Let's Talk BBQ
Tips, Tricks & Just Good Advice! => Good to Know! - A collection of How-To's & Sage Advice => Garden to Table - Growing Your Own! => Topic started by: spuds on June 23, 2014, 06:06:32 AM
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This will take me all season.Its going to be 12x12 foot.I will get pics as it moves along.Want it covered by late fall and the aquaponic system running.Will have to order the plastic cover when the time comes for it.
Instead of hydroponics it will be powered by fish poo,hence aquaponic.Aqua has the advantage as you dont need chemicals like hydroponics and once set up its pretty much plug and play.
Whats going on so far...
My first stop was the thrift store...
Thrift store for 20 dollars.I made out real good.
Storm door pretty nice shape,screen good.Solid core.Both windows open properly,easily.
The pipes are 10 feet long,1/2 inch.5 PVC,1 metal conduit.May or may not use as Perlins(looks like they wont be used)
The window is brand new,PVC.It says Sample for Mike J on it.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/HH1A_zps3d844028.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/HH1A_zps3d844028.jpg.html)
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Next stop was Lowes for 1x6 Trex for the baseboards,12 foot each.With additional sundries that was 185 dollars.The trex will never rot though,so bit the bullet on that cost.
Then next it was get my stakes to level the base,4 treated 8 foot 4x4's and 18 1.5 inch 10 foot pvc electrical conduits,line and a line level for 170 dollars.Got conduit over pvc pipe because it is UV protected.
Im doing mine like Jackie at backwoods home
http://www.backwoodshome.com/blogs/JackieClay/
here is her picture,mine will be 12x12
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/Hoop-house-frame_zps6225c788.gif) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/Hoop-house-frame_zps6225c788.gif.html)
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Sounds like quite the project. Cool.
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So far with most of framing Im in 400 dollars with a few additional tools.Need some 2x4's and a little cement to put in the 4x4's.
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Should be a growing fortress when done ;)
We are really into greenhouses in California :P
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The trex will never rot though,so bit the bullet on that cost.
True...But - I have an 1800 sq. ft. deck attached to my house, and I installed it. It is made from Timbertech which - like Trex is made from recycled plastics and other material ( there are several name brands - but all are recycled plastics mixed with wood fiber ) - but it *does* have the ability to warp....so - really anchor it well and attach it more often than you would if you were building with pressure treated wood. And - it splits easier than wood near edges and ends - *pre drill those especially*...so pre-drill all holes if using typical bugle head deck screws. There are special 2 thread pattern screws - but the head is very small....and can pull thru if you set them too deep. I would recommend typical deck screws with a washer under the head for the best option- balancing strength/cost/durability. Nails are out of the question, as this material does not "grip" a nail, and they will work out on you with a little time.
Hope that helps Spuds, keep us posted. This looks like a nice project!
T
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Great project Spuds ... will be keeping an eye on ya!! 8)
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That is a really great project. I will be watching!
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That's one heck of a project, looking forward to see it completed. ;)
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What are your plans for the tanks? This is something I have been interested in doing for a while now.
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Interesting project. Can't wait to see the finished product.
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The trex will never rot though,so bit the bullet on that cost.
True...But - I have an 1800 sq. ft. deck attached to my house, and I installed it. It is made from Timbertech which - like Trex is made from recycled plastics and other material ( there are several name brands - but all are recycled plastics mixed with wood fiber ) - but it *does* have the ability to warp....so - really anchor it well and attach it more often than you would if you were building with pressure treated wood. And - it splits easier than wood near edges and ends - *pre drill those especially*...so pre-drill all holes if using typical bugle head deck screws. There are special 2 thread pattern screws - but the head is very small....and can pull thru if you set them too deep. I would recommend typical deck screws with a washer under the head for the best option- balancing strength/cost/durability. Nails are out of the question, as this material does not "grip" a nail, and they will work out on you with a little time.
Hope that helps Spuds, keep us posted. This looks like a nice project!
T
Thanks Tim,Appreciated and Agreed.
I have a buddy who builds decks advising me,and all you said is what he said,you a builder too?And the holes have to be drilled deeper than I thought,I screwed three right thru the sides on first try,they just went sideways after started screwing in,odd material that trex.I got a makita drill thing that makes nice countersinks,and using stainless steel screws that he advised.
When the hoops are secured after being set in ground that will help keep trex straight too.And a little warping wont matter,I get lots of free leeway on that in this project,nothing has to be perfectly square or such,just close enough for gubbmint work.But they will get staked every 24 inches.Hoops will be set 24 OC,way over building on that but why not,cost isnt much more at all.And we get snow,not so worried about hoop collapse as strain on greenhouse cover.Its going to be plenty strong,and luckily in this little valley that winds are cut in half,so major winds are just heavy blows for us.
Ive done hydro before,but chemicals were a pain,bud down the street started hydro and shifting to aqua system too.
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What are your plans for the tanks? This is something I have been interested in doing for a while now.
The fish tank will be an IBC tote,I think they are 175 gallons IIRC? Going to start with the blue barrells cut in half for grow beds,most with hygroton clay balls,and a couple will be water with floating trays,that will be super for dill,spices and lettuces.
May even raise duckweed to feed fish,just not sure yet what will really grow,and what I will do during winter.To start it wont be about raising fish,but that may get expanded into a eating fish too,just have to see.
Also will incorporate some solar electricity,again that will be a work in progress,I have more solar laying around here than Im using by a long shot,so thats another aspect that will be used eventually.
The water initially will be pumped,and later converted to an air pump system as the system is dialed in.First thing is just get it going and proof the concept.
On the grow beds will make PVC/plastic covers and may add my Christmas tree incandescent lights under those to prevent freezes,just not sure yet.The lights worked great on my trashcan covered citrus trees during winter,i got a really nice thermostat that comes on at 34F,off about 38F,very very slick setup.50 dollars
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AXCZJ/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/41kg48rRxFL_SY355__zps661955f9.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/41kg48rRxFL_SY355__zps661955f9.jpg.html)
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This is a way cool project, Spuds! Quite a lot of work, but what a cool concept! Can't wait to see your progress along the way! Nice score with the thrift store stuff.
My James has gotten really interested in those kind of set ups, where everything is working in a symbiotic way. He's scheming to do an outdoor type of a similar thing-- having fish in a pond, with a solar water pump going up to a garden area and having bio filtration to filter the water back down into the pond.
What an amazing place you've got!!
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Very interesting concept! I'll be watching this thread for updates.
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Very interesting concept! I'll be watching this thread for updates.
Ditto
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Got it staked today,will level base tomorrow,need more screws,ones I have just arent cutting it,they keep stripping,whats up with that? So will go get some new ones.My yard is a hill,thought I was only a 4-5 inch slope where its at,its more,like 10 inches+
Base will take more work than we thought.
Yes Kat,I like these cool solutions to problems too,like the pond idea.
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Best of luck Carl, lots of photos ;D
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I met a missionary that did this is South America . They raised fish for food and various greens and veggies. They would set these up in poor villages to improve the food supply.
He has a small setup here using shipping tanks. And plastic drums . Cut off the top of the shipping tanks about a foot down and flip it upside down above the tank. Put plants up there fish in bottom.
He has some larger tanks built out of some type liners. Turns out a pretty nice stock of catfish in those. Talopia I think in the small ones.
Robertsdale feed store has a container setup as well. It has huge squash plants in it. I can get a picture of it when I go for feed. They are asking $450 with a little giant pump. A bit much I thought.
I think you'll do really well with it once you get it going.
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Best of luck Carl, lots of photos ;D
Yeah,well,uh....not getting pics of my lovely 10 inch slope until I correct it :o,LOL!Going to have to back-fill somehow.
Goal for posting is to show details from beginning and give accurate full costs.So plenty pics for sure coming.
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I met a missionary that did this is South America . They raised fish for food and various greens and veggies. They would set these up in poor villages to improve the food supply.
He has a small setup here using shipping tanks. And plastic drums . Cut off the top of the shipping tanks about a foot down and flip it upside down above the tank. Put plants up there fish in bottom.
He has some larger tanks built out of some type liners. Turns out a pretty nice stock of catfish in those. Talopia I think in the small ones.
Robertsdale feed store has a container setup as well. It has huge squash plants in it. I can get a picture of it when I go for feed. They are asking $450 with a little giant pump. A bit much I thought.
I think you'll do really well with it once you get it going.
If interested here is a free Holy Grail of 187 page download on aquaponics
http://www.backyardmagazines.com/shop/the-ibc-of-aquaponics/
And their forum which is the most complete extensive source Ive ever found.Check out the members setups,amazing!!!!!
http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/
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Ok,today I got 12 more 3.5 foot stakes,2 each of pressure treated 2x4 and 2x6 12foot boards,2 50 lb bags of quickrete,and some deck screws...72 dollars.
Will start getting pics up by the weekend.
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I do not want this thread getting lost in the fray....stickied!
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Those 4x4's will be the doorway and support the ridge-post.The PVC conduit are 10 feet,will take at least 2 per hoop,depending on how I curve the walls will determine if they will be longer,Im thinking 25 foot each hoop
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/HH4_zpsa8e422cf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/HH4_zpsa8e422cf.jpg.html)
On the left is Girl and her toy,she is a sweety.Background is Snooky,she is one serious guard dog,doesnt take any gruff from anything.The building behind is our Barn,was a house at one time,now a barn for us.The background baseboard will be raised 11 inches with 2x6 12 foot boards.The foreground board is up 4 inches on a rock wall,had no idea I still had that much slope going on,11 inches,wow!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/HH6_zpsb50d6b28.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/HH6_zpsb50d6b28.jpg.html)
Getting some staking done,after that will level baseboards and be pounding in the pvc that will connect to the hoops.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/HH5_zps70e5ae47.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/HH5_zps70e5ae47.jpg.html)
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You have got quite the set of work crew helpers there! :) (Love the Polish chickens!) Looks like you'll have quite the busy weekend-- exciting to see your progress!!
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Real happy with the Polish chickens,for the egg size just smaller than a full sized chicken,they are pretty economical on the feed.LOL,they spent the day seeing how many times they could tangle up my leveling line,goofballs.
Though my favorite chicken of all time was a Leghorn the raccoons got,she was the skinniest thing,super lover sweet as can be....not your typical leghorn by a long shot ,and an egg laying workhorse,a fine fine animal indeed.Gee I miss that bird. :(
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It never ceases to amaze me the variety of personalities that chickens have! We have a buff orpington that sounds a bit like your leghorn-- just super friendly and fun to have around. She likes to sit on your lap, and used to follow James's son out to the bus stop every morning when he stayed with us. She always comes running up whenever I pull in the driveway, hoping I've got a leftover snack. :)
Sorry to hear about the raccoon, those little buggers are devious! Maybe you can invent some sort of "chicken-ponics" set up that involves fish, plants and chickens! :) Good luck this weekend, sounds like you'll be one busy boy! (I'll be butchering the second half of my meat chickens tomorrow, so we can toast from afar to a long day of hard work!)
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Had to re-do the end on the slope,putting new boards on to fill in.Came in for an ice water break,just need to drill and screw on the trex piece,pics tonight later...... :)
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Replaced the stakes with taller ones,removed the trex board and top and second board are pressure treated 2x6.Trex will go on bottom against dirt.Needs to last 40 years,Im 57 now,figure 97 about right. 8)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh8_zps7cd4d604.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh8_zps7cd4d604.jpg.html)
Used small floor jack to raise the frame,worked well,then attached to stakes
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh9_zps2afbb793.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh9_zps2afbb793.jpg.html)
A lot of slope to fill in yet,will get boards tomorrow to do sides.This base has become a lot more project than I thought thanks to the slopes.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh10_zps220a45e7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh10_zps220a45e7.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh12_zps6e6cf55a.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh12_zps6e6cf55a.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh11_zps31f5ef46.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh11_zps31f5ef46.jpg.html)
Coming along nicely,slow and steady and not killing myself. :D
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It's really looking good Spuds! A good foundation makes everything easier and better! And a nice gathering of critters!
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Today 128 dollars...
Post-hole digger and post/pipe level
pressure treated lumber....2- 2x4 x 8 feet,2- 2x6 x 10 feet,3- 2x6 x 12 feet.
8 connecting metal Brackets.12 pack of stakes.
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Looks like it is coming along nicely!
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Got the trex removed from the top on sides and replaced with pressure treated 2x6.
Tomorrow will cut and fill in bottom with trex along the ground.
Got the sides staked,and all the stakes cut to level.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh14_zps2084d4b4.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh14_zps2084d4b4.jpg.html)
Photos at 8 PM,can see my official chicken and duck corral has some sleepy birdies ready to go to bed
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh15_zps89ad95ec.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh15_zps89ad95ec.jpg.html)
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Base is finally done,look to the left and right and can see trex now on the ground.You can see by the backfill the left to right slope,and the front to back slope.
