DIY Wet/Dry Hydroponics plant questern

Here is my DIY Wet/Dry Hydroponic idea. This prototype will be in the stand of one of my 55g tanks (picture 2). All measurements are estimates but are close (inside dimensions).

I will be making the inside resistant to the high humidity that will be produced by the system.

The wet/dry area will be 12x12x8 or so. The hydroponics will be 5x17x4. The sump will be 12x12x20.

The capacity of the sump, hydro and W/D will be max 14g (12, 1, 1.5)

Normal operation will be about 6~7g (6, 0.2, 0.4)
I know that’s not much reserve; but the back flow should be less than 2g.
(an overflow waste water pipe may be used)

The production filter will be a few months away. A friend & I will be building it based on this design concept. It will be in his basement filter room we will be creating under the living room of his house. It will also incorporate an automatic water change system.

So here is my question.

Plants, We want to use the hydroponics bay to start veggies as well as keep aquatic plants, Mine will likely be some sort of ‘hanging’ plant or trimmed bamboo due to space limitations.

Is anyone aware of a list of garden veggies that are a ‘No-No’ or a ‘go for it’ in this type of setup? I don’t want to harm the fish, but the thought of the nitrogen transfer sounds inviting and mutually beneficial to both the plants & the fish.

I will post pictures of the ‘in-stand’ one soon, and will start a new thread for the ‘Big Basement’ one as well as the tank that we will be building in his living room.

dannyboy said:

I have been looking into this abit, im not 100% sure but something like lettuce should do fine, as it will get all the macro nutrients and micro nutrients, whereas tomatoes (although prob wouldnt fit anyways) would need some micro nutrient suppliments like chealated iron...

I think the bamboo should be fine, i have heard of people putting the lucky bamboo in their actual tank.

Im sure you already know this, but you would need a light in with the plants so they can photosynthesise and grow.

But i would get someone elses opinion too, and goodluck

Oh heres the best source of information i found on this sort of thing so far
http://aquanic.org/publicat/usda_rac/efs/srac/454fs.pdf

Click to expand...

As you can see by the reflection, there is plenty of natural light near to mine. The BIG one will have much more room (4~5 feet, from the bay to the lights) There will be a light bank above to supply the needed 'photo' power, as well as a bit of natural light.

Thanks for the info so far, and the comments. I will add updated pics as the project moves forward.