The Key Points of the Water Flow in an Aquaponics System

This video describes the key components of an aquaponics system. My channel is at: / @williamwagner . Other videos are located at my channel are: A Time Lapse and Real Time View of an Aquaponics System Build. If you like this video please subscribe to this channel and give a like. For a list of the materials used on this build, please go to the web-site mentioned at the end of his video.

[@aprilthompson5838]

Yours is one of the best systems I've seen and you explained it so very well

[@williamwagner]

You can view other videos related to this build on my channel at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA under the playlist on Aquaponics. We have a Real Time video of the same system. We also have Time Lapse video too. At the end of the Real Time video (44 minutes) you can contact use for the design and list of materials on this build. Thanks for your comments.

[@topherbaytz1553]

Thank you brother for sharing very knowledgeable

[@williamwagner]

You are welcome. We have several other videos that you might be interested in. They are Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time and A Time Lapse View of an Aquaponics System. They can be found on the channel William Wagner. The URL is kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Click on Playlists tab, then click on the Aquaponics Tab. Thank you again for your kind words.

[@eneskaragoz7596]

tasarım süper olmuş elinize sağlık. Great design. thank you so much

[@williamwagner]

Zaman atlamalı videografi ve fotoğrafçılık kullanarak bir aquaponics sisteminin yapısını gösteren başka bir video var. Sistem, Intubica, Honduras, Yamaranguila kentinde 12 görevli tarafından inşa edildi. Benim kanalımda aquaponics diğer videoları göz atın. https: //kzbin.info/door/U29 .... Gerçek Zamanlı Bir Aquaponics Sistemi Oluşturma adlı videonun daha uzun bir versiyonunun, kendi sisteminizi oluşturmanıza yardımcı olmak için görüntülenebilir. Sistemin işlevini anlamada yardımcı olan diğer videolara, Su Sifonu ve Aquaponics Sistemindeki İşlevine Bir Bakış ve Aquaponics Sisteminin Bileşenlerine Kısa Bir Bakış. Thank you.

[@pijorkolingchannel4679]

Thanks for sharing friend. Greeting from Indonesia.

[@williamwagner]

You are most welcome. We have several other videos that show the building of an aquaponics system. They can be seen on our channel. The URL is: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA.

[@johngray429]

i would suggest to take care of the nitrite first and all organic materials before dumping the water to the system.

[@Michelinespups]

Great system and great work for the people there. God bless you all. Thanks for sharing

[@williamwagner]

Thank you for your kind words. There is a real time build of this system at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Click on the Playlist tab then click on the Aquaponics tab. The title is Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. Again thank you for you kind words. I hope the other video will bless you as much as this one did. God's blessings on you.

[@sarcasmo57]

Still going strong this system or?

[@williamwagner]

Those manning this system have moved and the system has been dismantled and awaiting to be rebuilt again. Thank you for your inquiry.

[@BrentGoodman_Rowshay]

Downside of this setup.is that the beds nearest the reservoir get the most water pressure and fill up the fastest, while the ones at the end get very little water flow. Those barrels probably never fill up enough before the system is out of water and resets.

[@williamwagner]

Actually, you are correct mostly, but the system is set up where each inlet of water can be adjusted so the problem you cite is overcome. All barrels do fill to a prescribed level (about one inch from the top of the grow media). The water cycle occurs about every 45-60 minutes. The dumping of water from the dump tank takes about 10-12 minutes. This allows plenty of time for each grow bed to fill. I hope this addresses your concerns.

[@gogotravelreview]

Very interesting technique

[@williamwagner]

Thanks for you comment on our video. We have several other videos on building this system. They can be viewed on my channel at the URL: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. We have this video, a time lapse view of the build, the function of the U-Siphon, and a real time view of this build. We also offer at the end of the real time video a link where you can get the plans for this system. Again, thanks for your comments. If there is more that you'd like to know about our build feel free to contact me.

[@sampangrabin]

Thanks for sharing your knowldege

[@williamwagner]

You are welcome. I hope what is shared her helped. We do have several other videos related to the building of a whole aquaponics system with the opportunity to receive the plans and parts list for a complete system. It is called Building an aqaponics system in real time. We also have videos on building a rocket stove and rocket oven. The channel is located at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Make sure to click on playlists and then the tab for aquaponics or whatever other area you want to search. Thanks again for your comments. May God bless.

[@a12vguru]

Also how long does it take to fill/drain the 55 gallon drum, fill the half barrels, and drain the half barrels? sorry so many questions I am a newbie trying to build my first setup.

