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Revision date: 12.23.15
PRIMARY BIOFILTRATION TANK FILTER
The primary filter for the biofiltration tank is cut from the
112746
material
provided with your aquaponics system. This material is typically cut to size
and stretched over the open top of the tank under the main return tubes.
This filter collects solids that can circulate throughout the system; it is
cleaned daily. The photo below shows a primary filter installed on the
biofiltration tank. Remove the surface solids using a customer-supplied
plastic scraper or similar tool that will not damage the filter material.
BIOFILTRATION
Air and water turnover are crucial to the health of your system. Follow
these suggestions once your system is up and running:
1. Watch your fish eat and swim. This is really the best way to see how
your system is working. Fish should not swim on their sides or gasp for
air at the top of the tank.
2. Learn to recognize what is “normal” and continually watch for anything
that just does not look right.
3. Check your water chemistry for temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite,
and nitrate, and especially dissolved oxygen (DO). It will take about 40
days for your water chemistry to “equalize”.
4. Patience is key in aquaponics. Once the biofilter is working properly,
check some of the parameters weekly but until then, it is recommended
to test all parameters daily.
JUMP START YOUR BIOFILTRATION TANK:
One way to “jump start”
your biofilter is to obtain some “seasoned” water from a trusted source*
such as another aquaponics grower.
A five gallon bucket or so will help start bacterial growth in your biofilter
tank. Dump the seasoned water directly into the tank. Once the system is
inoculated with good bacteria, add food. These bacteria eat ammonia; you
can simply add some over the counter ammonia to the water once your
tanks and float bed are filled and the pump is circulating the water. Do this
in small increments. One cup per 500 gallons of water is a good balance.
ATTENTION:
DO NOT DUMP THE AMMONIA DIRECTLY INTO THE
BIOFILTER TANK!
Add the ammonia to the float bed, or evenly distribute it
in the fish-holding tanks. Do not use ammonia that may have fragrances or
other additives. Straight ammonia added to the water is required.
*Be sure that the water source is not carrying unwanted diseases that are
detrimental to your system.
Biofilter Start-Up and the Primary Filter
14
Biofilter Start-Up Information
5. Never modify multiple parameters when troubleshooting the system.
Choose one, make an adjustment, allow the system to equalize, and
check the results.
6. Look for dead fish. If fish are dead, check water chemistry and follow
the previous suggestions to make the necessary adjustments.
7. Keep good records of all changes and results of those changes.
Cut the filter material larger than the top of the tank to allow it to drape over
the sides. Secure material in place using customer-supplied fasteners or
rubber straps. Fastening system should allow for removing the filter for
rinsing and cleaning.