 800 gallon aquaponics tricks/n/tips .. nice job so far
Already done.....next video. ;-)
Is there a continuous flow from radial settler into the mineralisation tank?
Or do you drain settled muck from one into another once a day/week ?
the design here shows it as a continuous flow, but I have since changed it to drain the sludge from the RFS once a day.
been watching your videos for years, this is awesome. I subscribed back in your geodome days and glad I did. I love to see the continued work and optimization of your system. I really enjoy seeing all your uses for a 3D printer. can I ask why you dont run a UV-c filter to reduce the algae growth?
Hi, I think your system sucking the debris better if you remove the baffle
How about a UV sterilizer to help keep the algae growth down?
Time to start farming the algae!
Fantastic
This is a lot like a design that I've been envisioning. I'm super excited to see it implemented! Has it been working for you? Are the wastes becoming adequately mineralized?
so far it's good, but I also don't have the system running at 100% yet. Later this summer I should be able to see what the results will be
3d printed in food safe plastic? ABS, PLA?
I'm just curious, why its takes too long for you to finish it ?
Why drain when we have valves.... all and all interesting video
Put a cover on the tanks, to stop sunlight for algae growth. Darken the water tanks which will rid of sunlight energy that also feed algae.
That's what I said @ 11:12. ;-)
Nice job!
What kind of temps are inside the greenhouse? Any issues with heavy snow-load? Does snow slide off by itself or do you have to help it break loose?
No problems with the snow. inside air temperature stays about 3-5 degrees warmer than the outside during the night so it's gone well below freezing. The water temp is currently 38F
How is this different than a swirl filter? Why not add a corse filter at the outlet?
This isn't a filter. it's used to break down the solids. Check my previous video about the radial flow settler. Thanks!
Hi sir, whats difference between the 2 mineralisation tanks?
The other tank is a settler
@@Bigelowbrook thanks sir, can I have your email?
I love your CAD drawings, I can't wait to be even 1% as good one day.
What model 3d printer are you using?
I just started learning Fusion 360 Auto Desk and 3d printing almost 1 month ago and can't wait to be able to make my own parts for my AP System.
Love your videos, Thanks for sharing and as always Keep Building👍
I use Autodesk Inventor so Fusion 360 is very similar. I've been using Autodesk products since the 80's...It's changed a lot since then! ;-)
nice job!
Hi great video how about painting the tank black and fitting on a lid no light = no photosynthesis = cleaner tank maybe try with some black plastic bags first
Around @11:12 I said I needed to put a cover on it. ;-)
Hi, The Swirl filter look small, when i look the capacity of your fish tank . It'w working good ?
works great. I posted an update video recently.
@@Bigelowbrook Very good, what is the capacity of the fish tank ans Swirl in liter plz, ok i will look this video
Both tanks seem to be at the same level how do you ensure a positive flow of solids?
The MT has a few holes in the center "overflow" pipe. The water entering into the RFF creates a slightly higher head height than the MT.
You should keep everything covered to prevent algae growth in your filter
Hi I'm thinking about aquaponics what does this System that you have cost. I got a Price from Farm tech it was about $ 40.000
You can get it at a better price. Contact Ryan Chatterson. He designs very good systems. Farmtek will sell you a system but won't tell you how to use it.......
Impressive
Do the fish solids clog the air stone too bad?
just about anything will clog a stone.
@@Bigelowbrook have you tried the 1mm hole/air chamber design to see if it clogs less or not at all?
Nice Build!
Where does the water from the mineralisation tank go?
In the video it looks like there are still some particles that get taken with the water.
Media beds. Next video ;-)
I am sure you know rob bobs backyard aquaponics.
He had problems with solids building up in his media beds so he had to clean them out after a few years.
I don't have much practical experience with aquaponics but I fear this might happen with your system too if there are as many solids coming out of the mineralisation tank as it looks.
I would have the mineralisation tank go back into the settler so no solids will make their way through.
(As I said I don't have your experience so I might be completely wrong here)
It flows into the media bed. The other greenhouse has been running for 6 years with red wigglers in the beds and they are still in pretty good condition.
Ah I forgot about the wigglers. Thank you for clarifying this!
I've been wondering whether it makes sense to filter with the grow bed before or after using the mineralization step -- I was assuming that red wigglers would make faster work of the waste than the microbes in the mineralization tank, just because of the oxygen restrictions in the water, but do you find that this tank is able to handle the bulk of the large waste? Do you still use red wigglers in beds in this case?
You could call the thing (channel?) a water slide...
thanks for the content, but dont you think that a simple filter in the income can solve this problem of alga?
For your air lift for the mineralization, consider looking at airlift.eu and the pressure chamber air lift system. It can be adapted to smaller tubing, I built 3" and 2" versions. No air stones. No clogging. Air is injected via the pressure chamber and it's virually a maintenance free self cleaning air lift pump that is extremely efficient. Your "at water level" design is perfect for this application.