[@williamwagner]

Thank you for your questions. The Dump tank takes about 40-45 minutes to fill and drain. The half barrels take about 10 minutes to fill and drain. Don and I have finished the extended project. It can be located by typing the title, A Real Time View of an Aquaponics System. The video is about 45 minutes long. The longer version gives you a more in depth view of the same build with added comments and insights gained from years of building a number of systems. At the end of the longer video there is a place where you can ask for a list of materials needed to build the system. This video will give you a great number of answers.

[@olgafriends4578]

Looking for information, very helpful

[@williamwagner]

If you want to know about the aquaponics system build, you can see this build in its entirety on my KZbin channel. Click on Playlists then the Aquaponics tab. You will see a list of videos surrounding this build. If you have any other questions, please feel free to message me again. My channel's URL is: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA.

[@nathanmciver6737]

Really amazing system you have going there. I am not sure if letting the water drain makes for healthier plants or not because have also seen people float the vegetables on top of the water. I might want to try changing my system to have the water dump to air out the roots and see if my herbs grow better

[@williamwagner]

Thank you for your comments. The other system you are referring to is called a Raft System. Plants do float on top of the water while the roots travel into the water. This system floods and drains allowing for watering and oxygenation of the plant. We have several other videos that compliment this one. They can be found on my channel at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Click on Playlists then Aquaponics tab. We have a Real Time build video that can answer many of your questions in transferring over to a "flood and drain" system. At the end of the video there is a way of getting the plans for the system. Check it out.

[@nathanmciver6737]

So in your experience which table method have you found the best for using any plants without having to buy specialized items and have them last without root rot from not adapting to the water and things like that?

[@williamwagner]

Your questions covers a lot of ground. The system you are looking at is a "flood and drain" system. The other system mentioned is a raft system. In the flood and drain system or any system you choose to build it's important to use whatever materials are available. In this system, there a great deal of blue barrels because that is what was available and the cheapest. We were in Honduras and materials are always a challenge to get. As it pertains to root rot, it is not generally a problem. If you monitor the water quality and have good aeration roots rotting won't be a problem. Deep water culture or raft system will need extra aeration with air stones. For deep water culture, typically you want 12 inch deep of water and 4 feet wide.and usually placed every 4 feet. What system you choose is up to you. They all have pluses and minuses. In root rot, keep the water quality good and well aerated. If you have any other questions, let me know.

[@nathanmciver6737]

@@williamwagner thanks alot! Very informative! I was also thinking the same, I just never had a system drain to aerate the roots and thought maybe that could be a great upgrade. You can tell you know what you are talking about saying each system has its plus and minuses. Well if I get a chance I might get back to trying new methods. Best wishes on item gathering!!! Thanks for your reply

[@williamwagner]

@@nathanmciver6737 thanks for your comments. Let other people know about my channel and the videos available on aquaponics and rocket stoves. Other videos are in the mix. Again thanks for your kind words.

[@YoonHidroponik]

Does the medium use stone? How are the results compared to using other media? To my knowledge the stone does not absorb water.

[@williamwagner]

Yes, the media is stone. When comparing the stone to a dirt system, in the dirt system, the water evaporates after sitting in the dirt. The dirt provides the nutrients by fertilizers, but there is a loss of water as a result. This system allows the water to flood over the roots giving nutrients provided by converted nitrates from fish waist from the bacterial colonies on the rocks to the plant. The water then returns purified to the fish tank. In all, this system provides adequate nutrition for plant growth. The dirt media provides the nutrients, but there is a greater loss of water. This system also provides oxygen through oxygenated water provided in the fish tank. The oxygen for the dirt system is usually provided by the water. We also have an video on our channel at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Click on the Playlists tab then click on the Aquaponics tab. Look for Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. Thank you for your question. I hope I answered it. If you have more questions, please feel free to write back.

[@shizzhizz1234]

Do the beds ever drain completely to allow the roots access to oxygen? Unless im missing something, it seems as though you will have root rot without a complete drainage to the media beds...

[@williamwagner]

This is a good question and good insight into the necessity of water drainage. The water does drain. If you notice that there are 2 drains. One at the bottom and one at the top. The bottom is where the water drains into the return gutter. After the water departs from the bottom drain it will return to the fish tank. It will be pumped from the fish tank into the dump tank where the water raises to the top of the U-Siphon and upon the siphon kicking in the water will drain the water from the dump tank into the grow beds. The nozzle where the water enters the grow (media) bed is larger than the one at the bottom of the grow (media) bed hence allowing the water to drain at a slower rate than it filling up the grow (media) bed. The water cycles flooding and then draining every 45 minutes to an hour in the grow (media) beds. This "flood and drain" method allows the roots to be absent of water for that 45 minute to hour time period before the flooding occurs again. The top drain is an overflow if for some reason the bottom drain gets clogged. At most, the bottom 1 inch of the tank will remain in water and the top 1 inch will remain dry.