Next I will put up 4x4's for the door and to support the Ridgepole.Will probably dig the holes tomorrow and think about it,I want at least 40 inches on the opening so I can get the IBC Totes that will be the fishponds in.Need to think out what I will do on the doorway.
Left side
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh18_zpsf03d0bf0.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh18_zpsf03d0bf0.jpg.html)
Right side,thats a shadow,no gaps between boards
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh19_zps2bde3c0c.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh19_zps2bde3c0c.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh17_zps97edd627.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh17_zps97edd627.jpg.html)
So what I learned is PROOF there is a Heaven and Hell.In Hell they make you build greenhouse bases.The worse you are,the more slope you get. :(
Also you dont need to waterboard suspects.Just put them on 1000 acres of slope.Make them build greenhouses,they will crack in a week. ???
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I wont be working on it for a couple days but this is whats coming next to give you a basic idea....
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh20_zpsc9dfac9b.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh20_zpsc9dfac9b.jpg.html)
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Got some more done today.Got all the pipes pounded in that the hoops will attach to.Woke up feeling a little sore but it worked right out,so went to work.Being careful to pace myself,joints arent what they used to be,being careful.Ordered 5 inch carriage bolts,nuts and washers.1 lb 4 inch deck screws,all stainless steel,47 dollars online
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh22_zpsed308488.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh22_zpsed308488.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh21_zps7568933d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh21_zps7568933d.jpg.html)
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Good work, Spuds!! And smart move going slow and steady-- does you no good to throw something out of whack and get laid up for way longer than the time you saved by hurrying!
That is going to be impressive as heck when it's all done! You've done a LOT so far!
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Thanks Kat. Do you have butchering pics? ;)
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I did get some, I just need to sort through them and do a little write up. Cameraman James bailed on me again, so I'm not sure how well the pictures turned out, since I was balancing trying to get the butchering DONE, and avoiding ruining my camera with bloody hands. :) I'll let you know when I get the tutorial done!
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I did get some, I just need to sort through them and do a little write up. Cameraman James bailed on me again, so I'm not sure how well the pictures turned out, since I was balancing trying to get the butchering DONE, and avoiding ruining my camera with bloody hands. :) I'll let you know when I get the tutorial done!
;D
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Pipes,cement,screws,4x4 treated...94 dollars.
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Filled the hoop pipes with cement and screwed them into boards,added the connections.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh23_zpsda0bcb04.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh23_zpsda0bcb04.jpg.html)
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Impressive ! something to consider here ....
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Though my favorite chicken of all time was a Leghorn the raccoons got,she was the skinniest thing,super lover sweet as can be....not your typical leghorn by a long shot ,and an egg laying workhorse,a fine fine animal indeed.Gee I miss that bird. :(
Years ago we also raised chickens and one night we heard a commotion coming from the hen house. Problem here is that you never know if you'll encounter a coon or a cougar, so out I went with a trusty S/W M29. Fortunately it was only a coon in the rafters, and a single round eliminated that problem only to be replaced by another - fixing the roof.
Great project, Spuds; I'd love to build something like that but it's way too cold here
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Yes,you do get pretty cold.I have about 45 days below 32F at most,not much will be going on in winter but will get a huge jump in spring and fall.
Hope to have some covered beds with Christmas tree incandescent bulbs in winter,about 45 watts per bed I figure,will have to see.
I HATE Raccoons,domestic terrorists! We have a bunch too.
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Big day today.Got the 4x4's planted.Represents the end of cement work,and last of the heavy boards.They will have a cross-member on top,on top of that will sit the ridgepole,that 2x6 by the fence.The hoops will attach to that.That will be 7 foot tall.
Real happy with the plumb on the posts,not bad for a schmuck and the mrs,my carpentry/building skills are a 3 on the 10 scale at best.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh24_zps19ebfbbb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh24_zps19ebfbbb.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh25_zps4f0b2ea6.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh25_zps4f0b2ea6.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh26_zps15bd2918.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh26_zps15bd2918.jpg.html)
And something completely different.The solar system on truck.320 watts of panels and 4 AGM batteries,divided into 2 separate systems on each side of truck.2 Morningstar controllers between panels and batteries.2000 watt Prowatt SW2000 pure sinewave inverter for the 120volt output. Major cool.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/st2466_zps5993be4c.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/st2466_zps5993be4c.jpg.html)
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Not much to do for a while,I want the cement in the pipes to really cure,so hoops on hold. I suppose I can get the cross-members up and frame in a window and the door.
BIL due on 23rd to help with ridgepole.
So that means time to start gathering up supplies for grow beds,not sure exactly how I will make them,now studying all the options for that,Im really shooting for durable vrs costs,so thats next to make decisions and start getting that going.
The IBC totes are 80-100 dollars and can make 2 - 15 sq ft beds each,but Im reading that plastic isnt UV protected,so thats the dilemma to figure out how to do
IBC Totes
http://www.ibctote.com/
An IBC tote is a common term for an Intermediate Bulk Container. Whether handling bulk liquids, viscous products or dry flowables, IBC totes or portable bulk containers can meet transportation and handling requirements for corrosives, flammables, food and beverages, custom chemicals, lubricants to pharmaceuticals both safely and cost effectively. The IBC totes come in various sizes the most common size being the 275 and 330 gallon capacity.
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http://urbanfishfarmer.com/single-ibc-tote-unit/
This site gives an Idea,I will have one full tank for fish I think.Beds will be on a table,shelf setup of some sort
This picture shows it cut to make a grow bed,sitting on a tank it was cut from,you can get 2 grow-beds from one IBC.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/-ibc-a_zps7872f6b8.jpeg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/-ibc-a_zps7872f6b8.jpeg.html)
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This project looks better all the time, Spuds - I'm loving it!
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Today I worked on hoops,found out 22 foot pipes gives me the angle I want on sidewalls for most room.Thats the biggest one in this picture.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh27_zps32d86b0e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh27_zps32d86b0e.jpg.html)
In an ideal world you would get even sunlight on pipes,making a bend very easy,the pipe would itself assume the bend angle. My yard isnt ideal,only one side of pipes get full sun,so bend was very uneven,I will have to make a jig,at that the curve wont be perfectly symmetrical,but will be close enough.Fortunately Im not building a house so I have plenty of leeway.
Seems the trick will just be getting all the pipes bent the same.
1.5 inch conduit is not easy to bend. In the sun tomorrow I will work on getting my jig as close as possible.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh28_zpsff255626.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh28_zpsff255626.jpg.html)
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Awesome, Spuds, you are rollin' right along with that! Hopefully the sun will cooperate and you'll get a nice bend to those pipes-- I can only imagine how still those would be to get that bend!
The IBC idea looks great-- using the top part to sit over the fish tank bit.
Darn good on that plumb!
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Got the hoops bent,no idea how long they need to stay like this to assume the position.
Getting jig built I had to connect the bottom three with three screws on left,then after that just one screw to 4x4 once jig was positioned into proper curvature.That took a while moving and pounding stakes to get it right.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh30_zps1957ddfe.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh30_zps1957ddfe.jpg.html)
This is the top of hoop,very pleased with the angle and how close they came to even.This is about 7.5 feet from base on height,and that should be right where ridgepole fits in.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh29_zps285d7672.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh29_zps285d7672.jpg.html)
Hoops - all of them,in place in jig,Im very pleased with latest progress.Looks like,per measurements,that the curve should go over 4x4,then with a 4x4 cross-member and 2x6 on that for a ridgepole the fit should be right on target,wont know until one hoop goes up,and that is limiting what I can do until it does.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh31_zpsd56cca04.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh31_zpsd56cca04.jpg.html)
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Ordered 85 feet of this,that will do the cover 3 times over,so set for 15 years about,give or take.If you ordered 238 dollars,get 75 dollars off,so with shipping of 82 dollars my total is 248 dollars
http://www.growerssupply.com/farm/supplies/prod1;gs_greenhouse_films;pg109093.html
Custom Cut Sun Master® Infrared Anti-Condensate Thermal Greenhouse Film
Infrared retention and anti-condensate additives mean superior diffusion rates, heat retention and tensile strength.
• Co-extruded copolymer resin tri-layer construction offers maximum physical properties for superior film life.
• Infrared (IR) additives provide excellent diffusion and absorb and re-radiate infrared heat back down to the crop during the evening hours, saving as much as 30% on heating costs.
• Drip control additive is incorporated throughout the film and provides superior condensation control.
• 88% light transmission.
• 52% diffused light transmission means improved, more uniform plant growth.
• UV stabilized for up to four years of film life.
• Writing (this side to the soil) should be facing the inside of the greenhouse so you can read from inside the greenhouse.
• Custom cut film under 50 feet long incurs a small panel charge.
Greenhouse Films - Custom Cut Sun Master® Infrared Anti-Condensate Thermal Greenhouse Film
Item # Description Price
109093 Custom Cut Sun Master® Infrared Anti-Condensate Thermal Greenhouse Film 20'W $2.83 /FT More Info
===================================
Got the door up,next to handle is a removable section that will allow 45 inch entryway when unscrewed.Had to cut 9 inches off bottom of metal clad door with sawzall,cut and rehang hinge strip.Lots of cutting,drilling,screwing and dremel tooling to get it done.Leaving door elevated on base boards will allow easier entry when snow on ground.
Girl is glued to me when Im working,Snookie runs and hides.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh33_zpsd0fcfab9.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh33_zpsd0fcfab9.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh32_zps1908c06f.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh32_zps1908c06f.jpg.html)
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Spent about 75 dollars on wood and screws.screws 10 dollars a pound,wow!The cover is in transit,they bill after you receive,who does that anymore?Didn't want card info,send em a check when invoice arrives,wow!
Getting close now,it arrives Tuesday.Out to do some work.Neighbor has a couple totes,will see if he wants to sell,need to put the full tote for tank in before I cover.Otherwise have to remove panel next to door for access on that wide item.
Today cut the side supports for the walls and got 2 installed,other 2 couldn't do because pipes block area.Got 4x4 headers and ridgepole done.Pre-drilled ridgepole for the hoops to attach to,ready to put hoops up,just need to get the full sized IBC Tote for tank in first.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh36_zps7ebdfabb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh36_zps7ebdfabb.jpg.html)
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Lost six hens and a great rooster to a coon not long ago... I put the coon tune on that coon.... Then I boiled him up and fed him to the rest of the chickens...
I saw a show on PBS about a guy in Maine that grows tomatoes almost year round. He said he found that if he places two layers of visqueen one inch apart to start. Then each additional layer added with a one inch gap basically moves the climate in the house the equivalent of 600 miles south with each layer. If I come across the show again I'll post it.
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Got my IBC totes ordered,4 for 450 dollars delivered.That will make 1 fish tank and 6 grow beds.Delivered on Monday or today if he has time.The delivery charge is a major bargain,they wont fit in my truck bed because of shell,nor fit in Jeep.
8) <----One Happy Spuds because I also got a check for 507 dollars for old stock dividends I never cashed,so that will pay for em,just too dang slick today!!!!
----------------------------
275 Gallon IBC Tote Tank Water Containers - Truck Load Quantities - $100
Hello, I have 275 Gallon IBC Tote Tanks in Stock
275 Gallon or 1000 Liter Water Containers
Tubular Aluminum Cage w/ Forklift pockets
HDPE Food Grade Plastics in great shape
Totes have been used once, and pressure washed
inside and out to ensure cleanliness.
8 inch top screw cap, and 2 inch bottom ball valve.
Great shape, ready to be used for any application.
Dimensions: 45" tall X 39½ wide X 48" deep
275 Gallon Totes = $100 each
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Man,those puppies are big!
And one little guy unloaded those from his pickup truck,by himself!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh37_zps0967b757.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh37_zps0967b757.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh38_zps67fd9836.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh38_zps67fd9836.jpg.html)
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The pallet bases must be 35-40 pounds of the one hundred pounds they weigh
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh39_zps38e18dba.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh39_zps38e18dba.jpg.html)
Safely tucked away in front of truck for the night and off the street.Not hard to move with the pallets removed.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh40_zps602a83cb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh40_zps602a83cb.jpg.html)
Supervised and approved by Girl
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh41_zpsce3888ae.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh41_zpsce3888ae.jpg.html)
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Not much time for Chit Chat Carl while at work, but dang this is a fun post to watch and read ;D
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Not much time for Chit Chat Carl while at work, but dang this is a fun post to watch and read ;D
Sure is!
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I agree, very interesting thread! You're making great, steady progress Spuds! Wish I lived much closer, I'd enjoy assisting in any way to help! Be safe buddy!
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Thanks for the comments.
The pictures are really helpful,at night I can study them and helps me work out problems.As each step comes up I go on web and read that particular step and learn best way/option to move forward.
Found out something new last night,the greenhouse fabric has a reaction with chlorine in the pvc pipes where they touch,you have to paint pipes to eliminate premature wear.
The paint to use is Krylon Fusion,made just for painting plastic,like plastic chairs,PVC window frames,etc.
