Aquaponic System Upgrade: Multi-Loop Design, Sludge Mineralization & Carp Growth (2015)

Описание: In this sixth episode of “Aquaponic, My Story,” I show you how I completely redesigned my aquaponic system in 2015, turning it into a multi-loop setup with separate functions for filtration, fish care, and plant growth. 🛠️🌱

That year, I experimented with dividing my system into three independent water loops for more control and efficiency:

🔵 Blue Loop – ran 24/7 for fish tank water treatment; pumped through a UV lamp, a solid removal chamber, and a moving bed biofilter.
🔴 Red Loop – exchanged water several times a day between the fish tank and plant sump.
🟢 Green Loop – supplied fresh nutrient water from the sump to the plants, which drained back naturally.

After several attempts in past years, my moving bed biofilter finally worked perfectly! I kept my carp from the previous season, all healthy and overwintered without any heating system.

🌿 Plants Grown in 2015:

Beans , Tomatoes 🍅, Red & White Swiss Chard 🌈

I pre-grew all plants in rockwool cubes and placed them into pipes to keep the roots closer to the water. Though the plants stretched toward the light, this setup gave me valuable insights for future improvements.

That year I also began experimenting with sludge mineralization, a technique to extract extra nutrients from fish waste. Using a rainwater tank, I let the sludge mature for five months. The clear top water showed high phosphorus levels and ammonia, indicating anaerobic processes. This nutrient-rich water was used sparingly to fertilize the main aquaponic system without harming the fish.

The crops grew beautifully:

The beans produced long pods.

The Swiss chard thrived in both red and white varieties.

Tomatoes developed healthy white roots. 🍅

🌿 Pest Control Tip:
Check your plants twice per week for pests like aphids or spider mites, sometimes only visible under a magnifying glass. Early detection is key!

Despite minor pest issues, the 2015 season was a success. The fish weren’t large enough to harvest, so I decided to overwinter them once more for the next season.

💧 Please like, subscribe, and comment if you enjoy these videos, it really motivates me to create more content!

#Aquaponics #AquaponicSystem #MovingBedBiofilter #FishFarming #DIYBiofilter #SustainableFarming #DIYAquaponics #AquaponicDesign #AquaponicSetup #UrbanFarming #WaterFiltration #Hydroponics #AquaponicMyStory