[@williamwagner]

A long version of this build can be viewed on my KZbin channel at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Click on Playlists, then look for the Aquaponics Tab. Look for Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time video. It is a 45 minute video showing a beginning to end approach to building an aquaponics system. At the end of that video there is a way to get the parts lists of this build. Thanks for your question.

[@shizzhizz1234]

My brain hurts.. ha. So, the water level in the beds gets to the desired height just based on the incoming water flowing in faster than it can leave? Hard to wrap my head around dialing that rate in perfectly for each bed, but i guess with that overflow safety drain it doesn’t matter..

[@williamwagner]

@@shizzhizz1234The level gets to the desired height based on the amount of water pumped in the dump tank. The U-siphon establishes the amount of water that will be dumped in the grow beds. The height of the U-siphon in the dump tank will determine how much water will end up in the grow beds. When setting up the system, you determine if too much is dumping into the grow beds or not. If it does, then cut it down until you get the desired height. You actually don't want the water going that high. You want to have a dry zone at the top.

[@abdelwahidmerz4014]

It s amazing. Juste small question. I m biginner, i want to know how much tome do Walter nées to ne treated by thé bacteria un thé biological filter.. I mean do u close thé link between thé biological filtre for minutes to insure that it water ils filtzred or how do u know that bacteria work?

[@williamwagner]

Your question: How do you know the bacteria is working? First, it takes about 4-6 weeks for the bacteria to develop. Second, you'll know the Bactria is working because when you test the water the nitrate levels will be in the normal level. Also, the plants you planted will be growing and look healthy. We also have another video showing building of the system. It is called, Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. This video will show you the building of a system from beginning to end.

[@kabayanstravels3175]

Beautiful set up bro

[@williamwagner]

Thank you. There are several other videos that compliment this one. They can be seen on my channel under the Aquaponics tab. The URL to my channel is: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. The video titles are: A Time Lapse View of an Aquaponics System and Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time to mention a few. Check them out.

[@Azee2]

Thanks brother Good information and different way of presentation grow bed , details of first tank for water filtering? Brother from India

[@williamwagner]

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate them. In regards to the first tank and filtering. The tall tank called the dump tank is where the water is pumped from the fish tank. As it reaches the top of the U siphon the water releases into the grow beds. The water then fills the grow beds. As the water exits the grow bed and returns to the fish tank, the water is filtered by going through the media in the grow bed which in this case is small gravel or stones. By the time it returns to the fish tank, it is purified and clean for the fish. You can view another video we have on the building of the aquaponics system on my KZbin Channel at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Click on Playlists, then select the Aquaponics tab. Look for Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. This video will give you a more detailed look at the system. At the end of that video there is a link for you to get the plans for building the system. Blessings.

[@Azee2]

William Wagner -thanks for immediate response and gone through afore said video

[@doodleysquat2350]

If your going to grow duckweed in that empty barrel, you should run a line from the water feed, down into bottom of barrel, otherwise all that disruption to the water surface will stifle your duckweed from growing fast.

[@williamwagner]

You are right. The water flow in this barrel does not act like the other barrels. It does not have a U siphon. Inside the media guard, there is a pipe that comes up to approximately 1 inch from the top. This pipe allows the water to drain only on the amount of water that is coming into the barrel. Hence, the water stays at the same level. Thanks for the comment. Please check out our other videos related to this build. Don and I have finished the extended project. It can be located by typing the title, A Real Time View of an Aquaponics System. The video is about 45 minutes long. The longer version gives you a more in depth view of the same build with added comments and insights gained from years of building a number of systems. At the end of the longer video there is a place where you can ask for a list of materials needed to build the system. We have also post three other videos that give more explanation the aquaponics system. They are: A View of the U Siphon and Its Function on an Aquaponics System, The Key Points of the Water Flow in an Aquaponics System, and Brief Overview of the Components of an Aquaponics System. I hope this helps. If you like what you see, please subscribe to our channel and give us a like.