The drawback is its hard to find in stock,may have to online order.If my Ace Hardware doesnt have it they can order it to store in 1 to 7 days.
So may have a week of not much getting done,it would be best to paint while hoops not up related to loss from overspray,but may just say the heck with it and spray them once up so I can keep it moving along.
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This is the same design as the ones over at Robertsdale Feed. The biggest squash plant I've ever seen was growing in it last time I was there. It was climbing up the building and going all over the place. I think you are going to have an excellent set up going...
Not much to do for a while,I want the cement in the pipes to really cure,so hoops on hold. I suppose I can get the cross-members up and frame in a window and the door.
BIL due on 23rd to help with ridgepole.
So that means time to start gathering up supplies for grow beds,not sure exactly how I will make them,now studying all the options for that,Im really shooting for durable vrs costs,so thats next to make decisions and start getting that going.
The IBC totes are 80-100 dollars and can make 2 - 15 sq ft beds each,but Im reading that plastic isnt UV protected,so thats the dilemma to figure out how to do
IBC Totes
http://www.ibctote.com/
An IBC tote is a common term for an Intermediate Bulk Container. Whether handling bulk liquids, viscous products or dry flowables, IBC totes or portable bulk containers can meet transportation and handling requirements for corrosives, flammables, food and beverages, custom chemicals, lubricants to pharmaceuticals both safely and cost effectively. The IBC totes come in various sizes the most common size being the 275 and 330 gallon capacity.
=====================================
http://urbanfishfarmer.com/single-ibc-tote-unit/
This site gives an Idea,I will have one full tank for fish I think.Beds will be on a table,shelf setup of some sort
This picture shows it cut to make a grow bed,sitting on a tank it was cut from,you can get 2 grow-beds from one IBC.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/-ibc-a_zps7872f6b8.jpeg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/-ibc-a_zps7872f6b8.jpeg.html)
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Have you decided what fish species you are using ?
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Have you decided what fish species you are using ?
I might just do goldfish to get the system running,then graduate to fish production for food.Advice from an aqua guy,his suggestion is Perch or Bluegill for my climate.
Got lucky,Ace had Krylon Fusion paint in stock,get back to work tomorrow,today did some home and Jeep maintenance.
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This is the same design as the ones over at Robertsdale Feed. The biggest squash plant I've ever seen was growing in it last time I was there. It was climbing up the building and going all over the place. I think you are going to have an excellent set up going...
Im thinking 3 beds per side,with the fish tank feeding 3 at a time on a timer,but it might be too much for greenhouse space wise.Thinking 2 separate air pumps,each working an air pump for water pumping,staggering the times they run,1 pump feeds 3 beds each.Dont know,might have 2 tanks and 4 beds,just have to see how space works out?
Plus have to figure out how to have one side drained while other fills.Then there is the water sump issue to address too.Barrels maybe,I have no idea yet.Havent researched that deep enough yet.
Mrs wants some space other than aqua too.
BTW,bud with hydro,went to check him out,doing really well,he says trick is keeping water super oxygenated with a pump.He has all kinds in various stages of experimentation,I was shocked how healthy it all is doing.He too has a huge squash and a huge pumpkin growing out of a 10 gallon water tank with hydro nutrients.
Here's tristans pic showing three beds
http://ibcofaquaponics.com/systems/tristrin/
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/bed_zpsfce7e959.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/bed_zpsfce7e959.jpg.html)
Oh,and the issue with the IBC not being UV protected has been solved,they will get Black Krylon Fusion paint jobs.
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Things are really moving along.Today was getting tanks up.No way to get thru gates.At the narrowest they are 39.5 inches.Between my fence and Rich's roof is 39.51 inches I swear. He came home this afternoon with 2 buds in tow,and I asked for help.They moved those tanks for us,and passed them over fence to me and Mrs.
They will have tomatoes next year for sure!What NICE young men!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh42_zps336896cb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh42_zps336896cb.jpg.html)
We will do our tanks like this
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/-ibc-a_zpsc897f88c.jpeg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/-ibc-a_zpsc897f88c.jpeg.html)
only with 2 beds on top of each tank instead of one.So 2 tanks,each with 2 grow beds on top.Then they will be in a L shape,along 2 sides.
Got em in hoophouse!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh43_zps6c586c91.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh43_zps6c586c91.jpg.html)
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I will be using homebuilt air lift pumps.You pump air into it,the air bubble raises and pumps the water.Benefits are less power,non clogging,no electric touching water.One air pump will power the two water pump contraptions.Im going with the aqua-zen design.
Can also be run with solar 12 volt air pump.
The aqua-zen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlZKrskaBFs&index=12&list=PLVPmWRXPcivGZaakdJe30hAFVHaGzOaQN
The principle behind the air lift pumps.
http://youtu.be/ViqEaUC16mk
Is this making sense to you?
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Cut 4 grow beds
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh44_zpsf83b762e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh44_zpsf83b762e.jpg.html)
Cut the fish tanks
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh46_zps5f061f5c.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh46_zps5f061f5c.jpg.html)
Painted hoops,5 of 7 up,side walls 2x4's finished
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh47_zps1c0f28f0.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh47_zps1c0f28f0.jpg.html)
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Man Alive, spuds, you have been knocking things out like crazy! This is SUCH great information, I can't wait to show James some more of the things you've been doing. He loves the idea of the fish/garden symbiosis.
Looks like the hoops took on their curve pretty well!!
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(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/-ibc-a_zpsc897f88c.jpeg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/-ibc-a_zpsc897f88c.jpeg.html)
I see that they are using a deep fryer heating element to warm the water. I have that same deep fryer so I recognize it.
The device on the ground controlling it sure looks like a Dorkfood DSV or something similar to me although the picture is not all that clear.
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That DOES look like a dorkfood.
Added 20 dollars for paint,finished up hoops,no more til next week....works calls.....
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You could start with some small Koi. Once they get some size you can sell them for a good return. Depending on the quality fish you get they can get pretty pricey. My stepdaughter just got 50 a piece for some that outgrew her pond. She got them for 16 each when small. They were about a foot when she sold them.
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That's a good idea on the Koi!
Looking like a greenhouse now for sure!
LOL,Girl photobombed me! 8)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh48_zps85b22e82.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh48_zps85b22e82.jpg.html)
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Greenhouse is looking good. Not sure about the hydro business-I am stuck in tradition I guess.
==========================
The hydro benefits are 90% less water use,and faster growing,and 10 times or whatever the produce in an single amt of space...very important factors where I live.If I had a long growing season,lots of room and cheap water,wouldnt have to bother.
Also no weeding,no fertilizing,veggies at stand up height....
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Will you grow all year? I love your setup.
=====================================
I have a huge learning curve to face.I HOPE we can grow things like kale in winter,and take cuttings of tomatoes and such and keep them alive over winter and get a big jump on growth when weather starts to change.
What will happen in reality I just dont know until we try.Im still learning mtn gardening after many years.
I will keep the thread up all along the way so we all can learn from it,and maybe folks in a similar situation it will help even more?
You will see as we go along this wont be a heated greenhouse,it isnt that style,but I can afford to heat a grow-bed or 2 to keep them above freezing so can do winter hardy and keep some other things alive hopefully over winter.I will make little hoophouses over grow-bed(s) and use Christmas tree lights for little heat to prevent freezing on them is the plan?
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I put in 16 inch tall,4 inch drainpipe for tree watering.I will move the blue duck pond to top of hill,plumb in a hose bib,and water trees with duck fertilized water.Trees get potent water,we save water with the below surface watering,and ducks get daily or so fresh water.A win win win in the drought conditions going on now.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh48_zpsb3c21f6e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh48_zpsb3c21f6e.jpg.html)
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That's a great idea, spuds!
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I really like the thought you are putting into this project and the way virtually nothing is wasted - I am learning a ton!
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54 dollars for paint today.Took 10 cans of the Krylon Fusion in black to get 2 coats on tanks and grow beds.Now they are UV protected.
Not a great picture,they are a beautiful dark rich black
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo001/hh49_zpsd8ed3e4e.jpg)
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Got the tanks made up.The bed is just an idea as its sitting there,will be 2 per tank.I will next be working on how they will be configured into the hoophouse.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh50_zps2af469d7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh50_zps2af469d7.jpg.html)
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Finally back at it.
Eight 2x4's,8 foot,50 dollars.
Tanks sit on pallets.New thing learned,pallets are really poorly made and leveling with a level doesnt work.Had to put in water in tanks and level that way.
Cool,tanks/beds coming along. Time to get my air pumps,PVC for water pumps and bell siphons that will drain the beds,and get my growing medium,going with expanded clay balls if available.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh54_zps3f2f76b7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh54_zps3f2f76b7.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh55_zpsd28f5eaf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh55_zpsd28f5eaf.jpg.html)
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Really starting to shape up. Looking good!
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Did good on Craigslist today,talked to a fellow at 3pm and by 6pm was home with an air pump that draws 120 watts,its the largest of this style,got for 40 dollars.
Then got 5 trashcans full of hydroton expanded clay balls for the grow bed medium.Also half price,and nice thing is they are already washed having been used for one grow of 'tomatoes' LOL,Im guessing. ::) 8)
Also got 30 4" net pots,no picture of those,they were 30 dollars.
So 270 total,say half price on all,not too shabby at all!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh56_zpsf9f8c632.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh56_zpsf9f8c632.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh57_zpsd5b2c75a.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh57_zpsd5b2c75a.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh58_zps5775f160.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh58_zps5775f160.jpg.html)
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Actually the pump is a commercial eco-7,draws 80 watts which is even better for me cost running wise.It will be on a timer when all said and done.I read the voltage,not watts when I tested it with my Kill-a-watt meter at his place,LOL.
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Plumbing and electric,add 180 dollars and more to come.Waiting on amazon,building a pump now.
This is how it will sit in tank.The big doodad on bottom is a check valve,I needed a floppy seat valve and mistakenly got a spring valve,its too tight to open well so I tore it open and cut spring to reduce pressure,it doesnt want to let water in.Ordered proper valve from amazon,see if this works or will replace it also.
The horizontal piece has a tee fitting,thats where the air gets pumped to run it all.
Air then travels up the 1 inch riser pipe,carrying water with it.It then sprays water out of the sides of the four way fitting on top,each side will feed one grow bed on top of tank,so one pump per 1 tank/2 growbeds.
Going to be waiting on amazon,so try to tweak pump function and maybe get a siphon mounted in each tank to drain them.As a prototype it did pump,just needs tweaking to really get it flowing.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh61_zpsb45c9319.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh61_zpsb45c9319.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh59_zps230b2e3d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh59_zps230b2e3d.jpg.html)
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Got my first bell siphon to function,should have plumbing and completed bed pictures next couple days.
Add 200 dollars in plumbing,that should do it for plumbing,aerating and filling and pumping beds. Just a few pieces of pipe left to buy.
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Bad....then good thank goodness.
Started with the Bell Siphon.A piece of pipe comes up thru bottom of bed via a bulkhead fitting.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh61_zpsdb1452ae.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh61_zpsdb1452ae.jpg.html)
Then you put the bell over pipe,in this case a water bottle,and it creates a vacuum and starts a siphon action,draining the grow bed.
Starting suction
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh62_zpsa467568d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh62_zpsa467568d.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh64_zps1009a12a.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh64_zps1009a12a.jpg.html)
Full suction going on...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh63_zpsbee6b27d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh63_zpsbee6b27d.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh65_zps6a949b4f.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh65_zps6a949b4f.jpg.html)
When it sucks air from the vents along the bottom of bell,suction breaks and it stops siphoning.This is a prototype so I can see how it works,bottle will be replaced with a piece of pipe.
So far ,so good,siphon works.
Now the pump,this did NOT do so well!
Pump into tank,it isnt functioning,not enough water...I see a problem....
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh66_zps4c841bf3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh66_zps4c841bf3.jpg.html)
More water,LOUD gurgle,big air slosh,this is just plain unusable at this point,time for a water pump instead?????
This is how the water pumps,in pulses...LOUD splashing too,just wont do at all,sound really travels here on mtn....
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh67_zps6f31cd1e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh67_zps6f31cd1e.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh68_zps37f6bcd6.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh68_zps37f6bcd6.jpg.html)
OK,much better with a full tank and a downspout,no more splashing sound,but still LOUD!!Not good,a lot of money in these pumps!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh69_zpsc6c598ee.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh69_zpsc6c598ee.jpg.html)
Last chance,saw a vague picture of a muffler,its an extension on the top with 2 45's and a reducer with a small end pipe with slots in it.Then that is covered with another pipe set over small pipe.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh71_zpsdc8e030a.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh71_zpsdc8e030a.jpg.html)
These are little cuts with hacksaw in small pipe at bottom,just three cuts about 1/3rd thru is ideal.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh72_zps86e7a196.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh72_zps86e7a196.jpg.html)
And......SUCCESS!!!! Cut noise 90%,now just a very quiet gurgle you can hardly hear.In fact,when I covered small pipe with a sleeve it got much louder,go figure.
