September 19, 2015, 6:01 am
Kuchai or Garlic Chives that I planted just outgrowing their usage for a typical family of five. Time to take drastic measures to reduce their footprint in the growbed. I decide to make two pots into one and recover one growbed for other plants.
Four pots is all that is needed and I have close to forty, I'll leave few pots in the #guttergrowbed and few more in the CRAFTS set.
Take out all the chives from the back yard set and redo them to lesser pots, half in number and I manage to get one growbed to use again.
Tomorrow I'll cut all the chive to let them have a fresh start. There will be few kilos of this stuff to give away.
Yes.., one spare growbed for other plants.
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September 19, 2015, 6:25 am
Planted this in first week of July and after about two months it's looking good.
Will plant another three pots to fill up the #guttergrowbed
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September 19, 2015, 11:00 pm
This is a simple way to temporarily protect a new seedling or cutting from the elements. Use another pot to cover them, this way strong sunlight or heavy rain will not damage the plants. Slot in the pots gives some sunlight to get the seedling or cutting going while maintaining air circulation.
Pots are secured by using clips to ensure they are not blown away or toppled by heavy rain.It is best to use hanging pots since they already has holes for wire attachment. Otherwise you will need to secure it either by making holes or different type of clips.
All done, good for a few week depending on type of plants that you grow in the pots.
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September 19, 2015, 11:10 pm
Seedling are fragile and they break easily. To reduce chances of damage while planting seedling, growbed should be flooded to make the hydroton more movable.
For flood and drain growbed using siphon, the siphon need to be stop from operation either by stopping water inflow or by removing the siphon enclosure bell (cover).
With growbed flooded it is easier to arrange the seedling and get its roots deep down.
Once the planting is completed, reinitiate flush by restoring the siphon to its operational state.
That's it.
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September 19, 2015, 11:23 pm
This tool I made during the days that I uses pebbles instead of hydroton in my growbed. Pebbles are very hard and heavy, they will damage seedling if we are not careful during planting.
(Photo to be added here)
The tool are made from PVC pipe and uses to force the pebbles from the seedling during planting. With hydroton this may not be needed, but for the sake of those that uses pebbles as growbed media, this tool can be helpful.
A repost video below.
Thanks for watching
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September 19, 2015, 11:41 pm
My first trial of Rosemary fail, since its roots got water damage and I was at the time using pebbles as the media for planting. Recently manage to get encouraging result and this prompt me to try more. I am using hydroton and in pots this time round.
It grow slowly, but enough to give hope that it may just work. I'll repeat the same style of growing from cutting in hydroton and place them in the gutter growbed.
Fresh cutting taken from the base plant and prepared for planting.
Cuttings needs to be stripped of their leaves on the lower part rooting hormone used prior to sticking them in the pot.
Cluster of three cuttings in a pot and hopefully all will survive, from last trial all made it.
Temporarily potted cuttings are placed in the CRAFTS set growbed, once I have space in the gutter growbed they will be reposition there.
I use Rosemary mainly for roast chicken.. they smell delicious.
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September 20, 2015, 4:42 am
Many people has been asking me how do I sow seeds for Aquaponics, whether I sow them in soil or directly to growbed. Well it all depends on type of seeds, if it extremely small like Lettuce seeds I'll probably sow them in soil first.
If Cili, Tomatoes, Kailan, Okra etc I'll sow directly to the growbed. Those cheap seeds I'll sow direct regardless of size, because sometimes it just not worth the extra trouble of preparing a seed tray. It is your choice whichever is convenient to you.
Now it's time for me to sow few seeds, since I have one vacant growbed to use. These seeds has been kept for quite a while, so I had to use most of it rather quickly before it expires.
All the seeds I sprinkle directly to growbed for these sowing, I have too many to use so, just sow more than I need. Cili, Kailan, Okra and few other vegetable seeds directly to growbed.
Few will grow, that's all that I wanted.
After all seeds has been sprinkle onto the hydroton I'll use my fingers to "rake" them over to get them down to water level. It is also best to stop siphon action by maintaining water level at top of standpipe.
If your growbed water level is low, meaning your growbed dry zone is deep, it is important that you water the seeds daily until they germinate. If this dry zone is shallow the seeds can reach water then it's not required to water.
Sometimes when I sow in potted hydroton, I'll remove a layer of hydroton until I can see water reaching surface then I will sow the seeds at that level after which I'll cover the seeds with the earlier removed hydroton.
So that's how I do it, will update this post once seeds germinate and at transplanting.
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September 21, 2015, 9:36 pm
Chillies plant in the gutter growbed are producing chillies. Monitoring them closely for fungal infection.
Chillies plants are prone to fungal wilt, I had lost many chilli plants due to this. At the moment I do not use any spray to combat this problem, looks like I had to start now.
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September 21, 2015, 10:00 pm
Insect and caterpillar are a common threat in aquaponics setup just as in any garden. When you do aquaponics, some people automatically thought it is organic. To be honest aquaponics and Organic are two different item.
