Raft versus Media-Based System?

[kntryhart]

Greetings. I understand that media-based systems can take months or even years to mature properly. I live in the northeast and do not have the luxury of a heated area for a system. For my location, would a raft system be a better choice over a media-based system? Seems like the media system would just get going before cold weather arrives. Put simply, are raft systems better suited for locations that go below freezing each year? Does a raft system offer quicker start-up in the spring? Thanks!

[RupertofOZ]

Put simply, are raft systems better suited for locations that go below freezing each year?

In what way???... ultimately how efficient your plant production will be during the colder months... will be determined by the amount of fish wastes, and feed.... are input/output....

Certainly a hoophouse/greenhouse will help...

Does a raft system offer quicker start-up in the spring?

Absolutely nothing to suggest that it would do so....

Introducing media, and/or water from a pre-exisiting AP system... or from an aquarium... will help...

Ultimately how long your system takes to cycle (unless innoculated).... is dependant on temperature...

[Murray]

are raft systems better suited for locations that go below freezing each year? Does a raft system offer quicker start-up in the spring? Thanks!

No, raft systems need to have an area where the mineralisation takes place. If you look at the traditional UVI style system that process primarily took place in the bio filter tank where they had the netting. The process also takes place to a lesser degree right throughout the system.

A media based system is a good depositary or nutrient bank.

You are going to need a bio filter of some sort and that takes time to develop. There are no short cuts that will bypass this process.

[qantumleap]

Would it be good to add a bio filter anyway? It would be necessary wouldn't it? A media bed would be the best option wouldn't it ?

[davidl]

If you have no media beds, then you need a bio filter. Simple as that.

Essentially you need enough bio filtration coming from media beds and/or bio filters. How you achieve that rate of converting ammonia to nitrate is up to you. Then you need enough plant growth to absorb the nitrates, be it in media beds and/or DWC floating rafts.

One more note about DWC floating rafts, is that I've heard you need to filter the water before it goes in there as they do not process solids.

Media beds are good to keep things simple, as you can get away with no filters, and just 1 type of bed.

[kntryhart]

Murray - Thanks. But I'll reference a comment you made in one video that media systems need time to mature (9-months to years). If I have a 4-5 month growing season, will any type of outdoor aquaponic system be a viable option? Seems like the system would just be in its infancy when cold weather would return.

[RupertofOZ]

Kntryhart, I've had excellent result not only in my own, but in client systems.... from day one.... and that includes a broad range of vegetable types... both outdoor, and in greenhouses...

( I can provide photo time lines)

Having said that... all such systems have operated within an optimal pH range.. a factor that I believe is much more important...

[Murray]

Aquaponic gardened do well from day one you will find. Better than most dirt gardens. But, a system does take time to fully mature and develop a real solid nutrient bank. That does not mean that things will not grow at all until then...... Plants will grow very well from the very earliest in the life of the system.

In building an Aquaponic system you are building an Eco system. It takes time.

[Rob's Green Thumb]

You can also use external organic nutrients to help the plants along for there first year just be very carful about what kind you use and amounts or you can kill your whole system.