So it WORKS! Still got that droning air pump,but its going into barn and that is end of listening to that!!
HOORAY!!!!!
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Still very much enjoying seeing this all come together ;D
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Thanks Drew,glad you are enjoying it,me too.Work schedule slowed me down,now waiting yet again on parts from Amazon,a lot of the pipe plumbing just plain isnt available locally at all.Im stuck again until more bulkhead fittings get here probably 3-5 days from now,each bed needs 2 each (8 total) to optimize water levels between the 2 beds on each tank.
I get one thing done and then have to figure out how to make the next step work,things that I just plain cant know until a step is finished what is coming next.There really isnt any blueprint to operate off of,like why tanks didnt drain fully,the 2 sides of beds still hold an inch or so of water,I dont know if others just let that water sit or what they do about it,but for me,it will be with extra drains holes connected between beds.Dont know how to explain,you will see when I get pictures,but its really really close to being done now.
My neighbor with the hydro system has been a big help to let me see things in action and how he did his,its ALL thinking outside the box utilizing general principles.
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The drainpipe tree watering system has really worked well.My soil is like talcum powder,it compacts to very hard during the dry months,though in winter it can hold and drain a lot of water once its all wet.
Its now fast to water and very water use efficient,the ground around trees is like cement,but put that water in the pipe and its just swooshes right in in a matter of several minutes to water the roots without any run off,very very very cool.
No runoff on the hill either or evaporation losses,or trying to keep the area around tree flat to keep water from running off (chickens constantly scratching and messing up leveling,not to mention natural ground movement).Now it just doesnt matter,water is totally contained.
The young trees are just thriving with that system and growing so strong and upright.
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This plumbing is making me crazy,nothing is working like it should.Still trying,switch to plan B is turning into switch to plan F,try again tomorrow.Bell siphons arent draining with 1 pump running 2 beds,going to go to smaller siphons.VERY frustrating,this last part is just a freakin bear!
I may have to switch to high flow submersible pumps,and I dont want electric mixing with the water.
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Hang in there, Spuds - you will get it figured out.
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Good luck Spuds!
I am rooting for you!
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Good luck Spuds!
I am rooting for you!
Me, too.
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Right now its taking 30-60 minutes to run one cycle of water thru the grow beds,so I only get so many chances a day to test the bell siphons,but at dark thirty today I think Ive got it figured out,the tolerances in the pipes that make up the bell siphons have be about 1/8 inch maximum,I THINK that might be secret to them.Tomorrow I will buy some more fittings and see If I have it figured out.
VERY frustrating!
Even more frustrating is if I just had pumps pumping higher volumes my bell siphons would be screaming along like the internet videos all show.Instead mine have to function perfectly,or they wont function at all,low flow leaves ZERO wiggle room in their function and design.
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OK,here it is....now bear in mind these are prototypes to proof system on the bells,final instead of plastic bottles the bell will be 2 or 1.5 inch pipe.
It is made of 2 parts,the standpipe on right of 1 inch pipe that goes thru the bed thru the black bulkhead fitting.The clear plastic bottle is the bell part.Ignore the skinny black tubing,another story on breaking siphon but I think I can get away without it.Note water level about 1/2 way up,it needs to get to top then creates a siphon to drain bed.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh73_zps220d231e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh73_zps220d231e.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh72_zps58ddc27e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh72_zps58ddc27e.jpg.html)
Here is a siphon thats siphoning,sucking water into standpipe and out thru pipe into water tank.When it reaches bottom of bell,it sucks in air and breaks the siphon suction,pump refills bed.The problem was starting suction.It takes 14 lbs of air pressure between top of bell and top of standpipe,with my low volumes I couldnt get a siphon started,it just drained in as fast as pump brought in water.Found 2 tricks,get top of bell to within 1/8 inch or so of top of standpipe,making creating that air pressure easier,and putting a slight angle on top of standpipe,why that starts it better,and stops it reliably I dont know,it just does in this setup.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh75_zps8d7bba9b.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh75_zps8d7bba9b.jpg.html)
The next problem was the pump.The plan was pump would fill one bed...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh71_zps42f7116e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh71_zps42f7116e.jpg.html)
I was going to connect the beds by a pipe side to side on bed,thru black bulkhead fittings,then tee'd over to other bed,as water seeks its own level,using just one pump and one siphon to fill and drain 2 beds but 2 problems....1 it didnt work well,and 2 its exposed to freezing weather and freezing and plastic pipes just wont work...Top and bottom pic of pipes.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh76_zps9f303351.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh76_zps9f303351.jpg.html)
Ignore white pipe,its just sitting there.The bulkhead fittings will be plugged and pipes removed,just didnt work
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh77_zpsde5b356d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh77_zpsde5b356d.jpg.html)
This is how pump works now,feeding both beds,and a bell siphon per each bed.Dont know if air pump has enough air to run 2 water pumps,1 per tank,we will see.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh78_zps5e20930e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh78_zps5e20930e.jpg.html)
Note downspout has a little water container at outlet,without it you hear the rushing sloshing water as its pumped and also air escaping,it is truly loud and a big muffling effect doing that,so downspouts will have a water seal to drain into.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh79_zps1272e6c2.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh79_zps1272e6c2.jpg.html)
Another 62 dollars
Nice to be moving forward again!
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You have really piqued my curiosity on this stuff, so I've been doing some reading, watching videos, etc. Now you've got me wanting to try my hand at this.
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You have really piqued my curiosity on this stuff, so I've been doing some reading, watching videos, etc. Now you've got me wanting to try my hand at this.
Just found this guy,His name is Affnan. He has really good youtube videos over a 5 year period,and a blog,and is easy to listen to and read,laid back style.Has the system down with a really nice style.
Has become my go to source for getting the siphons to function.
http://www.affnanaquaponics.com/
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Good luck Spuds! I'm sure your diligence will bring it all together! Watching your progress proudly buddy!
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Thanks.
Gotta love it,huh?
=========================
Hello,
The following item(s) from your recent order are either currently out of stock or on special order:
ORDER DATE PART DESCRIPTION ORDER
QTY B/O QTY
8/25/2014
PF-429-211
1 1/2" x 1" Reducing Coupling Slip x Slip Sch 40 Fitting White- 5
You will receive an item fulfillment email with a tracking number as soon as your item(s) ship. We value your business.
Thank You,
Lynn De La Ossa
Irrigation Direct, Inc.
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Hygroton and a little perlite (bought used,is what it is) for media in beds x 2 ,woohoo!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh80_zps6e5b2dae.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh80_zps6e5b2dae.jpg.html)
Coffee can around the bell to keep hygroton off bell and getting into bell siphon.Best answer has been 2 liter pop bottle with top cut off and bottom up over standpipe.I will tweak them a little more for reliability using 1.5 inch reducer to the top of the standpipe thats 1 inch creating a little funnel on top,supposed to really enhance suction and breaking suction,those parts are on order.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh81_zps476cfff9.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh81_zps476cfff9.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh83_zps6f10fd44.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh83_zps6f10fd44.jpg.html)
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Great progress today,2 beds set up.They still have hydro nutrients on media,tossed in a handful of chicken poo,made a tea and added it.Will start the bacteria growth with that,will take over 2 months for the beds to make the ammonia into nitrates for plant food.
Put in some tomatoes,a flower,and some strawberries,they wont do that well but when they really perk up I'll know the nutrients are there.Some toms arent going to live,tiny roots.
The grey pipes are just plugs for the bulkhead fittings that didnt get used.
Beds are full cycle of 7 minutes fill,3 minutes drain,6 cycles per hour,goal is four,so we are just screaming along. VERY cool!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh85_zps63915685.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh85_zps63915685.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh84_zps9b46ac5e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh84_zps9b46ac5e.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh86_zpsc339081c.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh86_zpsc339081c.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/excellent_zpsb1e6971a.jpeg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/excellent_zpsb1e6971a.jpeg.html)
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Fascinating stuff Spuds!! Thanks for keeping the updates coming! (And that little raccoon at the end just cracked me up!!)
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Great progress, spuds!
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wow - I am really enjoying this thread!
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Today I tossed in a handful of mulch loaded with worms into each bed,worms crawled right in,very cool.Plus the little bit of mulch introduces lots of beneficial bacteria.
Its interesting in that once worms and proper bacteria to convert the ammonia from fish waste to nitrites gets established,then another bacteria grows that converts the nitrite to nitrates that the plants use as food.
Then the system can actually run a couple months without any fish as the beds and worms alone create enough nutrients to feed the plants.This process takes from 6-10 weeks usually to get going. It turns the beds into what they call the bio-filter.Im starting the process without fish to establish the cycle as Ive read on the net.
Sprinkled beds with lettuce and radish seeds,see what happens with those.
Got the siphons totally dialed in,they are functioning great.I drilled a 5 mm weep hole at the bottom of the siphon stand pipes so when power is turned off the beds will drain thru those holes.Its has slowed filling from 7 to 10 minutes per cycle as a small amt of water is continually draining.
Its running beautifully.I need to go to the store and pick up a timer for the pump,and I need to get my air stones hyper oxygenating the tank,according to my friend with the hydro system that oxygenated water is what really makes his system perform.
So thats whats happening,all in all really happy at this point.
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Fascinating stuff Spuds!! Thanks for keeping the updates coming! (And that little raccoon at the end just cracked me up!!)
Yup,the little terrorists have already discovered it.Dogs had a raccoon fight last night,but they escaped.When plastic cover goes on I will have a 3 foot high fence of small chicken wire around greenhouse,and my solar powered electric fence charger that will power it,they do NOT like my solar fence,Im sure they have put out a contract on it,sneaky little so and so's!
BTW,those solar electric fences work pretty well,but needs a sunny spot in winter.I will be posting on that,its an awesome device and really well built,worth the money.FYI,it was originally designed for the military,then went to the civilian market,they can power up to 40 miles of fence on the larger units,great product!!
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Time for some updating.I got the grow-beds proofed out.Was a problem with the siphons sucking up the rocks and sending them to water tank.Finally re-did siphons again,this time the bell is 2 Inch pvc over 1 inch standpipes.That didnt work with just water,but water traveling thru the media does something and they work very reliably.So just cut some slits in side of bells,and rocks cant get sucked up.Makes a clean set up too.
So its all running,I can get the other side beds going now too.
Im very happy with the air powered water pump,quiet and reliable and I dont have any water/electricity mixing,I like that a LOT!
Ready to pick up a few goldfish feeder fish to get the tank nutrition running,got some things planted,not doing too well,saw some radishes coming up,but its getting chilly here,so for weather and such,again pleased where the system is at.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh87_zpsc44b37d3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh87_zpsc44b37d3.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh88_zps95bc4f8e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh88_zps95bc4f8e.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh89_zps9a8dd17e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh89_zps9a8dd17e.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh90_zps18ff1fe3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh90_zps18ff1fe3.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh91_zps1541cecf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh91_zps1541cecf.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh92_zpsdafa2ff3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh92_zpsdafa2ff3.jpg.html)
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Got the duck pond moved up top,1 ponds worth does 2/3rds of the trees watering.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh93_zps21f8ab89.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh93_zps21f8ab89.jpg.html)
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I like these updates.. This will be worth the effort when it all comes together.
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Got some fish,15 feeder goldfish and minnows
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh95_zps01dfe409.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh95_zps01dfe409.jpg.html)
Got some mosquito fish from the County Vector control,maybe 10-15?
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh94_zps23b75d42.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh94_zps23b75d42.jpg.html)
Got a male Betta,we shall see,others very water temp hardy,not sure on Betta
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh96_zps7afd8cdf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh96_zps7afd8cdf.jpg.html)
Got some water plants
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh97_zps0b95055a.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh97_zps0b95055a.jpg.html)
My very happy fish,nice to see all the life in the system now!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh98_zps91322eff.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh98_zps91322eff.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh99_zpsd7e368f4.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh99_zpsd7e368f4.jpg.html)
A 2 day celery stem,wow! Talk about happy!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh100_zps7b92f267.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh100_zps7b92f267.jpg.html)
Happy tomatoes,strawberries and baby radishes.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh101_zps5d3cbb3e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh101_zps5d3cbb3e.jpg.html)
Now that weve got the growing part going on in the next 2 weeks from now can get greenhouse covered....will see.
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Great progress Spuds!
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Thanks Mike (and all following),in starts and fits its getting there. :)
Hard to believe its about finished.
Putting in the fish makes it so alive.Very cool.This is a great tank for little fishes.
The minnows are friendly and curious,right at home.The goldfish,a little behind them.The mosquitoes are skitterish(is that a word?),and 'Red Alpha' Betta (RAB) is hiding,little concerned about him,but he looked so miserable at the store we are going to try to make it better for him.Hope we dont kill him.
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'Red Alpha' Betta (RAB) is hiding,little concerned about him,but he looked so miserable at the store we are going to try to make it better for him.Hope we dont kill him.