You can be aquaponics and organic at the same time if you follow the strict organic farming or gardening guidelines. It will be difficult if you are just starting out on aquaponics and at the same time trying to follow the organic requirements due to too steep a learning curve. Those that has practice either aquaponics or organics for a long period of time it will then be an easier process especially if you are already an Organic Enthusiast.
I had tried various organic spray to control bugs, caterpillars etc, none seems to work. In my setup I use non-organic insecticide to get those under control. I know some guys will not agree with this, but it's okay. Everyone are entitle to their own way of doing things.
I had use non-organic insecticide as a direct spray onto the plants in my growbed, and so far I do not have any fish killed. I follow strictly to the instruction on the label, observe all precaution and most of the time I will use a more diluted mix.
A safe way to apply non-organic insecticide is to apply them away from the growbed, this is easy if you have plants grown in pots where they are easily move to a safer environment for spraying.
Even through I practice direct spraying onto growbed plants, those plants that in pots I'll spray them away from growbed and the fish tank.Disclaimer
This is how I practice using non organic insecticide, I'm not in any way recommending or endorsing any particular chemical, poison or manufactured product for use in the Aquaponics practice. Any usage of any poison or chemical is solely at your own risk.
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September 23, 2015, 3:10 am
Chelated Iron like Fe 13% EDTA are use in agriculture as a supplement to ensure yellowing leaves don't occur and enhance production of chlorophyll in leaves. They can be use as a foliar spray either on its own or mixed with common pesticide. It can also be administered through fertigation solution.
In aquaponics we add Fe to growbed either to the growbed itself or into the fish tank. I would recommend the earlier since it will not be directly available to the fish in it undissolved form that those hungry fishes think it's fish food.
How much to add? As home setup I must say, I add only as much as it's required. They are extensive post in forums about how much to add with volume of water in your system etc but I don't bothered about it.
In aquaponics system, water is constantly circulating so like ammonia in the fish tank iron will be continuously circulated in the system and the plants will uses as it needs. It is not like the foliar or fertigation method that may be excessive hence wastage upon application.
I have four growbeds in this CRAFTS setup, I put one tablespoon into each growbed at the water inlet. Usually it will be enough, nothing is wasted since it will be circulating in the system.
This particular Fe EDTA works from ph range of 2 to 8. Most of my aquaponics set the ph is about 6.7 to 7.3, so it should work.
Ok.. that the small tips.
Where to buy;
Nine Top TradingDrive there using Waze: http://waze.to/lr/hw284z42xfGPS : 3.309613,101.558401
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September 23, 2015, 3:32 am
What will happen if you have too high water level in the growbed?
Initially high water level will cause higher evaporation and water will be use more due to this. To endure this don't happen it is recommended that the water level is at least 1 inch below the hydroton or media level.
Above photo the water level is about 1 inch below the hydroton and it is just nice for most setup.
What else could happen?
Algae and some time moss will grow, moss could turn into fern in some cases. Algae and mosses will compete with plants for nutrient and it also will make the growbed looks dirty as below.
As a general rule 1 inch water below the media is acceptable, this is the DryZone of an aquaponics growbed. This DryZone can be thicker depending on type of plants grown.
A siphon with adjustable standpipe height is helpful in ensuring this water level is easily achieved.
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September 23, 2015, 3:44 am
Earlier planted lemon grass in the gutter growbed, then I move it to the backyard set. Now it's time to put it back to the gutter set.
I only have two pots of lemon grass and will need to plant another two, since I want a set of four of each type of plants that I grow in this set.
Above are two lemon grass the fragile looking plant in the center is Leeks, Leeks needs cooler temperature to do well, it is just a trial.
Few more plant variety then the gutter growbed set will be complete.
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September 23, 2015, 4:17 am
This Gandarusa plant was requested by a friend for me to try out in aquaponics, I done flood and drain media base growbed and gutter growbed style and it do very well in both trial.
It is time to say goodbye to this plant in my aquaponics set, I'll grow it on dirt to keep as specimen, who knows I may need it one day.
So Gandarusa grow very well in aquaponics.
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September 23, 2015, 9:01 pm
Just noticed this morning water droplet from one of the #guttergrowbed, it's just about five drops per minute.
Thro the leak is only five drop per minute, it enough to wet the floor, over time if not check moss or algae will grow.
The leak from bottom, with the location marked so that it can be located during repair.
First all plants from growbed need to be removed and place somewhere they are safe and not dry out.
I use a car boot tray, for holding the plants and leave an inch of water in it, this is a precautionary measures just in case the repair took longer that I anticipate.
After the last flush, switch OFF the pump and lift up the ends that needs repair. It advisable if the adjacent growbed share the same pump, ensure it is full of water before stopping the pump.
I have tubes in the gutter to support those pots, clear them out and the growbed will be dirty just like above photo.
