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Revision date: 03.21.18
115295
Aquaponic Filter Maintenance
Performing the necessary routine maintenance for your aquaponic system is essential to your growing success. Maintaining clean filters and preventing excess
buildup of solids will help to mitigate pathogens that could affect fish and plants. Preforming this maintenance also results in cleaner water.
FILTER MAINTENANCE
How System Filters Work
The first tank that water flows into from the fish tanks is called the settling
tank also known as the
radial flow clarifier.
The radial flow clarifier uses
gravity and low velocities to settle out large settleable solids such as fish
waste and casings and uneaten food. This tank removes the majority of
solids from your system.
The second tank is the
mineralization tank
. After removing large, settleable
solids, suspended solids still remain in your system. The mineralization
tank is designed to facilitate growth of heterotrophic bacteria to consume
suspended solids.
The shade material included with the system provides the required surface
area for these organisms to grow. Once water flows through both tanks, it is
clean enough for bacteria in your deepwater culture (DWC) beds to remove
ammonia and convert it to nitrites for plants. These autotrophic bacteria grow
everywhere in your aquaponic system but are concentrated in DWC beds
due to increased surface area below plant rafts and on plant roots.
Daily Maintenance
In order to prevent excess buildup of solids, it is important to flush solids from
the bottom of the radial flow clarifier tank
every day
. The entire tank does
not have to be emptied. Simply crack open valve (A) at the tank bottom to
discharge water. Water will have a brownish tint. Discharge water until the
water starts to run clear and then close valve. Typically this will be 2-4 gallons
for each flushing. Water can be discharged down a drain, further mineralized
offline, or used to fertilize plants in your garden.
ATTENTION:
Water is nutrient rich; dilute it before using it for plants or
garden.
After flushing the radial flow clarifier close valve (A) and open valve (B) at
the bottom of the mineralization tank to see if solids have accumulated there.
Flush that tank as needed. After flushing, close the valve.
Perform the above procedures daily.
Radial Flow
Clarifier
A
B
Radial Flow Clarifier
Mineralization Tank
Flow
Flow
Flow
Shade
Material
DWC Bed