Do you think the water temperature may be too low for a Betta?
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'Red Alpha' Betta (RAB) is hiding,little concerned about him,but he looked so miserable at the store we are going to try to make it better for him.Hope we dont kill him.
Do you think the water temperature may be too low for a Betta?
My daughter has had the same problem at home - temp is important for these fish
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Glad to see that it's all coming together for you spuds, it's been interesting reading and following your progress on this project. ;)
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Yes,concerned on water temp for RAB,conflicting info on what he can handle,rest look to be good from 33F to 104F.
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The Beta is going to need the water temps between 75 and 85 to thrive. If I have been paying attention properly you are using air to move the water. ? If so, your water is going to stay on the cool side for him. Winter will be tough.
Otherwise your system looks great!
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Im afraid you are right,I dont see him today,may already be a lost cause darn it.
UPDATE-Alive and well,just a shy little fella. :)
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Lost 4 goldfish and a mosquito over the weekend.Put the air bubbler in,maybe that was it(Low oxygen)? Or there was brown algae on water pump hose,thats gone,maybe they ate it and a problem? The water is certainly clearer.
RAB is real happy getting in the bubble stream,his fins all out.
Also on a timer now,30 minutes on,30 off during day,4 thirty minute cycles thru the night,to save a little electricity.If my calculations are right,figuring electric at 20 cents a Kw/Hr delivered,will cost 2.80 US a month to run,dang good,and water usage is next to nothing,very efficient.Of course not much growing or heat either at present.
Air pump setup
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh102_zps95671440.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh102_zps95671440.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh105_zps179c90e9.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh105_zps179c90e9.jpg.html)
Siphons working great!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh104_zpsb3789b0c.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh104_zpsb3789b0c.jpg.html)
Finally a fish picture,my camera just cant deal with water and reflections
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh106_zps0b1e2a6d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh106_zps0b1e2a6d.jpg.html)
Added a couple more celery
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh103_zpsc8b40808.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh103_zpsc8b40808.jpg.html)
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Add 95 dollars for redwood strips for tacking on cover.
Nothing much happened,life got in the way more less,but things are growing GREAT!
Got a strawberry,about 75% of them transplanted well.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh113_zps5b3b2872.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh113_zps5b3b2872.jpg.html)
Have 6 celery roots now,3 big,3 starting
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh114_zps1eb0b3f2.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh114_zps1eb0b3f2.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh117_zps62b04d20.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh117_zps62b04d20.jpg.html)
Got some plants from grocery store veggie section,watercress,Basil and dill
WC and dill,wc on left about 2 weeks planted,dill and wc on right planted today,they need to perk up a bit yet
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh119_zps3c6ebeda.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh119_zps3c6ebeda.jpg.html)
Basil,2 on left planted today,on right in 2 weeks.Check out that growth!!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh116_zps66db227d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh116_zps66db227d.jpg.html)
The tomatoes are amazing,that stalk has sprouted 2 stems on bottom,and has a couple flowers up top,tomatoes are astounding!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh115_zpsed7f51b5.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh115_zpsed7f51b5.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh120_zps1e037254.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh120_zps1e037254.jpg.html)
Finally have about 10 spider plant babies,so far so good ,in about 4-5 days
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh118_zpsb629ec88.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh118_zpsb629ec88.jpg.html)
Running 30 mins on,30 minutes off from 7am to 7pm,then 30 minutes every four hours at night.
I am sooooo pleased with how its doing,just amazing and grows every day.Very successful so far.
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Good looking growth spuds, nice pictures. ;)
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Wow, no kidding, those are growing amazingly! Your celery plants look a lot less pathetic than the one I've got in my windowsill! :)
What a great pay off for all that hard work you've put into it!!
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Wow, no kidding, those are growing amazingly! Your celery plants look a lot less pathetic than the one I've got in my windowsill! :)
What a great pay off for all that hard work you've put into it!!
Surfing last night ran into a woman who takes her celery and leaves a few of the inner stalks on the root for planting and is getting full size celery in a couple months,then harvests stalks here and there off of them as needed. Next ones I plant I will try that method. Bud says his did great on hydroponics,but I didnt see them,durn it.
Cant wait til next spring,Im going to try sweet and regular potatoes,I so want to successfully grow potatoes.
Added a couple lettuce,trimmed green leaf roots
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh122_zps8499d19a.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh122_zps8499d19a.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh124_zpsd2a99dd4.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh124_zpsd2a99dd4.jpg.html)
Gotta treat the Ladies...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh121_zpsd58e9f01.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh121_zpsd58e9f01.jpg.html)
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Still a ton of room in these 2 beds
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh125_zps64142e51.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh125_zps64142e51.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh126_zps5987245b.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh126_zps5987245b.jpg.html)
Fish are doing well and getting friendly,lost about 6,RAB is still doing OK,tank temp +/- 65F
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh127_zps15a5b304.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh127_zps15a5b304.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh128_zpsac7b376b.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh128_zpsac7b376b.jpg.html)
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Great pictures spuds, fish look happy. :)
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Great pictures spuds, fish look happy. :)
Thanks Ralph! :D back at ya!
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Just amazing Carl, I'm so impressed with what your doing ;D
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Just amazing Carl, I'm so impressed with what your doing ;D
Thanks Drew,hope all is well up your way,best to the Mrs!
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Went down the hill to the park and got the plastic cut,no room in yard to do that.HOPE its cut right.Of course,the wind has to blow. :o
Picked up a Napa cabbage,a celery I'll plant with the center stalks intact and a pineapple to add their roots to garden,RAB died today. :'(
Its supposed to freeze further up the Hill tonight,fall is certainly here now.
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Got the purlins up,this is where the most of the plastic cover will attach to. Too bad wind is happening,cover is ready to go on almost.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh130_zps6d1a62ef.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh130_zps6d1a62ef.jpg.html)
Cut down a Dogwood tree that was overhanging the Hoophouse,came down a lot easier than I thought it would.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh26_zps15bd2918.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh26_zps15bd2918.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh129_zps6ca3d85f.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh129_zps6ca3d85f.jpg.html)
Raccoons getting into beds,they are in for a big surprise when the electric fence goes up!
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Weather cooperated today,the structure is finished.All thats left is to get a few spots spray painted on the hoops and cover can go on.
Today got in the window.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh131_zps8090ab43.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh131_zps8090ab43.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh132_zpsb7a6e12d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh132_zpsb7a6e12d.jpg.html)
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This is an impressive project Spuds. Really glad you shared this with us -
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Holy cow, that is coming together great!!! Hopefully the wind will be mellow for you so you can get the final cover onto it!
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Here it is,all thats left is to trim it in.Shame,raccoons destroyed the beds,had em loaded with fine looking plants.So this is about it for a while...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh135_zps9edccff5.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh135_zps9edccff5.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/137_zps5acd0a5f.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/137_zps5acd0a5f.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh134_zps67102037.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh134_zps67102037.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh133_zps05b2057d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh133_zps05b2057d.jpg.html)
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Looking good spuds, glad to see you back. ;)
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It looks really good. Do you think the racoons will stay out?
I've really enjoyed following this project!
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Darn those raccoons!!! >:(
Looks great though, I'm sure you'll be enjoying the new plants as soon as they get going!
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Looks great, spuds - you have accomplished a fine project that will keep you happy for years (despite the pests like the coons)
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This has been an amazing post to follow, thanks Carl ;D
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I agree with CDN, This has been a very good post to follow. I'm really interested in the potatoes, I would not have expected them to grow in water without root rot.
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I agree with CDN, This has been a very good post to follow. I'm really interested in the potatoes, I would not have expected them to grow in water without root rot.
The plant grows a vine you send over the side and cover it with soil/mulch and the potatoes grow in there they say...
Weather finally cooperating again,has been moist or windy.
I got the space under the window filled in with scraps.Didnt have a piece big enough to fill it in,but 2 would fit.Needed a piece of 2x4,didnt have it.Took a break,came back and lo and behold,there is a piece alongside fence 5 feet long,needed 4.Yea!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh138_zps8a9329d5.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh138_zps8a9329d5.jpg.html)
Filled in next to door with cover,and got that window trimmed with redwood 1x2's.Every where you see wood thru plastic will have redwood trim over it on outside,think I need about 11 eight foot 1x4's to finish it,today its completely enclosed,major cool!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh139_zps14f41e2a.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh139_zps14f41e2a.jpg.html)
Havent lost a fish in 2 weeks,so water must be doing well.
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Door end all trimmed up.Add 160 dollars for the redwood trim.Wont be able to work on it again until next week,at that its a very busy week so hopefully will be able to.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh141_zps28b0ce22.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh141_zps28b0ce22.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh142_zps8a1e9764.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh142_zps8a1e9764.jpg.html)
On this end I need to find some trim exactly 2 inches wide,or figure out how to cut the ones I have to go around window.Hopefully Lowes will have it,wish I had access to a table saw.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh143_zps6d99e067.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh143_zps6d99e067.jpg.html)
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Its done.
Back end trimmed in...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh142_zpse2d5fc8c.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh142_zpse2d5fc8c.jpg.html)
Couple inside shots...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh143_zps7d0d8a14.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh143_zps7d0d8a14.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh144_zps4531a10e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh144_zps4531a10e.jpg.html)
Couple shots of the beds,have celery hearts growing,brought in the outside tomatoes.Plan on trying to clone some maters,looks like a couple might be indeterminate's and will try to overwinter them.Watercress doing well,the basil did great until the great coon caper.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh145_zpsdb655ca5.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh145_zpsdb655ca5.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hh146_zps4438f112.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hh146_zps4438f112.jpg.html)
The water is crystal clear.All the fish are doing great,so the bacterial conversions must be where they need to be.
Im really really really really really pleased with the air/water pump.Few moving parts,non clogging,no electric in the water or anywhere near it,and very economical way to pump water.The siphons are great,and no moving parts.Those were worth the effort getting them dialed in.
It was pretty nice being inside it as it rained,very cool.
I will cover and heat one or two beds with Christmas tree lights when freezing weather hits.
Thats it,project completed.
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I'm sad that is post is completed Carl I have really enjoyed following along as you made this work.
Please post your harvests ;D
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That is an inspirational project Carl! SO the big question...whats next? ;D
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Great work spuds, it's been fun reading this adventure of yours. ;)
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Congratulations Carl on a successful finish to an excellent project. As others I've enjoyed watching and learning. I truly wish we lived closer I would have enjoyed helping you and learning as well!
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And thanks to you all for the support,ideas and comments and sharing the journey.Its been a kick for sure.
Thank YOU!
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Very cool project to watch being completed!
Are you going to need something to keep the water warmer during the winter too or will the Christmas lights do the job?
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I think you will have to keep us updated on the results from time to time... I want to see those potatoes when they are ready. And all the other cool things it produces.
I had another coon in the chickens last week. I'll post it in another thread so not to steal this one...
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Dang coons.
Mike,Im going to heat the beds,not the tank.Im pretty sure they wont freeze over,but even if they do partially the goldfish supposedly can handle it.Still lots of learning yet on how its going to behave.Will be interesting to watch for sure.
Havent added it all together yet,but I have the numbers,offhand around 2500 total?Could be done for less for sure,The treated wood,plastic wood and redwood costs could be greatly reduced,only thing I couldnt do cheaper is the cover,and yet,they do sometimes have sales on remnants.It can be built without the base altogether,just put the pipes straight into ground if you have a level spot.Base was a few hundred.
Oh,and bear in mind I bought enough cover to do it 3 times.
Probably around 800-900 on the aquaponics parts.
I will be adding it up in the future when I sit down with some paper and calculator,I think 2500 is a good estimate.
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What a great project - I wish I had one. Well done, spuds!
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So we made it through the winter without heating.At one point went 3 weeks with water frozen with 3 inches ice,and air pump non functioning as bubbler froze.The beds were frozen solid.
2 radish,a kale,a cilantro,a watercress,a chive,7 celery,all survived the winter.The worms survived.The fish, 75% made it.
So a LOT was learned.
1 problem I have is not enough nutrient from my small fish,about 15 of them.So I have bought 3,3 inch Koi for 28 dollars and just added them.
Went to hydro store for advice.Guy says almost all hydro chems will kill the fish.What are you doing? Said salads,lettuce,tomatoes...He says gotcha covered,seaweed extract!Bought a gallon for 29 dollars.It pours out like,and looks like,molasses.Put 1 tsp per gallon,or 24 ounces for my tank.It turned water black,but fish ok,but They arent coming up to feed yet,a few days.May put a light on to attract them,and will next time only use extract at 50%.
Also the extract makes an excellent foliar feeder,and my plants that needed it,like radish,have greened right up,and it kicked the old kale into overdrive,also the brussels sprout plant.Woke them right up.
I planted,in one bed,now about 35 plants.2 six packs of different Kales,2 sixers of assorted red and green lettuce,4 heirloom varieties of tomatoes.Have the 7 celery in their too.