If concerned about it clogging, you can put this inline with connectors on each side to be able to do maintenance. Even go as far at isolating the chamber with valves to not have to drain the tank.
I have used this application and it moves 10 gallons a minute through a two inch pipe with a 40w air pump.
Link to the parts and construction: www.airlift.eu/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=126&t=15797
photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNpiNTf7R8Edd6z_2LlYxX2VoCcbcxJ-gP-xiKMn2FkLmFMfhWXyxDqqE--F8XEKA?key=M0lIT09TWmt4QmFKM0o3LU00VzhHSXB4OVdlRDl3
Attached are some images of the one I created. This is a 3" model. Basically you create tiny holes (0.5mm or less) in the riser tube and create a chamber around those for the introduction of the air. It helps pressurize the air, generating air lift to the water in the riser tube.
photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPXn5UewE96ieWYY-73QFn8jbs76tUMJYrCxdxabf2JnlVjzPm1npTlLIyZZJprGA?key=eWFIU0RiMXhFa3FfSDBSSjZITmNoZW1oRkQtSEZR
Here's a video of the the 3" pump performing. You will produce greater flow with the outlet at water level as is your design.
photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOT18iXMjkyryi_PhjmmuGHE9Eh2f1IRE6J8J1NiJUbA0tAct-9DMpjaE-Y01NMSg/photo/AF1QipO5WZogb_KCYV4hDaT1QrJQtutyifRrPsKUAXPo?key=bWhQNzZtcGVwdVhNcnB3LW1MRWhCRG5vcmdDY0N3
This is the 2" model I fabricated. It moved about 10 gallons a minute using the same 40w air pump. It would have been more had I had a water supply to the barrel I was using for the test, the water level was dropping as I pumped into the 5 gallon bucket, reducing efficiency. You can see the flow is great and the system is pure pass through, which will eliminate the issue you have of air stone clogging. The images of the rubber connector was a test. (Stay away from that idea) If you decide to go this route, build the pvc air lift pressure chamber. It's more reliable, will not leak and performs the best.
Thanks. I already have the parts to build this type....It's just too cold for me to want to spend the time outside putting it together. ;-)
@@Bigelowbrook Excellent, glad you found these. They do work extremely well. Should solve some of your issues.
Reverse the way it’s coming in to the Mineralisation tank
Seems like it’s back to front
Greetings from Germany & thank you for sharing your knowledge
You need to paint the pvc to keep the light out
The light doesn't go through PVC so there's no need to paint it.
How do I get hold of Ryanchatterson
Nice warke
very intersting, i have to say
What kind of filament did you use for your prints?
PLA
@@Bigelowbrook are you at all worried about the PLA breaking down? It is supposed to be biodegradable....
He painted them with some kind of enamel paint.
Are you going to add biofilter media?
There is a media bed after this filled with expanded shale. Next video ;-)
@@Bigelowbrook Ok cool but I meant inside this tank. I am thinking of a similar design yet with some significant differences but I want to put more surface area in my air-lift loop, but not sure how to plan for the flow of the media around the loop.
@@jasrobsny I think the bio media would get clogged with that much poop in there.
@@Bigelowbrook I think so too but would it just require more frequent solids removal or do you think it would get clogged in a day or two?
Do you do tours?
www.bigelowbrook.com/tours
No bio filtration?
next video...
When the next video؟
ارجوا اعادة الفديوهات باللغه العربيه بارك الله فيك ،وشكرا لحضرتك .
👍
Buy a nexus need only one tank but more expensive
spray paint the PVC not to get algae growth
The tanks are made from HDPE and paint won't stick to that type of plastic.
@@Bigelowbrook
It would if you prepare (condition) it for painting - however that would be a great mistake!
Wrap the tank in a radiant barrier like:
www.reflectixinc.com/
paint your tanks black to eliminate any light...…...
Do you ever worry about the well being of your fish? That's a pretty bad prison you are building for them. They must go insane!
@Steve Sherman I'm just worried about the well being of the fish. You are right I must be ill, I've caught a very bad virus called empathy
Go vegan aquaponics.
These fish are fine and live in a clean environment and are not overcrowded. The koi will have no problems living 20-30 years like this and are actually quite social when you go near the tank (especially when you feed them). I suppose they could be released into the wild where they will have the constant threat of being eaten by a predator or catching some odd disease from being in an uncontrolled environment.
People should at least consider robotic fish for their next system.
@Steve Sherman I'm actually not a vegan. And speaking of hate, we can clearly see that you are the one full of it with your comments. I've just said that the environment where the fishes live looks like a prison. As there's not much entertainment for them. It's not because they are fish they have the right of a shitty life. I think your cognitive dissonance on the subject can't let you see the full spectrum. I like his channel and I think he has done a tremendous work over the years. Peace out my friend, mucha love for you, you might need some...
++++++
Sir peless give me your cantry warking vesa and your company wark me
I love you videos and would support you if Patreon wasn’t getting some of my $$$
Pro Tip: your not a Pro if you couldn't do it right the first time thanks