[@pascal590]

Fascinating build! So since the water drains from the grow beds in cycles for airflow this is kinda also incorporating principles of aeroponics?? Very cool

[@williamwagner]

Thank you. The system incorporates what is called a "flood and drain". It does provide an ample time for oxygenation of the roots. I believe an aeroponics system incorporates a spraying of water on the roots and allowing oxygenation to happen after the water is sprayed. Two very important ingredients for plant growth. You can view other videos related to this build on my channel at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA under the playlist on Aquaponics. We have a Real Time video of the same system. We also have Time Lapse video too. At the end of the Real Time video (44 minutes) you can contact use for the design and list of materials on this build. Thanks for your comments.

[@ivanpap634]

Great idea!

[@williamwagner]

Don and I have finished the extended project. It can be located by typing the title, A Real Time View of an Aquaponics System. The video is about 45 minutes long. The longer version gives you a more in depth view of the same build with added comments and insights gained from years of building a number of systems. At the end of the longer video there is a place where you can ask for a list of materials needed to build the system.

[@LoveNatureforabettertomorrow]

Liked it so much thus subscribed 😊

[@williamwagner]

Don and I have finished the extended project. It can be located by typing the title, A Real Time View of an Aquaponics System. The video is about 45 minutes long. The longer version gives you a more in depth view of the same build with added comments and insights gained from years of building a number of systems. At the end of the longer video there is a place where you can ask for a list of materials needed to build the system.

[@wallofstar]

Will it be more energy saving if we just supply nutrient water to the plant once a day instead of continuously circulation? Just like the way we grow on ground, we only water the plant once or twice a day?

[@williamwagner]

A good observation as it relates to energy savings, though evaluating the aquaponics systems versus regular watering for the saving of energy is not a big difference nor is it the purpose of the system. The main purpose of the aquaponics is growing plants with savings on how much water is being used. The aquaponics system uses approximately 10-15% the amount of water than regular watering. It is a system that allows the growing of fish to supply the nutrients needed for the plant's growth. It is a symbiotic system. The plants will flourish from the by-product of the fish waste. There is no expense in this . The bacterial colonies developed in the media allows the fish excrement to be broken down into nutrients for the plants. This system is a flood and drain system which allows for the cycle of feeding and necessary oxygenation of the roots. In the process the plants are fed while the water passing through the media is returned back to the fish as clean water, whereas if you are watering a plant 1-2 times a day the water that does not reach the root system evaporates and does nothing for the plant. The nutrients have to be added to the plant via a specialized watering system and most of it is wasted due to it not reaching the roots. The amount of energy to run the pump is very little. If total energy savings is desired then a solar panel and battery can supplement this system at very little investment. The advantage of this system is its ability to conserve water. It also allows you to harvest the fish as they grow large enough for eating. imagine being in a country where water is lacking, but you want to grow plants for food. In those countries, most crops end up dying due to a lack of water. Water that is wasted in evaporation. This system allows for the conservation of the water resources while using very little energy usage. If you have any other questions, please feel free to send it along. If you want to see this system being built it can be seen on my channel at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Click on Playlists and then on the Aquaponics tab. Look for the video Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. There is also a Time Lapse Build of this same system. Something to remember... this is only one type of system within aquaponics, It is one approach to growing plants with a conservation of water. The other would be a Hydroponics system.

[@wallofstar]

@@williamwagner Appreciate your detailed explanation, thank you very much. Cheers.

[@RomskieL]

Have you tried having only 1 bell syphon for all grow beds?

[@williamwagner]

We did not try a bell syphon to regulate the water height on this system, but it was considered.

[@dagiz6820]

How can i find the tools in Ethiopia

[@williamwagner]

I am not sure how you can find the tools needed or the necessary parts to do this build in Ethiopia. I do know that you could find someone from a city and search a hardware store. They may have the tools required for such a build. I realize it's easy for one to attain the tools here in the US, but it is different in other countries. The same would be true in locating the parts. If you do locate the needed parts and tools, maybe you could view our video, Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. It will help you in going from beginning to end. There is also an email where you could request the parts list for such a build. I hope this helps.

[@j.robertjames5552]

William sir, Is there any video about biofloc fish farming, please let me know, I am Robert from India, Tamilnadu, Thank you so much.

[@williamwagner]

Thank you for the question. I am not familar with this type of farming, but I did go to KZbin and type in Biofloc Fish Farming. There are many videos on this type of farming. Our other video pertaining to aquaponics is Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. It will show you how we built this system. Blessings.

[@mackhoopes9195]

Will you share the plans of the system?

[@williamwagner]

Would love to share them. At the end of our real time video, there is a link so you can get a copy of the plans for this system. Go to the link: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. This is my channel. Go to the Playlist tab, then go to the Aquaponics tab and then look for Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time video. Thank you for your inquiry.