The pic doesnt do it justice,there is no scale to show the plants sizes.
So thats the start,Im getting a 60 day jump hopefully on the season up here,barring a devastating frost,a light frost probable,hoping not a serious one.
The seaweed...Along with elephant garlic in hoophouse,none have come up outside yet,and chickens got those last year,so may get our first success with these.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hhw4_zpsgjiysmht.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hhw4_zpsgjiysmht.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hhw1_zps0wbyb4vf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hhw1_zps0wbyb4vf.jpg.html)
The first almost filled bed
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hhw2_zpsu8tb0ipk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hhw2_zpsu8tb0ipk.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hhw3_zps5wo4qfdl.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hhw3_zps5wo4qfdl.jpg.html)
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Carl, missed Ya while you were in hibernation. Glad to have you back and looking forward to your posts thru out the year ;D
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Thanks Drew.I will get in and do a weekly update on how it does this year,Plants are going crazy already.Disease control or growth will also be an interesting thing to learn this season.I got some bell peppers planted.
Fish are doing fine in the seaweed water,started feeding.
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Interesting,reading seaweed foliar feeding helps prevent diseases....
For more detail click on pic,when it goes to photobucket wiggle mouse until a magnifying glass icon shows and click that.
Update week one
Bed 1
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hhw1_zpsjlzygjzy.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hhw1_zpsjlzygjzy.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hhw2_zpsmxkyiq5f.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hhw2_zpsmxkyiq5f.jpg.html)
Bed 2
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hhw3_zpsalpvzp1d.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hhw3_zpsalpvzp1d.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hhw4_zps3hewldxg.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hhw4_zps3hewldxg.jpg.html)
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Took one of my first successful EVER elephant garlics from the container and put it into a bed to see how bulb type plants grow in the system.Moved my orange bell peppers to the area next to walls as harder to get to and leave the center aisle areas for fast growing plants,so cool you can move plants around and it doesnt faze em a bit.The Bells have tiny fruits starting,as do tomatoes.The lettuces are growing like crazy,the week 2 pics will be astounding.
Found a dill in the bargain bin for a dollar at grocery store,see if it will recover.Going to pick up a few herbs we use a lot today like more basil and cilantro,and a cherry tomato and work on getting the other 2 beds going.Hee hee,gotta get my salsa area done,LOL!
Was running my net thru water tank to clean up surface and pulled up baby Mosquito fish,how cool is that?
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OK,some temps.1 widow open,door closed.Curious to see how air,water and plant temps play on lettuce growth and bolting.I can lower indoor temps,this is just cool to see,it NEVER gets that hot here.They are loving the warmth.
Outside 59.4
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/thh1_zpsrhshxnps.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/thh1_zpsrhshxnps.jpg.html)
Inside temp between 85 to 100,95 this pic
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/thh2_zpsfd8ncu1c.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/thh2_zpsfd8ncu1c.jpg.html)
Fish tank
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/thh3_zpsi0p58v00.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/thh3_zpsi0p58v00.jpg.html)
Bed media (soil) temp
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/thh4_zpsc9iv76wr.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/thh4_zpsc9iv76wr.jpg.html)
Lettuce leaf temp
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/thh5_zpskaoqlrgq.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/thh5_zpskaoqlrgq.jpg.html)
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Holy cow, that's like a paradise in there! Must feel great to hang out in there while you're working on things. Plants look great!
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Yeah,its really awesome inside Kat!
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Crummy pics but it is what it is.Added a couple more tomatoes in back of bed 1. Bed 2 got 24 basil,big difference on phone between OK,get 4,and come home with 4 6 packs.Also 4 tomatoes in this bed,all heirlooms,2 of the cherry varieties in yellow/orange,no red cherry out yet.Also added some rosemary.
Just a ton of plants in there.
Beds 3 and 4 will be up and working this week,pump ready to go,just cleaning the media for bed 4,bed three will be a float/raft system with the lettuce mostly,see what else will grow in that set-up.
Remember,you can click on pic,then wiggle mouse until magnifying glass icon shows,click it for better detail.
Bed 1
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/2whh_zps3ueyz6su.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/2whh_zps3ueyz6su.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/2whh1_zpsywrlljud.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/2whh1_zpsywrlljud.jpg.html)
Bed 2
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/2whh2_zps2jqriffo.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/2whh2_zps2jqriffo.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/2whh3_zpswnvuvato.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/2whh3_zpswnvuvato.jpg.html)
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You're going to be giving away produce soon ;D
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Really cool!
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Really cool!
Thanks Mike.Drew,I promised the fellas that got the tanks up for me tomatoes,hope this season we deliver.
Got bed 4 filled with medium,took 5 hours to clean the stuff we had,wow!....tomorrow will start up pump and the siphon,got the tank filled with half the water from 1 and 2's tank and rest with fresh water,and transferred 2 mosquito fish and 2 goldfish today.Going to pick up 40 goldfish to divide among tanks,and 3 and 4 should get plants next week.
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Bed 3 is a water bed.It will have floating rafts with pots in it,roots will be constantly wet,mostly lettuce?
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htv7_zpsqjjqmhdn.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htv7_zpsqjjqmhdn.jpg.html)
Bed4,another medium bed.All are running their pumps at this time.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv6_zpsashqoecz.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv6_zpsashqoecz.jpg.html)
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Week three update...
Bed 1
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv7_zpsmsxqcoic.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv7_zpsmsxqcoic.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv8_zpsiffa2cwi.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv8_zpsiffa2cwi.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv9_zpsmsui0fms.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv9_zpsmsui0fms.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv12_zpsorltfbul.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv12_zpsorltfbul.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv13_zpsri9tfufd.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv13_zpsri9tfufd.jpg.html)
Bed 2
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv10_zpsscj1m2qm.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv10_zpsscj1m2qm.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv11_zpsqra3jgfq.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv11_zpsqra3jgfq.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv14_zpst1fdkbdx.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv14_zpst1fdkbdx.jpg.html)
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I am enjoying seeing the progress & updates as you head into your first full growing season.
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Thanks,its going well ,will start lettuce cutting real soon.
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Moved celery from bed 1 to bed 4 to give lettuce some room.Celery are from stalks from store,planted the inner core with a few stalks,so thats a winner.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv17_zpsz5qbtp36.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv17_zpsz5qbtp36.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv16_zpsbh20ogpk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv16_zpsbh20ogpk.jpg.html)
Bok Choy plants from grocery store,should do well,the Napa Cabbage did well.Cute little guys.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv15_zps9qycfmqg.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv15_zps9qycfmqg.jpg.html)
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Spuds this sure looks great! You should be proud of all you have accomplished in this project! A tip of the hat sir!
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Thank you,its really coming together now.My BIL is bringing me some car parts Tuesday,he is getting the first salad.Ate a leaf today,its was sweet flavored,wow x wow!
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That is way cool. I am printing your pages and taking to a local school to suggest they build something like this to both teach the kids and create a living garden for their food service. I appreciate what you have done and think it will be a big motivator to the schools.
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That is way cool. I am printing your pages and taking to a local school to suggest they build something like this to both teach the kids and create a living garden for their food service. I appreciate what you have done and think it will be a big motivator to the schools.
AWESOME!! That would be REALLY NICE! It can be scaled to any size.
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Week 4
Got our first salad greens,got waaay more than the 3 of us could eat,amazing!Just trimmed outer leaves,plants still there.Im still a month ahead of others even being able to put out plants here,WOW!
Bed 1 a couple of shots
We were amazed at the flavor from the lettuces,none are bitter,and that one in the center with the narrow spikie leaves is downright sweet.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo009/htsv18_zps63ezpafd.jpg)
Kale dont grow as fast but boy are they healthy
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo010/htsv24_zpsoxvun0l2.jpg)
See? Way too much for 3,the celery isnt as large as photo portrays,they are about 1/3 size of those you buy.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo011/htsv26_zpsyjhbrccb.jpg)
UncleRicky,as Snooky refers to him,came up and after a year long ordeal with his teeth got to eat his first meal with us in a year.The first salad with a vinaigrette Mrs made and Feta cheese sprinkles ,and PBC BBQ ribs,for him.Yumm!NICE visit!
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo012/htsv27_zpszro1yedb.jpg)
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In bed 2
The bell peppers,tomatoes and strawberries are starting to show babies
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo013/htsv22_zpsw1yt1dcu.jpg)
The basil growing fast,they were at gravel level,now much above,even took a few leaves off a baby today.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo014/htsv25_zpsohun9arg.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo016/htsv19_zpsrqj5q5lt.jpg)
Nothing done with 3 yet,over to bed 4.
The celery are really something,theyve grown fist sized roots,I think 7 may be more than we need.Celery powder?They overwintered too,wonder if they will be perennials in here?Wouldnt THAT be something?!
The cilantro and dill each from bed 2 I divided into 12 plants each.That dill was from the grocery bargain bin and the roots are pretty nice,reckon all will grow,the cilantro,when divided had tiny roots,not sure they will all make it,but learned something,they plant a lot of seeds in a little pot for them,so 1 plant is actually a dozen or more.WOW!
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo015/htsv21_zps4odzqaqo.jpg)
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An example of our growing season to give an idea how far ahead we are.These plants were wiped out by the cold last night outside.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv28_zpsslzl8zrd.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv28_zpsslzl8zrd.jpg.html)
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Have 8 tomatoes starting to move.Bed 2,radishes on right for seeds hopefully,these may get moved around to get tomatoes on edge of bed
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv32_zps1pl1gkx6.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv32_zps1pl1gkx6.jpg.html)
A closeup
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv30_zpsx7ncevpa.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv30_zpsx7ncevpa.jpg.html)
Bed 1 toms
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv31_zpsolazkl7z.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv31_zpsolazkl7z.jpg.html)
Added Purlins,not really structural but for plants to attach to,hang potted plants from.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv33_zpsqksnyvou.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv33_zpsqksnyvou.jpg.html)
And planted a 6 pack of snow peas that each had 2 plants,so 1 dozen climbing 6 strings in bed 4
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv34_zpseerdl6hy.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv34_zpseerdl6hy.jpg.html)
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This gives new meaning to the saying "Home Grown". What a wonderful job you have done.
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Holy cow, what an output for the space you've got... way too cool! Great job on all the hard work you've put into that!
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Thanks folks.Have to get some green onions and radishes set up,maybe small pots on rafts in bed 3? I also need another air pump for air bubblers,the 2 water pumps have taken all the air my pump can supply.Bed 3 will have to be very oxygenated my hydro friend tells me,says that the trick for super growth in water beds.
Hope I can get more fish,transportation has been iffy with vehicle repairs slowing us down. >:(
Hope also next week will have those peas really taking off,tomatoes sure were slow to start up,but FINALLY moving up,maybe not enough heat yet? Peas up one side,toms up the other should really be a sight to behold. :)
Theres also a big and small rosemary,4 of a different basil,and a good sized English thyme.A couple of the peppers are multicolored hot ones.The 1 elephant garlic I stuck in,not doing so well so that wont be done again,maybe needs bulb above water level?The Brussels Sprout is growing but not greening,something it needs isnt in the water.
Edit-added 20 goldfish to tank 1,2 and 20 gf and 2 Koi to tank 3,4.
28 dollars.
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Bravo Bro!
everything looks scrumptious,all is Very impressive
is there a correct ratio of Fish to plant needs??
completely stupid about this...but very interested..I know that someday, my gardening abilities will need a easier way to produce our veggies
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Thats a good question.
This system can be as simple or complex as you like.You can do various testing with litmus papers and dissolved solids meters or just toss in fish and go.
If I have to run it as a scientific check and go system,not for me.
The method Im following is put in fish,if plants look weak add supplemental nutrition until they look healthy and keep adding fish.One guy has his tanks stuffed with fish,no testing,and does well.
When I have lots of fish I may check ammonia,thats a fish killer,but for now,just watch and good to go,extremely simple.If ammonia gets too much you can drain and refill tanks as needed and add heavy nitrogen feeders until ammonia back to reasonable.At that point yes,fish to plant ratio has to be determined.BUT,it would be like 36 tomatoes to 6 fish of X size,whatever,that gets too regimented unless just one crop on commercial basis,not for me.
Really too,its so individualized that you just do what seems intuitive to growing plants,nothing is set in stone.Watching my bud with the hydro changing constantly as he tweaks his system in every way until he reaches HIS nirvana level,trying to get maximum nutritional value with assorted feeding sources,not just 12-12-12 fertilizer for example.....its such a cool way to grow.
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so..now the question..
Why not Bigger..more TASTY fish? Ya know...complete the cycle
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Tasty fish? Like Talapia,trout or catfish? All doable and even done on small and commercial scale.I may work towards that goal,but for return on investment people pay waaaay too much money for KOI,so they are probably the best return on fish in my temp zone.So why Im adding koi
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Week 5 update
Lots happening....1st off,tank 3/4 isnt balanced,and fish are dying,no probs in tank 1/2. Seems just putting old water from 1/2 into 3/4 wasnt enough to get microbiology right.So yesterday took gravel from bed one and transplanted some into bed 4 to get the proper microbes functioning in that bed,however have lost 1/2 the goldfish I put in.
