Tom Price DIY AP System

faye

Well done Wal, looks like it is all working for you up there!

Wal

So here we are a few months down the track. pH still high but I have given up worrying about that one. Barra doing well and getting bigger every day.

The pics below show the shade house and GB's plus the tank set up in the shed.

jdphish

Wal, looking very nice. Are you still recording temps? If so can you share that with us?

Wal

FT temps have stabilised since I lagged the tanks (pink batts in white sacks) they hang constantly around the 27.5 deg mark.

We have seen day time temps change a little lately due to cyclones, etc. anywhere from 36 to 42. Over night temps around 25 deg.

RupertofOZ

Considering your location Wal.... them veges are looking good...

Do you struggle with bugs & grubs??...

Wal

As of yet bugs have not been an issue. We do get then usual plagues of things (just had a run on giant grasshoppers), but so far they have not caused us any grief. In fact probably too few as some plants don't seem to be pollinating.

faye

Noice Wal!

freoboy

inyeresting that ypou mention the grasshoppers, we had HEAPS down here the other day . .kept on flying into me as i was walking to pooch :upset:

Wal

Hi folks

Thought I would post an update as I have not done so for a while.

Not much new to report but I did add a small constant flow bed made out of an old window box planter. This runs on a totally separate system with an over flow to GB No.2(just in case the drain blocks). I have put some mint in there at the wife's badgering... I can just hear you all screaming that it will jam up the system. That's why its in its own totally separate system.

The chilli is one of the few.

Cheers Wal

toraman

Hi there Wal, just finished reading your thread, was a good read with all the photos and utube additions. Thanks for sharing.

Some questions, I am wondering if your pH ended up dropping? Its been 5 months since I started AP and only worked out the other day my pH finally dropped to 6.4.... it always stayed at 7.4 for at least 3 months (or more).

Also, when are going to get those extra grow beds installed? :whistle:

Wal

Spent a bit of time on the system today. Added and changed the following.

1. Reduced the shade cloth on the roof and front of the enclosure in an attempt to get more light into the system... and in preparation for autumn.

2. Added aeration to the bio filter.

3. Planted some broccoli seedlings (I no longer wash the roots).

4. Added 3 NFT channels as a trial set up.

5. Planted 20 lettuce and bok choi in rock wool, these will eventually go in the NFT channels when sprouted.

6. Got shot of the mint planter.

I will post pics the weekend...

Wal

Just thought I would add a couple of pictures showing the NFT channels and the lettuce we have germinating in rock-wool. I used some of the Aquaponic water to start the lettuce and they seem to be doing well.

The NFT channels have an "in line" reticulation filter to remove any large particles. So far the system seems to be working well. The NFT channels have a fall of 1:40 to allow the nutrient flow to the drain end, it then returns via 19mm retic pipe to the FT.

Decal

Looking good Wal! :headbang:

gnash06

Yep...real good, those channels look great

Wal

NFT channels are up and running with my lettuce seedlings... so far so good.

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