Using Sump Tanks with Aquaponics & Hydroponics

In this video, Bright Agrotech's Co-Founder and vertical aquaponic expert, Dr. Nate Storey, discusses the importance of sump tanks with aquaponics & hydroponics.
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[@ZipGrowInc]

The sump we use is an Ecopous 1056 (about a medium sized sump). If you're wondering about our other pumps, stay tuned! We just filmed a video about pumps today. Thanks for your question - Chris

[@etwobell]

dude get an external mic! you're a good teacher, the students need to hear ya

[@martinfickpracticalaquapon821]

Nate, you and your team are an ongoing inspiration to me and to so many. Thanks for sharing this information so freely. Across the world we all benefit from your experience and expertise. I have had some trouble with those particulates and solids you speak about blocking my dripper lines. Is there a way to reduce that?

[@ZipGrowInc]

Martin - Filter filter filter, or use non-clogging drippers.

[@martinfickpracticalaquapon821]

Ok, so if I am splitting my flow from the sump tank, do I understand that you suggest that I put an in line filter before the drippers? And then just keep flushing that filter?

[@ZipGrowInc]

Yep Martin, if you can put a swirl filter in between your fish tanks and your sump that would definitely help. Or you can put in a filter right above your pump before you send water to your fish tanks or your grow beds.

[@martinfickpracticalaquapon821]

Thanks for that

[@martinfickpracticalaquapon821]

My system is run on Trout and I have a very little DWC area after the media beds. The pump that feeds the towers and Bato Buckets is situated in there, so technically, my water has been filtered by the media, both mechanically and biologically. But I still have drippers blocking. I'll add more direct filtration as you suggested and see how we go.

[@guillermoginesta9489]

Which water do you pump back to the fish, from the sump tank?

[@Lawiah0]

One of the issues I had, back in the 80's, with flood and drain systems, was the collection of fish waste in the growing media (pebbles). How are your towers able to remove waste or are you pre-filtering?

[@thomaswolf9297]

As he stated in the video the current is essentially smashing the solids into a more readily degradable and smaller form. From there he states no added filtration is needed. This is a large scale system, nothing like my aquaculture setup which requires constant filtration. I'm considering the move back to aquaponics just to help with mini-cycles.

[@Michellevalentinah]

Hi my name is Marco, i really enjoy your usefull videos for Who as me is starting an aquaponic sistem. I have a problem with my sump tank, my pump doesnt keep the livel and is a 1 pomp continuos flow sistem. I Also tried a timer so stops the pomp for few min to leave the sump tank get full again before start pump again, but Worker for 1 day then no more, weird. What do u sugest? Do u have an email contact where i may show picture maybe helps more. Thanks for the great help

[@ZipGrowInc]

+Michelle Valentina Siphons are tough- they can be hard to maintain, and oftentimes fail. That's one reason why I tend to rely on timed cycles over siphons. Also, if you use a timed cycle you don't typically need as big of a sump tank as things can be balanced out a bit better. If you're using a timed cycle, but a nice timer! I've burned through many many cheap timers over the years and have learned that the expensive timers are worth the money.

[@stevec1767]

Hi Nate, how many 5' towers could an ibc tote handle in a recirculating hydroponic system.

[@ZipGrowInc]

Hey Steven - A standard 275 gal would support a minimum of 225 ZipGrow Towers and max of 450. A 330 gallon IBC would support a min of 280 and a max of 560 ZipGrows. For hydro systems we recommend a min of 50 gal to start then 1/2 gallon per tower. How that helps. Let us know when you're ready to get started!

[@scott98390]

What kind of pump do you have installed?

[@vasylynamenezes2471]

For those who desire to build an useful, basic, useful and cheap aquaponics system, you must learn how to place it altogether and preserve it properly.

[@ZipGrowInc]

You bet

[@mohammednazemuddinsiddiqui1071]

What media you're using in these zip grow towers for planting either coir or sponge

[@bo_392]

it's their proprietary "matrix" (weave of fibers).... basically a huge cheap sponge. i think.

[@othmanquraish3235]

كيف تعمل محلول الى الهيدروبند

[@keslyphilip4139]

what was the second system? lol

[@HitokiriBattousai666]

How are you able to use only a 330 gallon IBC for all those fish tanks and grow towers?

[@ZipGrowInc]

The IBC is a sump and we really only use about 100 gallons of it. The water flows in as fast as it flows out so the system finds balance. It's really more than enough for our application.

[@HitokiriBattousai666]

Is there a way to calculate this to make sure? I've only been hearing the ST needs to hold about half the volume of the GB plus some extra.

[@ZipGrowInc]

No, that's just for flood and drain grow beds- in that case you need way more ST than half the growbed volume. In tower systems you can use smaller sump tanks because there is way less water held in the tower portion of the system.

[@mohammednazemuddinsiddiqui1071]

Please tell me if possible

[@Abewardana144]

There are several components to studying aquaponics. One resource I found that successfully combines these is the Keiths Ponics Site (check it out on google) without a doubt the most helpful course that I have ever seen. Check out this unbelievable site.

[@bo_392]

that sump is bonkers... can' believe it works! ohhh but the grow media is in the towers. i need coffees. smart dudes. my sump is clogged like mf. so either i clean the filter regularly or setup a high turbulence system like here... _melting brain emoji_

[@anotherone9460]

A mic is needed here. The sound of the water running is drowning out the voice