Rescued the KOI and put them in tank 1/2,hope it isnt too late.Rest of GF stayed in 3/4,if they make it,so be it,otherwise out 5 dollars so financially no loss,but need to get that bed converting the ammonia to nitrite to nitrate that the fish can deal with.
Been harvesting salads in bed 1,made 6 so far,trimming the lettuce.They are booming.The kale are growing up,the tomatoes finally getting going and more flowers.
The basil have doubled in size in bed 2,the thyme and rosemary looking good.
Bed 4 the celery are booming,the peas have moved up 6 inches this week and look really healthy
Bed 1 Lettuce
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv37_zpsjgkh89tt.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv37_zpsjgkh89tt.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv38_zpsnptw1tjs.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv38_zpsnptw1tjs.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv41_zpsrdaiuiww.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv41_zpsrdaiuiww.jpg.html)
Bed 2,Basil and thyme
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv45_zps0fkv7emd.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv45_zps0fkv7emd.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv43_zpsyfatr9vp.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv43_zpsyfatr9vp.jpg.html)
Bed 4,celery and pea's,have to have pea's,they are mandatory at our garden ;)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv47_zpsf1psmorb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv47_zpsf1psmorb.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv48_zpsbehnskdk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv48_zpsbehnskdk.jpg.html)
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Dang it Spuds, you've got me craving fresh sweet peas now! It's 65 and sunny today, those would be a perfect spring afternoon snack!
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Dang it Spuds, you've got me craving fresh sweet peas now! It's 65 and sunny today, those would be a perfect spring afternoon snack!
Oh boy, yes!
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Looking good, Keep us up to date. This is a great thread!
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Sorry about your fish Carl, hope they pull through. Every thing looks so good ;D
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The Koi moved to tank 1/2 has 5 koi now,and they school so I can see em.Bet the first three from earlier have grown about 50%,the goldfish have doubled in size from first batch.Forget which folks advised Koi here without re-reading but thanks for the awesome suggestion!They are the neatest fish.
Its such a learning experience.For example,Kale while growing well doesnt justify the space for the return.If broccoli will grow 2 plants would probably be better than 12 Kale,so when Kale is gone will slip in brocc,will be nice if we can continually trim them.Thats been a key thing,plants that can be trimmed and keep growing sure seem to be huge winners,ie,lettuce for one,or the herbs.Still dont get why tomatoes arent growing like crazy,must still be too cold at night?50F and less is common right now.
Hit 122F in hoop house today,and lettuce didnt wilt,they like the cool water flushes I reckon,nor have they tried to bolt,so far,we shall see?
Wont have enough time this year to experiment fully with all different plants we need to try,want to get to hydro store and get rafts for bed 3 and maybe rockwool for the media for radishes and green onions?Hopefully they will have a knowledge base on that and will set me straight,so far I really trust them to sell me what works,not what is best profit for them,thats pretty nice indeed.
A little OT,my asparagus beds are producing,have 40 shoots already and we will harvest them this year,cool!Oh,I forgot to post pics of 2 large pots of onions in the Hoophouse that are really loving being warm and have started showing shoots,very nice.Not all will be aquaponics in there.
Also the HH held up fine to the big winds that just went thru,Im protected by a valley with trees and its half what it is for places without the wind blocks.So didnt faze it. ;)
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Got another pump like the one I have,will tee it into air line next to current pump,Im pretty sure the main line can handle the double air volume.Got four air stone bubblers,2 for bed 3,and one each for each tank.They didnt have rafts,guess hardware store for something,I still will start some pots though.Got rockwool,it looks like the gravel only little soft balls,and coco coir,its shredded coconut husks,to use as media.
Found a lot of seeds we harvested last year and before,bought some radish and green onion seeds.
Add 110.00 dollars to costs.
Should have good update pics Thursday :)
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Putting together bed 3.I used the rockwool around inside pot edges,and filled the middle with coconut husk.
Grow cubes,23 dollars.Add water and man does it hold water,would be prime for just sprouting seeds
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv55_zps0qh2nuf4.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv55_zps0qh2nuf4.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv56_zps7eufh41p.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv56_zps7eufh41p.jpg.html)
Coco husk brick,this was 15 dollars.You chop off a piece and add water,but its thin,so have to plug holes on containers or it will fall out
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv57_zpstn6frm4s.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv57_zpstn6frm4s.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv58_zpscciemngr.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv58_zpscciemngr.jpg.html)
The pots,have green onion and radishes.No floats available so they are sitting on a stand,about in water 3 inches.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv52_zps4prgbqxo.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv52_zps4prgbqxo.jpg.html)
Temp should be growing those seeds great!Moist and warm.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv60_zpskhvy5wr0.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv60_zpskhvy5wr0.jpg.html)
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Temps at 2pm,outside temp 75
Inside,door open
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv59_zpsugjle0jg.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv59_zpsugjle0jg.jpg.html)
Water
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv63_zpstvzmtzrl.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv63_zpstvzmtzrl.jpg.html)
Surface and subsurface temps
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv61_zpsfl1wqv7g.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv61_zpsfl1wqv7g.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv62_zpsx5avshyv.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv62_zpsx5avshyv.jpg.html)
Leaf temps
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv64_zpsegf4kfyu.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv64_zpsegf4kfyu.jpg.html)
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Tank 1/2,lots of happy fish,Koi are hiding.I was told leaf and bed temps are good.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv70_zpslaeujgod.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv70_zpslaeujgod.jpg.html)
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I wouldn't expect the water to be so clear. Coming along nicely Carl ;D
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I wouldn't expect the water to be so clear. Coming along nicely Carl ;D
Thanks Drew,yes,the water is clear,thats going to be week 7's story,the water and microbiology
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Week 7
Beds 1,2,and 4 continue along.Not much excitement there,aquaponic strawberries are fantastic,growing fruits all over,the tomatoes still smallish but also flowers really coming on...Bed 3 is this weeks story
Bed 1,note the water droplets,wonder if thats pumped thru the plants or is condensate?
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv72_zpsba9g71pi.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv72_zpsba9g71pi.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv73_zpsczzukclr.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv73_zpsczzukclr.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv75_zpso9jcobyy.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv75_zpso9jcobyy.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv74_zps1cnzitff.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv74_zps1cnzitff.jpg.html)
Coming right up,the bed 3 story
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Now...on to bed 3 and some learning and reviewing.
Fish excrete ammonia,then its changed into nitrites,then changed into nitrates,then plants absorb nitrates to grow.
Ammonia is poison to fish,fortunately a microbe,Nitrosomonas sp,changes it into nitrites,less,but still harmful,to fish.So along comes a bacteria,Nitrobacter sp,that changes them into nitrates.What a good little bacteria that is!Now Nitrates are the plants favorite food,and the fish can also tolerate that.And so its said,when we have reached this point the tank has cycled.
So,that out of the way,where are we in bed 3 and tank 3/4? You will see a lot of brown algae in deep water culture (DWC) bed 3,that is a sign of high ammonia.Remember we saw that same thing in tank 1/2 on setup.Now are we into the nitrite cycle yet,dont know,I dont test the water.We do know that it takes 6-8 weeks to fully cycle and the warmer the faster it happens.
In this picture we see algae,and 10 pots,with radish,green onions in 8,and 2 in foreground with OLD carrot seeds,so they may or may not sprout.
This isnt DWC,its a wicking setup.Will I wick or DWC,unsure at this point.If I wick I'll just drop water to 2 inches and place pots in bed,if DWC,I still need rafts to float on water,bed 3 is set up as a DWC bed in that regard,high water level.
DWC is roots from plants straight into oxygenated water.You get a plant started,add to rafting pot,and away you go.Supposedly really fast growth.With wicking you are just keeping a pot constantly moist with fish water.
Not sure where we are going,but some sort of wick setup should do for plants with really tiny seeds and it provides a good media for them.I could put the wick pots into an Ebb and Flow bed,which is beds 1,2 and 4,just add pots to a bed like them,if the wicking is too much moisture down the road.
So bed 3 is where the action is at now.Wick or DWC,and need the nitrogen cycle to finish.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv76_zpslz80sv4z.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv76_zpslz80sv4z.jpg.html)
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Celery getting bushy,trimmed it up,will make celery powder :)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv78_zpsixuvojue.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv78_zpsixuvojue.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv79_zpsijjzogdk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv79_zpsijjzogdk.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv77_zps0uylnkqn.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv77_zps0uylnkqn.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv81_zpsp34ho7zy.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv81_zpsp34ho7zy.jpg.html)
Three trays like this
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv83_zpswngjmenn.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv83_zpswngjmenn.jpg.html)
Thats a sandwich sized ziplock of dehydrated aquaponic celery powder,not too shabby!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv84_zpsnpaqkhre.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv84_zpsnpaqkhre.jpg.html)
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Fish getting friendly,this is tank 1/2,starting to get excited at feeding times.Forgot how much we enjoyed our couple gold fish from years ago,they are cool little guys.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv92_zpslknqqzum.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv92_zpslknqqzum.jpg.html)
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Thought you might find this interesting...
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/03/31/aquaponics-at-hamms-brewery-yielding-fresh-local-produce/
http://www.northcentralsare.org/Educational-Resources/From-the-Field/Aquaponics-in-School
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Thanks Dr,great links.So hamms is using only 2% of the water of traditional farming,thats astounding!
The changes in farming....we went to drip irrigation,that was pretty big.Then hydroponics....but using chemicals for nutrients,now on to the aquaponics using natural fish waste.
Only thing left is to see what will grow well and how much can be done with AP.It sure looks like another nice advancement in transforming some of farming.No need for herbicides,thats quite a good thing. 8)
Only drawback,and a subject I know nothing about,is where are the micro-nutrients and minerals? I look forward to hearing how that aspect of AP plays out.AP is in its infancy yet.
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It is exciting. And I like what you have done to help blaze the way for the home "farmer." There are several more schools in the Twin Cities starting to do something similar. Very cool!
I am working with Google in CA to use reclaimed water treated with ozone to clean their facilities. The water issue is huge and growing... I look forward to how we can reduce potable water consumption in farming. I think this will be the new battleground worldwide.
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I guess the Chinese have been doing this outdoors for some long time.the genius was when somebody figured out how to make it work for the rest of us.We sure arent pioneers in this,but we are early adopters of it,and it is fun and exciting to see what it can do,like produce into fall here and start so much earlier here,the increase in productivity for us is truly astounding.The mrs,it just blows her mind,she is constantly saying what a great idea this is,and how we really got into something that she thinks is a world changer on some scale too,just we have no idea how much yet.
How much,now THATS what will really be cool to see.And we just dont know yet,nobody knows,how exciting!
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Week 7- The news? Tank 3/4 is still not balanced,the fish die off continues.Otherwise just moving along.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv96_zpsjj7vhtm9.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv96_zpsjj7vhtm9.jpg.html)
Keeping us in salads,this is for 2....
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv97_zpssrkdhcbl.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv97_zpssrkdhcbl.jpg.html)
The snap pea's sure are moving up.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv98_zpspw7zmd2c.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv98_zpspw7zmd2c.jpg.html)
The seeds are sprouting,radishes up,on the right are green onions just poking through.The 3 little pots are old mixed multiple salad mix,will see if they sprout.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv99_zpsifvpwahk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv99_zpsifvpwahk.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv100_zpsn5w81axc.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv100_zpsn5w81axc.jpg.html)
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Did some research on this bed 3/4 cycling.I may not have enough media for bacterial support,and I may need more water cycling.So upped pumping time from 6 hours a day to 12,that might help.Also could be it just hasnt been running long enough for bacteria to kick in,very possible on that too.But to put in sacrificial goldfish for initial cycling is an accepted practice too,so Im OK on that.
Had a suggestion that sunfish/bluegill might survive my low temps,hey,never know,maybe tank 3/4 will produce food fish someday??
So we started this side on March 28,makes it 4 weeks,6 weeks to initial cycle isnt unheard of apparently,and also temp related as cold can take longer too.We should know something soon.if it doesnt cycle bed 3 will have to change to a media bed for the bacteria.
BTW,tank 1/2 and its fish are doing really really well.Have lost a couple goldfish,again from research thats completely normal and to be expected.
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Upped the cycles from 48 to 140/day by adding in another air pump and increasing the time on to 18 hours a day.I need to get that tank 3/4 functioning so maximizing the amt of water thru the media may be the thing? If that doesnt do it Im going to have to change bed 3 to media for filtering the water better.Possibly a water change may be in the cards too.Im really surprised it isnt kicking in.
That said my seedlings are a success.Whipped up 4 more 6 packs.
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No dead fish today,maybe that maximizing circulation is helping?
