Difference between Aquaponic System and Heavily Planted Tank?

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Catnkit

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jun 8, 2011
270
1
18
Toronto
I've been reading a bit about Aquaponics, and reading a bit on Heavily Planted Tanks. I've found that even HPTs with fish in them (the usual example being discus?) that are proposed as "no-water-change" still need to be given a weekly water change, as stated by other repliers. However for aquaponics, there do not seem to be water changes neccessary, only top-offs. Both contain the same elements, except one uses two tanks and the other uses one. Why can't a HPT go without water changes, and an AP system can?

Please let me know your opinion! I would like to set up a no-water-change system, whichever it might be, if it is possible.

Cat
 
F1 VET said:
Look into the link below in my Sig, very easy and cheap way to cut nitrates in half! Many users have had the same experience. Any questions, please address me in the sticky! Thx



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http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?504763-Cheap-plants-less-nitrate!-POTHOS

*Go S. Vettel #1 rb8--4 MORE RACES LEFT! LET'S MAKE IT 4 BACK TO BACK WINS & 3 WDC!* :beer:
Click to expand...

Oo they made it a sticky now F1.... Very nice work.

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Catnkit said:
No help from MFK again...
Click to expand...

This isn't exactly the busiest section on here...

Anyway, the plants used for aquaponics tend to be more "efficient" at processing waste than most aquatic plants which explains the difference between the two systems. I've had pothos & Philodendron grow like crazy in previous reptile setups that had very minimal waste/nutrients & pretty basic lighting (at least for plants); I've also had a lot of luck with Elodea in the aquarium setting and had a 10 gallon at one point that was filtered exclusively by it.
 
I read up on aquaponics too, I even made a mini aquaponics system during the summer. I know of people who have heavily planted tanks who only do top offs.
The main purpose of water changes is to remove nitrates. If ammonia and nitrite is 0 and nitrate is low, you don't need to do water changes very often. some people in aquaponics will do water changes every few months or so because some things like certain minerals and hormones from the fish will build up.

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The major difference is the harvesting and restocking of plants and fish. Harvesting fish before they hit Max waste and hormone production, and removing plants when they ripen/ past prime of waste conversion eleminates water changes. IMO water changes are easier.

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Wow, I popped in out of curiosity and there were replies! Thanks everyone, I'll be considering the info you all contributed. Checking out that link too.
 
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