Give it a good cleaning, it should not be difficult since the area is always underwater and the sludge did not have time to hardened.
Use a hairdryer to accelerate drying, the heat from the dryer also will make the originally applied glue tacky, sometimes this itself can cure the problem.
Dry it from underneath too. Then once complete dry, apply hot glue. This the easiest glue to use and they are really good.
No matter how I do it, they will always looks messy. Wait for the glue cool after about five to ten minutes, then we can start to restore the growbed.
Start inflow, and check for leaks
Looking good so far, I can now put the plants back in its place.
Don't forget the bottom, check for any leaks.
Plants in, everything back to normal.
As if nothing happen, the gutter system makes it easy to repair individual growbed.
If it's happen to be the inner growbed. I will do the same as long as I could have access to the ends. Guttergrowbed leak are only from the endcaps which may be tricky to seal, out of four only this leak.
So that is 1 out of 8 endcaps.
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September 27, 2015, 5:00 am
Slugs, millipede, centipede, ants and other crawlies can start to be comfortable in the growbed.
How do we get rid of them ?
On flood and drain media base aquaponics, I recommend to flood the growbed. Most crawlies can't survive underwater for long period.
To flood the growbed first stop the siphon action by removing the enclosure bell as photo below.
or remove the siphon cap on the #strainerbell siphon as below,
Once the cap or bell has been remove, the siphon action will stop. This depends on the height of standpipe will cause the growbed to be flooded. If the standpipe is lower than the media height, it is advisable to remove some of the media or change the standpipe extender to a longer extender causing a flooding.
Downpipe photo of the siphon as below with replaced extender.
Once the growbed flooded, wait a while and you can now see many creepy crawlies start to make their way to the top of the growbed. This is a good time to get your slug picking chopstick ready and start picking.
Slugs
more slugs
and more slugs
Well have fun picking those slugs.. :)
How to get rid of ants ?
For ants, I recommend that the high water extender are left there for a few days, and let the siphon operated as normal. Then replace it back to the ones that have water 1" below media height.
I recommend doing this flooding monthly, to ensure slugs etc don't have time to multiply. It is such an easy thing to do anyway.
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September 27, 2015, 5:40 am
Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) or commonly known as Epsom Salt are use in agriculture to promote chlorophyll production. Certain plants like Tomatoes and Chili require magnesium for their better growth.
Epsom Salt is non organic, so if your aquaponics setup is on an organic track, you have to think twice before applying this to your set.
Looks like sugar and it is highly water soluble, application as a foliar spray is common. In aquaponics, adding to growbed near the water inlet is recommended.
You don't have to add much, one table spoon is enough for a medium size growbed. Monitor for changes in the vegetable or plants leaves and only add if you suspect that the plants "green" is not as green as you might expect.
Epsom Salt is also good as a relaxant, where you can add it to warm water and soak your feed. This is what most people use it for. In a bath and foot soak, they are suppose to have a relaxing effect on the body.
So if you use Epsom Salt as a foot soak, don't throw that water away. Put it it the aquaponics set, so nothing is wasted.
Where to buy
Food Grade (Recommended)Most Reputable Pharmacy, like Guardian, Boots and Watson
Non Food GradeAgriculture Shop, they sell in bulk.
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September 27, 2015, 6:35 am
By accident I obtained a pot of spearmint and I don't think I have any usage for it. Done a trial planting in aquaponics and its do grow well.
I use mint in either tea or eat raw, but that is peppermint and this spearmint not that good for tea or eaten raw.
This plant don't creep like its cousin the peppermint and it grow to a bushy shrub. Trim the excess and let it regrow.
Very easy to be grown in aquaponics, too bad I don't have much usage for it.
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October 4, 2015, 12:28 am
Another batch bought from nearby nurseries fresh stocking, they are red tilapia fingerlings about 2" in length and I paid RM 20.00 (US $ 4.50) for a hundred.
As usual for any new fish going into the tank, let them float in the bag for 15 to 30 minutes, for the water temperature matching and then they can be let loose in the new place.
One hundred tilapia running around in the new surrounding, and will only feed them tomorrow after they stabilized.
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Making a small single barrel #guttergrowbed set from surplus gutter. Six feet of gutter leftover from earlier set cut into two and endcapped.
After hot glue the ends, do a leak check to ensure all in good order. I had to redo and check it few times due to leaks, but the fix is simple enough to do.
Two 3 feet gutter resting on the barrel, this is one of the remaining barrel that I use for the craft barrel set. No additional support required as long as small plants are planted in this #guttergrowbed.
I intent to put pots in one of the gutter and direct hydroton in another to test out. Since it's small, it will be easy to clean if needed.
All that's left to do now is installing the siphon and water pump.
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Last 20th September I planted few Rosemary cuttings in three pots, one didn't make it.
The base plant still available and get few more cuttings to redo it.
Progress with this plants is very slow.
Together with earlier cuttings.
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