[@feminlove2709]

TTHNK YOU

[@riddle58]

On your duck weed barrel do you have it draining all the way out?

[@williamwagner]

The Duck Weed barrel stays full all the time. It does not drain. It does not have a U-Siphon, or have the drainage directly exit at the bottom drainage pipe. The water stays steadily near the top by means of pipe that is attached to the bottom drainage pipe and comes up to about 2 inch from the top of the grow bed. This set up allows fresh water to cycle through this barrel. Don and I have finished the extended project. It can be located by typing the title, Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. The video is about 45 minutes long. The longer version gives you a more in depth view of the same build with added comments and insights gained from years of building a number of systems. At the end of the longer video there is a place where you can ask for a list of materials needed to build the system. We also have a Time Lapse View of an Aquaponics Build video. This gives you a complete view of the build in about 5-6 minutes. A View of the U Siphon and Its Function on an Aquaponics System and Brief Overview of the Components of an Aquaponics System are other videos were have put together surrounding this build.. I hope this helps. If you like what you see, please subscribe to our channel and give us a like.

[@skeets6060]

I would like a drawing and lay out and component list if you dont mind

[@williamwagner]

An email address for receiving the parts list is located after our video titled, " Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time." This video can also be found on our KZbin channel William Wagner under the playlists tab and then the Aquaponics tab. Email address for receiving the plans are located at the end of that video. If there is anything else I can do, let me know.

[@ronb4178]

frustrating to watch from plumbing point of view, been wondering the whole time how the half barrels drain out; you are not showing full cycle here, we have seen flow here, what about ebb? apart from that, I envy your set up, great work, any current updates? youtube is the forest that blocks the view to the trees ;-) cheers!

[@williamwagner]

Thanks for your comments and for watching the video. We have several other videos that will help in seeing everything you mentioned in your comments. Briefly, the media beds have a drain located approx. one inch above the bottom of the bed (half barrel). Once the water begins to drain from the dump tank (the vertical tank located at the end of the system near the fish tank) and drains into the grow beds, the water begins to drain out the bottom drain and return back to the fish tank. By the time the dump tank drains into the grow beds, the grow beds will fill to just below the overflow pipe at the top of the grow bed. We also post 3 other videos that give more explanation the aquaponics system. They are: A View of the U Siphon and Its Function on an Aquaponics System, Brief Overview of the Components of an Aquaponics System. and Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. The final video is a time lapse video of the same build. It is called A Time Lapse View of an Aquaponics System Build. You can view all videos on my channel at the URL: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. I hope this helps.

[@ronb4178]

@@williamwagner Thank you for this.

[@williamwagner]

You are welcome. Feel free to ask any time.

[@irredeemabledeplorable5227]

Thought it was just me.....

[@hectorferrer6938]

Broder I need your update. Your vlog. Because only from tank and rack rowbed so what next

[@williamwagner]

Thanks for your message. So, what's next? That is a good question. The aquaponics system seen here has seen quite abit since we built it 4 plus years ago. Due to the nature of it being moved several times since the original build, not much has happened to it. It has been rebuilt twice since the 2016 build. The first rebuild was due to extreme flooding that washed out the base of the system demanding a rebuild. The next rebuild was due to the missionaries moving locations/ cities. That was in 2019. Since COVID happened in 2020, the missionaries had to move again, so the system remains in pieces waiting for me and a team of people to rebuild it again. My trip to Honduras had been cancelled twice in 2020 due to COVID. I am scheduled to travel there in March 2021, but we will see. Other plans are to build quite a few rocket stoves and a rocket oven. There are also plans on cleaning homes due to the 2 hurricanes that hit Honduras in November 2020. You can see my KZbin channel at: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Click on Playlists and you'll be able to see more of what I have been involved in since the build of this system.

[@socore3197]

I am not sure why you went with this type of system. It seems that the restricted port for the outlet of the growbeds will require a lot of maintenance. I realize that the top pipe is for overflow, however it seems you are adding additional failure points into your system. The standard CHOP (Constant Height One Pump) works great, and the siphon is in the grow beds and not the sump. In the system you demonstrated it actually appears that your fish tank is the sump, this is not a beneficial setup for your fish to have the level of their tank always changing, also if there is a failure in the system you will drain your entire fish tank. With a CHOP system your fish tank is always being filled, and from it the rest of your system is fed. In this case it protects your fish from a failure in your system. if the sump is drained, it is drained into your fish tank and then with the fish tank no longer being filled it will not empty out to the rest of your system, protecting your fish. You could tie a few of these barrels into each other to reduce how many bell siphons you would have to build. Overall, CHOP is a safer, and lower maintenance design to the one shown here. I am not being malicious, I am trying to share the knowledge I have of aquaponics, and the knowledge of many respected names in the field.

