Emersed Plant Filter--56K Warning!

[Naja002]

Originally Posted by ColeMan

i took a class in college dedicated to phyto-remediation, and, like biscuitslayer mentioned, this is probably the most effective way to take nutrients (and potential pollutants, but lets hope you don't have heavy metals, etc. in your aquarium/tap water) out of your water column. I've experimented with a variety of hydroponic and aeroponic setups over the years ( i grow some mean veggies), and your design is very similar to one of my favorites (i also like using long lengths of pvc with drilled out spots for baskets, two buckets and a pump - you can tilt the pvc a bit so the water will drain by itself into another reservoir to be reused, and the wicking method - super no fuss); you aren't looking for explosive plant growth, and your setup (obviously) works pretty well at limiting plant growth while still maintaining vibrant, healthy plants. My goal was to grow massive plants with massive, delicious fruits, and I found that a combination of aeration via individual spray nozzles forcing water over the roots and a TDS meter were the key to success. Hydroponic/aeroponic systems are almost as much fun to setup as aquariums, and the results are delicious! Nice looking setup, and enjoyable thread...

Right--You got it. I'm not looking to get "maximum" growth out of these plants. If they grow enough that I have to add N and/or P to the system in order to keep them healthy--then I just shot myself in the foot! More growth=more work for me! Adding the N and/or P, plus trimming the plants, etc, etc, etc. Why? I just want to keep the N and P at reasonable levels over the long haul--in order to make the system more "maintenance-free"! Its spelled: "L-A-Z-Y-!"

Yes, I do have to get up and do somethings--but its not often. The system does a pretty good job of taking care of itself. That's my goal: I get to enjoy the setup, accomplish my goals (maintaining these snakes long-term) with the least amount of time and effort from me! Bingo!


Edit: As an added thought on this system, I no longer inject C02 because the plants get it from the air. I do add ~30ml/wk of Excel for the crypts though.

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[Wingsdlc]

Very interesting set up. Do happen to have a picture of everything (tank and all)?

[Naja002]

Follow this link:

Acrochordus javanicus setup

Its kind of a hodge-podge of pictures over time, but it will give you a decent idea. I'm not injecting C02 or 02 any more. Peristaltic pumps are not hooked up. Back to tap water. Main tank B is not shown, nor has it been incorporated into the sump in those pix. BUT it should still give you a decent idea of whats going on.....