Deckaponics

[Dazlar]

I would like to introduce you to my new deckaponics system that was delivered over the long QLD holiday, zigzag pipe and Perlite combination with an old trough and a continual 24W pump flow, father and baby doing well.



I built this as a holding tank for fingerling's/red claw whilst having my herbs and chillies 2 steps from the kitchen. It has also turned out to be a really nice feature for the deck, the sound of running water and greenery is a real bonus.

The circle of pipe around the top of the trough has holes in the bottom to drip oxygen into the water. I am going to have some oxygenating plants in one half in the near future.



I stocked the beds with the aid of some chap at Caboolture markets, 15 seedlings for $2. I also came away with a large box of fruit and veg for $5. Incredibly cheap.

[ZooRod]

Hey Dazlar, thats a great use of space. just wondering how much sun your plant recieve on the deck?

[Dazlar]

Full to part I would say Rod!

The sun rises parallel with the long fence and sets behind the short fence. There are various trees and yukka's that throw spots here and there. The basil gets the morning sun and the tub end cops the afternoon.

I used to have the terracotta pots running along there but it is such a waste of water. I tried some hanging pots too, but the soil got sun baked and hard.

[ZooRod]

ok sound pretty good, i only asked as my deck has 1 hr of sun at this time of year each day

[Biggles1212]

Very Cool.

It looks nice and neat too.

[Dazlar]

Thanks Biggles!

I got the whole system planted out now and also put a couple of rafts in there.



The plants didn't do the usual 2 day grumble (wilting) during the media transfer this time, not sure if that is the Perlite or the constant water cycle, either way, Lettuce, Parsley, Spinach, Basil, Chilli, Thyme, the two jades and me are all very happy.

[Dazlar]

All doing well, nothing to report other than my happiness.

On that note, I would like to thank Murray and all of you on this site for your help and inspiration, AP has been a life changer for me!

[ellisr63]

Hi, Newbie here trying to figure out what you did... (I like it:-) )
Is that 4" ABS pipe you are using?
How big of holes are you cutting for the plants?
Is the pipe filled with Perlite?

tia,
ROn

[Dazlar]

Hey Ron,

That is 90mm down pipe (3.5"). I used that because it is a lot cheaper here than the 100mm or bigger. I can get a 2m length for $12. 100mm was something like $10 per metre. If you can go bigger, then do so, you will get more media in (hence more fish) and the plants will be happy in the root department.

Have a look at the pipe work I put around the spa http://www.aquaponics.net.au/forum/s...6545#post46545. There are some pics of the holes and cuts and some really good information from the members which helped immensely when I just started.

I used Perlite in the pipes for the same reason, cost. 100l of Perlite was cheaper than a 50l of Hydroton.

I have a quiet 24W pump that runs constantly and small holes in the return pipe above the tank to get oxygen back into the system. There is no air pump. The running water and greenery have added a really nice feature to the deck, I sit out there and read quite often now.

I have got two Jade Perch in the tank which seem happy enough. I have rafted some parsley on the top to keep the sun, birds and dogs out.

Pipes are brilliant for Strawberries, lettuce, bok choy, mustard leaf and herbs. Perfect for the deck as it backs straight onto the kitchen.

Daz

[RupertofOZ]

Looking good Dazlar..