[@williamwagner]

No offense taken. This system was built 2 and a half years ago. It was patterned after models from Travis Hughey and Bonnie Hanszen. Since then, a change has been made in dealing with maintaining water levels in each of grow beds. Don is using a CHOP system on current builds. Thank you for your input. Very much appreciated. Keep up the good work.

[@williamwagner]

After talking to Don, he used this system because of its simplicity of construction. The CHOP system is a bit more complicated in constructing than this system.

[@johngray429]

u made mention that this was made 2yrs ago...how was it...in my research on this...6mos tops only and the system fails using the technique u use...im not talking about the kind of system ur using.

[@johngray429]

@william u can get rid of the siphone with ur system...it would still work..

[@williamwagner]

We have gone with the u-siphon with this system, because it gives us control on the amount of water going into the grow beds. It has worked well for us. Please explain how you would control the levels of water in the grow beds and allow for the flood and drain. @@johngray429

[@peace4peaceful]

.What is the top pipe for, coming from the grow bed? 😊

[@williamwagner]

The top pipe is used as an overflow. If for some reason the water raises to high due to a variety of conditions. One reason would be a clogged drain. The overflow pipe will prevent the water from overflowing the grow bed(s). We have also several other videos that help understand the system. You can find them under the titles (A Time Lapse View of an Aquaponics System and Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time). If you have any other questions feel free to contact us at the email and website links in this video or the others. You can also receive a free plan of this system by going to the links provided in the real time video. If you like what you have seen, please give us a like.

[@stefanbachrodt7072]

Why instead of making two holes in the gravel guards didn't you just make one at the level you want the water to exit and make another siphon effect like the technique used in the res? This would allow for the entire grow bed to be evenly saturated to the preferred level and then drain completely into a sump where it can then be pumped back into your res.

[@williamwagner]

Stefan, The barrel has two exit points as you indicated. The top hole is for the event of a clogging of the system and allows for drainage without the water overflowing. It is a safe guard to prevent an overflow. The bottom exit pipe is where the water that has flooded the barrel to about an inch below the top of the barrel then slowly drains the water down to the bottom exit pipe where the purified water returns to the fish tank completing the cycle. Everything in between where the water rises to in the barrel and drains at the bottom is called the wet zone. It takes about 10 minutes to drain while it takes about an hour to fill the dump tank and then drain into each of the barrels. Sometimes it takes time and effort to adjust the height of the U-Siphon in the dump tank to get the amount of water right for filling the barrels to the right height creating the wet zone. Once the U-Siphon is set at the correct height in the Dump tank the system will continue to be set to the correct level.

[@stefanbachrodt7072]

Ahh-hah! Gottcha, thanks for taking the time to clarify! =]] All the best, peace!

[@a12vguru]

How does that type of rock work for you in the blue barrels like that? I can get a small load of stone (River Rock) Like that way cheaper than lava rock (which is about 4x's as much). Which do you prefer?

[@williamwagner]

The rock we used was what we could get. Buying here in the US, you can get so many types of media to fill the grow beds, but when you are in other countries, you are dependent on what they have available. The rock we used in this project turns out to be a good one. Make sure whatever rock you get is not to high in its ph levels. Remember, that in this system we are working with fish and plants, so you need to keep in mind the usage of a media that will have a good level of ph and also accommodates the good levels of nitrates will affect the plants. The extended project titled, Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time will answer many of your questions. The video is about 45 minutes long. The longer version gives you a more in depth view of the same build with added comments and insights gained from years of building a number of systems. At the end of the longer video there is a place where you can ask for a list of materials needed to build the system.

[@a12vguru]

I didn't even think about being in a different country. I did read somewhere about being careful to not have any limestone cuz oh the ph levels. The river rock I can get is only $44 (US) per ton, where as the lava rock is $260 (US) per ton. It's a toss up weather to get the lava rock or get the cheaper stone if it will work just as good. I'm def going to watch that longer video. Thank you for the response. I think I may start my own channel showing my fails as I learn lol. I'm not sure yet. But this stuff is a lot of fun to learn and I can feed my family good quality food at the same time.

[@williamwagner]

The benefits to lava rock is that the rock has many pores which allows for the forming of the bacteria needed to breakdown the fish by-product into usable food for the plants. River rock is good. The issue will always be economics. If you can not afford it and you can get something cheaper and it works fine, go that way.

