question about aquaponics

[jwong1024]

I am helping a friend set up his 200gl tank. We want to try aquaponics. My question is, do we have to have the water pumped into a plant bed???? Or can we just have the plants sitting on top of the water. I was think about making a rack that would run on top of the tank and getting plants that don't need too much sunlight. The plants would grow on the rack and the roots would sit in the water.

I have done plenty of searching and most systems seem to require a second compartment where the water is pumped into and drips back into the tank.

Anyone with experience please chime in.

 

[jwong1024]

anyone???

 

[bykerdellic]

hey jwong,
first post so bear with me!
i run my 1500l soft water system using aquaponics as the only filtration and have had no water quality issues at all. firstly id point out that the system comprises of a 700 ltr aquarium which the over flow is connected to a 600mm2 veg filter based on an hydroponic system from nutriculture ltd (google this) called a flo-grow from there it overflows via a small waterfall into an eight hundred ltr pond. the water is then returned back to the tank with a pump.the filter is planted with peace lillys which grow really big. im sure that something smaller would work just as well, don't know about floating the plants above the aquarium or having roots growing into the water,
perhaps a shelf above or pipes routed to a more sunny position enabling more choice of what to grow, just make sure the planting container is above the tank in case of power outs (pumped flow gravity return)
if i can help further let me know
steve.

 

[jwong1024]

Thanks Steve I will check it out.

 

[Ophiuchi]

i have a couple of heartleaf philodendron growing in my ten gallon for a little extra filtration, they dont require much light at all and can be floated on foam in a sump or in the tank itself. i have mine clipped to the side of the tank and the roots hang down like a backdrop sort of thing. your plan should work some plants get shocked and die from the change from soil to water and ive heard of people loosing a few the first week, but those that survive that initial phase thrive. goodluck! ive heard water hydrangea work well also and you can grow them from a bulb and avoid the soil to water shock