[@a12vguru]

William Wagner Ok. Thank you for response, I will probably try the river rock. It is way cheaper than the lava rock. Maybe change it out in a later date.

[@scprepper2672]

a12vguru I’ve used lava rock and gravel before. I really don’t like lava rock. It’s too much of a pain to work with and needs to be washed vigorously, and will still turn your water red

[@rafaelsuareznyc]

You misspelled AQUAPONICS on the title; this will likely result in fewer hits when people search for that keyword. You might want to edit that. Cheers.

[@williamwagner]

Thanks. Will do.

[@williamwagner]

Don and I have finished the extended project. It can be located by typing the title, A Real Time View of an Aquaponics System. The video is about 45 minutes long. The longer version gives you a more in depth view of the same build with added comments and insights gained from years of building a number of systems. At the end of the longer video there is a place where you can ask for a list of materials needed to build the system.

[@williamwagner]

We have also post three other videos that give more explanation the aquaponics system. They are: A View of the U Siphon and Its Function on an Aquaponics System, The Key Points of the Water Flow in an Aquaponics System, and Brief Overview of the Components of an Aquaponics System. I hope this helps. If you like what you see, please subscribe to our channel and give us a like.

[@jameswilliamjacob7216]

I discovered this video on Fast track grower - there's many good videos there that may help you

[@williamwagner]

You are right. They did have a great deal of videos on aquaponics, but I did not see mine. Could you forward the URL of the video on their site. I'd be interested in seeing it. Thanks.

[@jimmyr.linarez9556]

I got the duckweed for your system, am 70 miles away from there

[@williamwagner]

That is terrific. Maybe I'll see you during the build or after that. I'll be there in late April to May 7th rebuilding the system and the greenhouse. I'll also be building a rocket stove/ oven and many rocket stoves. If you are there, I'll show you. Thanks for your giving heart. The Lord bless you.

[@jimmyr.linarez9556]

I'll love to learn about the rock stoves, hope to meet you there.

[@williamwagner]

I hope to see you too. It'll be good in seeing the system up and running again. I'll be working on my rocket stove/ oven today in preparation to my visit with Tim and Jaclyn. I'll be baking bread today if the weather holds out. I have baked cookies and pizza so far. Good results.

[@jimmyr.linarez9556]

Marvelous!!!

[@gabrielmartinez1881]

but i don't see the fish and how the water goes up

[@williamwagner]

Thank you for your question. The use of a water pump at the bottom of the fish tank pumps the water into the dump tank. From the dump tank, the water drains into the grow beds after the water reaches the U-siphon in the dump tank. When the water drains into the grow beds it filters the water out the bottom of the grow beds and returns back to the fish tank. Don and I have created a video that shows the building of the whole system with the placing of the fish. The name of the video is Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. It can be viewed at the URL of: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA under the Aquaponics Tab. Again, thank you for your question. Please feel free to contact us if you have more questions.

[@manit77]

When was this video made ? Intro looks from the 80’s

[@williamwagner]

The video was done 3 years ago.

[@aboradalolyani]

No there bel sifon.?

[@williamwagner]

This system does not require a bell siphon. It is a fllod and drain type system. As the video states when the dump tank drains into the grow beds, it then drains back to the fish tank. It does this by the lower drain pipe. The holes in the return pipes are smaller than the ones coming into the grow bed. This allows the water to fill up to within an inch of the top and slowly return to the fish tank going through the grow material filtering the water for the fish. Thank you for your comment. If you have any further questions, please feel free to do so.

[@aboradalolyani]

@@williamwagner I will try it إن شاء الله تعالى

[@russbrockway1726]

Not sure why people have to comment like they are an expert whose job is to judge other people’s creation. If they don’t like or agree they could always just click on another video

[@williamwagner]

Thank you for your kind words. This system will be rebuilt in several weeks. The missionaries needed to move, so we will be rebuilding it along with a greenhouse we built last year that covered the greenhouse. Aquaponics systems come in many configurations. This one works best for what we were attempting to accomplish. There are other videos we did for this system. They can be viewed on my channel: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. They will be under the Aquaponics tab.

[@johngray429]

well...its good for me, exchange of ideas. honestly. i got goog iseas from this vid so im also giving out my little knowledge...been working on this since 8yrs ago.

[@TheSirkao]

its called exchanging ideas.. maybe it will the OP.

[@williamwagner]

Thanks for your input. This system is a flood and drain system. It does as with many of the different type of systems out there have strengths and weaknesses. Like all systems, you have to monitor it quite closely. What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of this type of system? After just rebuilding it, we have refined the first build a little. I'd be interested in your thoughts.

[@williamwagner]

I am glad you found the video helpful. That's why we made it. If there are things you see where we can make a better system, let us know. The benefit is for us all. Just returned from Honduras and rebuilding the system. It is doing very well. It is cycling well. Now, we will work on outing in duck weed and also building upa the bacterial colonies in the grow bed media.

[@Jerry-ko9pi]

Save some money and just use the hose faucet. No need for a valve. Both do the same job stopping the water.

[@williamwagner]

Your solution is a good one, but the whole idea of using the system as it is is because it allows a continuation of the water flow with minimal dependence on inaction from people. In the current way the system is made the only input needed is the addition of water on a weekly basis and the testing of the water for nitrates and pH levels.

[@Jerry-ko9pi]

@@williamwagner I was talking about where you get water from at the end. You have 2 valves. One is inline ball type nd other is regular water faucet. At about :20 mark you see the one with red handle, ball type and silver one, regular faucet. You only need one.

[@williamwagner]

I see where you are referring to. You are right. A simple garden hose connection would have been suffice. Our problem on this build was the supplies available at the time of the build. We had limited supplies being in a rural location at 6,000 feet in Yamarangua, Honduras. Thanks for your input. Grateful for your insights and understanding of the aquaponics system.

[@Jerry-ko9pi]

@@williamwagner If you or someone else has limited supplies, that would be a problem. If all you had at the time was the ball valve and not a faucet or end cap, yeah, you would have to use it to keep water in system. That's why it's a good idea to draw out plans ahead of time and decide where you want what. Easy to draw a line, harder to cut and recut pipe. Good job on system though. When I get back to Philippines, I want o start a system at our place and even maybe make it big enough so my wife's family can run it as a business after they see how it works. Once done, all you need it fish food.

[@zswdsj]

Pls use anti shake mode to record video🙄

[@williamwagner]

Sorry for the shakes. This video was taken using a phone. There are several other videos related to the building of this system. They can be found at the URL: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. They can be found under the Aquaponics tab. There is a time lapse video of the build, a real time build of the system, and a few others. Thank you for your comments and again sorry for the shakes.

[@nzemapepe3332]

Need some details on the pipes

[@williamwagner]

The pipes are PVC 3/4". 10' lengths. The media guard is 4" PVC. Don and I have finished the extended project. It can be located by typing the title, Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. The video is about 45 minutes long. The longer version gives you a more in depth view of the same build with added comments and insights gained from years of building a number of systems. At the end of the longer video there is a place where you can ask for a list of materials needed to build the system.We have also post two other videos that give more explanation the aquaponics system. They are: A View of the U Siphon and Its Function on an Aquaponics System and Brief Overview of the Components of an Aquaponics System. I hope this helps. If you like what you see, please subscribe to our channel and give us a like. If you click on the bell, you will get any updates on other posted videos when they are posted.

[@anshadansha5139]

thulapiya allla thilopiya ,😅

[@williamwagner]

Yes, there are tilapia in this system.

[@skeets6060]

Well this was a total waste of time

[@williamwagner]

Ot sure what was the problem, but if you want a more complete view of the system, you could see the video, Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time. The URL is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5DapKCwjb6Ln8k. This a more complete approach to an aquaponics system build. If you have any questions, be sure to leave a message. I should be able to get back to you within a couple of days. I am planning on returning to Honduras in April. I will be rebuilding this system again due to it being torn down as the missionaries that hosted the system had to move. After returning, I will post a video on the rebuild.

[@gundur7193]

if only. if you gave weight to visual elements without much talking.

[@wallofstar]

Will it be more energy saving if we just supply nutrient water to the plant once a day instead of continuously circulation? Just like the way we grow on ground, we only water the plant once or twice a day?

[@williamwagner]

In this system, watering only once a day won't work. The water is the way nutrients are transferred to the plants. The grow bed media is made of rock. The rock is the place where the bacteria grows and is where the fish waste is broken down into nitrates. The rocks then filter the water of the waste and cycles back to the fish tank. The traditional way of using dirt and watering once a day is a way of growing plants, but it uses much more water in the end. The other videos we have showing the development of this system are located on my channel under the tab called Aquaponics. Look for Building an Aquaponics System in Real Time and A Time Lapse Build of an Aquaponics System. My channel is at URL: kzbin.info/door/U290sQCYhwr8lZirAfXzgA. Thank you for you question and comments.