Snow peas flowers are turning into pea's,very cool!I put some cuttings into the hydroton media and the seedling pots to see what happens,they are a winner so far.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv101_zpsmaicadzb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv101_zpsmaicadzb.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv102_zpsu8iv5x7a.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv102_zpsu8iv5x7a.jpg.html)
Today I tightened up the spacing,kale for sure taking up too much space,moved lettuce from hot bed edges so they arent wilting.Frees up a lot of space.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv104_zpsnrqlz7gz.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv104_zpsnrqlz7gz.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv105_zpsrbts6ttm.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv105_zpsrbts6ttm.jpg.html)
Tightened up peppers and strawberries
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv106_zpsdnx0gebb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv106_zpsdnx0gebb.jpg.html)
And the basil
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv107_zpsifz4drvc.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv107_zpsifz4drvc.jpg.html)
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Cool! Using my K Kontrol thermostat and a fan plugged in,set to come on at 85F and off at 82,maxed today at 94F.Can either set it on at low temp or high temp (ie,heat or cool),paid about 50 bucks,that thing is a winner.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv108_zpseksswfy5.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv108_zpseksswfy5.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv109_zpsya09xnwt.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv109_zpsya09xnwt.jpg.html)
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_524747_524747
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Week 8-Whats new? Experimenting with cuttings,each pea has 2 planted at their bases,trying some in potting media too,seedlings coming along
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv110_zps5exrbkmf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv110_zps5exrbkmf.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv111_zps74iopto9.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv111_zps74iopto9.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv112_zpsen99lg1x.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv112_zpsen99lg1x.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv113_zps76gzsimt.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv113_zps76gzsimt.jpg.html)
Tank 3/4 has not lost a fish in three days,and the brown algae has had a die off,when that happened before the ammonia was being converted sooo...I added about 10 fish from tank 1/2,if they start to die I will pull them quickly,we shall see.
The exciting news? The Koi are coming up to feed.They will eat a nickle sized flake in 3-4 bites,very cool.Not great pictures but happy for them to make their internet debut.The water is dark as I added more seaweed extract other day.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv114_zps2ywrfy5e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv114_zps2ywrfy5e.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv115_zpsh1bpnfmh.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv115_zpsh1bpnfmh.jpg.html)
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The fish in tank 3/4 doing well,no deaths! 8)
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Gene (Hikerman) had an interesting thought.He mentioned how its hard work and paying off.
Actually now there is almost zero work.I can literally ignore it for days at a time if I want or need to,fish will live missing being fed even.
And its really relaxing,we can sit in chairs outside the door and just enjoy the plants,and we pop up and down,looking at this and that.Both Mrs and I have little pet projects going on,like the seedling things,or her things in pots that arent aquaponics.
This thing with the KOI,they really amaze us.Im so glad folks talked to us about that and we listened.They are getting friendly,and they have these side fins up front that they lay out,and just cruise around.Today was the first time all 5 came up together to feed,they are getting really calm.So man are they relaxing to watch,can fish be 'sweet'? These guys sure are,its mind blowing to an extent.Have a few goldfish that are real personality plus fish too.Like Pink Nose,he/she is always first up to see whats going on when we look in.
Have I mentioned the die off is for sure over?The algae is dying off notably now in tank 3/4. I dont like this thing about using the sacrificial fish getting it running,thats just one thing I felt bad about,so glad Im not killing little innocent guys in ammonia who rely on us totally to keep them safe,talk about hard on the soul,glad thats over and hopefully will never have to deal with again.THOUGH....die offs do happen even to the pro's,so cant say it wont again.
Work? Thats all over,now its just plain fun.
On the weekly I'll talk about the plant feeding and disease protocol we are following,seems to work pretty well so far.
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So for week 9 Im going to talk about food and medicine for the system.For me the medicine is colloidal silver,I mix it with the seaweed extract.
I make a gallon of diluted extract with 1 ounce of extract per gallon.I take it and fill my spray bottle 3/4 full,and finish the last 1/4 with the silver.
The line behind the silver is it kills virus,bacteria,and fungus.The claim is its effective on 650 different organisms.The mechanism has something to do with it being a catalyst, disabling the particular enzymes that all one-celled bacteria,fungi,and viruses use for their oxygen metabolism. They suffocate.
The silver and bacteria,etc have different positive and negative charges,and it strips a molecule from Fungi,bacteria and viruses and they die.Something like that.
We use it in conventional medicine in silver impregnated dressings for wounds,and as silvadene ointment used to prevent infections on burn tissue.Its controversial in home use. You can decide if you want to use it on you or your pets or plants.
In my use in the hoop house,Ive sprayed it on fungus? on wood and it really knocked it out.On the seedlings they are getting a fungus when they come up,a quick spritz and it wipes it out,I mean its GONE.
So thats what Im doing,feeding and medicating the plants from disease several times a week.
My friend the herbalist made me a generator.Cost 25 bucks for parts,or about 100 bucks on web.Consists of a 9 volt battery,I use a rechargable Lithium Ion.The black box has some sort of current limiter IIRC,to make the finest sized nano silver particles.You could skip the box and apply straight current.
You need 2, 5 inch or so pieces of thick silver wire that is 99.9999% pure,thats really pure stuff.You hook the battery to the wires that are submerged in the very pure distilled water,the major brands work best.Also need a hand held laser pen and/or a Total Dissolved Solids meter (TDS) I got for about ten bucks from the China online place.
The kit
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv116_zpshmjat8wk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv116_zpshmjat8wk.jpg.html)
All there is to it,2 silver wires in a qt of distilled water in a VERY clean jar.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv117_zpsvsl7rtoe.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv117_zpsvsl7rtoe.jpg.html)
Its done when the laser makes a solid beam in water as light passes through,thats the laser reflecting off the nano silver particles,you can judge strength from that alone.In this picture the strength is 4ppm (parts per million) per the meter,minimum from most sources say from 3 to 50PPM.Friend says he makes 3,all thats needed,for plants I make up to 10 PPM.This batch is 6 for multi use as Im out and I use it for all uses,plants, animal and human,but THATS ME.I dont recommend you do anything,YOU make your health care choices,not me.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv118_zpsjgzkvbeb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv118_zpsjgzkvbeb.jpg.html)
Took about 5 hours,I cleaned the probes 3 times during process,they get black and get particulate on them that slows down the current transfer between the rods.Then I transfer it to another jar through a coffee filter to get those few particulates that fall off rods.
Thats it,seems to work.
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Week 10,fish make their first video debut,as does spuds on youtube :) Pretty cool after playing with it forever to make it work,LOL.Rest of updates tomorrow,the fly problem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81j8PMim5x8
Look at all those hits! Obama and Bieber getting jealous! ::)
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It looks like some of them fish have grown.
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Yup,they sure have. Have a black goldfish who looks pregnant too,I really need to get a hold of some plants.I'll try to get the fungus gnat update up soon,after video I have just had my fill of uploadings,took a few hours to figure it out.
Any advice on the gnats anybody?? Im using worms and BT when BT arrives.
O.T. ......if youve never made a youtube video its a kick.Takes FOREVER to upload,this thing was 116 MB and I have no idea how to make it less,just pushed video button on camera and it does its own thing.
Learned also,make very slow camera movements,dont get too close,things like that.I think I might do a better one sometime just sorta walking around,might give some good perspective on growth and such.Youtubers,could use advice on this topic too,hint hint.
LOL,I dont think Im ready to send a resume to Steven Spielberg quite yet! But it was fun,and learned something new,very cool.
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Going on to week 12....FUNGUS GNATS! Little tiny things,attack plants by roots,can kill whole plants.I have a BILLION of em! Been using shop vac to suck em up,they are weak flyers.Tried sticky strips,not much.
Larvae...the little white specks on hydroton.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv121_zps063jawh7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv121_zps063jawh7.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv124_zpsns4jdhkk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv124_zpsns4jdhkk.jpg.html)
So I got these guys....
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv122_zpsgwcdth7e.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv122_zpsgwcdth7e.jpg.html)
And these microscopic worms that attack the larvae
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv119_zpsejdw3wmi.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv119_zpsejdw3wmi.jpg.html)
Also got BT powder,awaiting delivery.So we shall see.VERY destructive,killed the rosemary,my large basil too.All over the lettuce but hanging in.Have some leaves turning brown on celery.So far,Im making headway,seeing a LOT less larvae.Will repeat the worms in one week.
Snap peas doing great,pulled off a dozen,the cuttings are struggling,but the thyme cuttings doing well.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv125_zpsfdrfat5w.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv125_zpsfdrfat5w.jpg.html)
Pok choy and radish seeds doing well,concentrating on getting seeds,puppies are expensive so it needs to be done.Learning...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv126_zpsb5ojo2ii.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv126_zpsb5ojo2ii.jpg.html)
Dill seeds,no idea when they are ready to pick?
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv127_zpsbuxtxeoi.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv127_zpsbuxtxeoi.jpg.html)
Green onions and radish good,transplanted some of the tiny lettuce,unknown if they will survive gnats,hope so,need fresh lettuce plants.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv128_zpshth8fbgy.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv128_zpshth8fbgy.jpg.html)
Radishes in bed 4
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv129_zpsdkhb1oan.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv129_zpsdkhb1oan.jpg.html)
And the bargain bin onion sets,the spousal units' regular potting setup growing well.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv130_zps3bvt7rxv.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv130_zps3bvt7rxv.jpg.html)
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Fighting the gnats...Clean up the plants
First the kale,lettuce and bell peppers took a 2 hour swim in the tank.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv137_zpsvyimsgnw.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv137_zpsvyimsgnw.jpg.html)
Swished and swirled in a water/peroxide mix
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv135_zpspwyyamf3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv135_zpspwyyamf3.jpg.html)
Replanted after spraying with colloidal silver/peroxide spray,and trimmed to minimal growth
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv131_zpszac4su1u.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv131_zpszac4su1u.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv138_zps5wkqbegf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv138_zps5wkqbegf.jpg.html)
Strawberries doing great!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv139_zps0q8dhyqp.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv139_zps0q8dhyqp.jpg.html)
So emptied out 5 buckets of em and transplanted to bed 2,that way the critters wont get em.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv132_zpsujjesx15.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv132_zpsujjesx15.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv133_zps7bdmpvpt.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv133_zps7bdmpvpt.jpg.html)
New lettuce coming up
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv134_zps5hhstg88.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv134_zps5hhstg88.jpg.html)
Snooky supervising...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv136_zpszg96sp6o.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv136_zpszg96sp6o.jpg.html)
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I have not been keeping up and wished I had! Impressive work and a great post Spuds!!! I see that Snooky and Girl were always on hand to help you! Don
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Puppy is tired after all that work ;D
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Puppy is tired after all that work ;D
That's a lot of work for a little puppy dog... at least that's what Roscoe tells me... ;) ;D
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Keep posting.
Very cool to watch the progress!
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Thanks gentlemen for the kind comments.Snooky is really a sweet dog.Takes faithful to the fullest degree.She has a job too.I say 'Service Dog!' and she runs to my chair and sits,hold her collar and pull myself up.She also does the stairs and stands above,hold her collar and she walks you up.If you saw my horrible back stairs you could see,she DOES help.
Very cool,gives her a job she so needs to feel useful,and who knows,day may come when I really need her assistance.Yup,good doggy for sure. ;) :)
Oh,and 24/7 security,and dang is she a good guard dog(Seriously good)!Wont find any UPS men sneaking into our yard,and the truck is afraid to even stop,she starts barking and they dont even slow down,just hurry on by.Now thats a brilliant dog,LOL!Too funny,she can hear the UPS truck a block away and alerts,boy does she HATE UPS,LOL.Loves the fedex guys,go figure!
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Week 13....made real headway on those gnats,population way down.Added a couple fly tapes over each tank,got at least 35 gnats yesterday.Also vacuuming swarming buggers in the evening helped knock em down fast too.Next year i will raise media level 2 inches so no surface moist area for them to get started in.
Went ahead and planted all my strawberries in bed 2 but for one outside pot.Mighty fine!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv140_zps0pdf9fdn.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv140_zps0pdf9fdn.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv141_zpslpq13qt5.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv141_zpslpq13qt5.jpg.html)
Snow pea production slowed down,leaving some on plant for seeds.Planted 3 varieties of peas and beans direct sowing,and a bean seedling at foot of each.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv142_zpshlgynuab.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv142_zpshlgynuab.jpg.html)
Celery is huge and flower tops starting to form,after they seed I will make celery powder.The Thyme has tiny purple flowers but I couldnt get a decent picture.Beds 3 and 4..
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv145_zpsf4dgq88s.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv145_zpsf4dgq88s.jpg.html)
Left side of hoop house
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv146_zpsjnbhtgdb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv146_zpsjnbhtgdb.jpg.html)
Radish seeds really coming along well
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv144_zpsaymqaboo.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv144_zpsaymqaboo.jpg.html)
Now on the seedlings.The rockwool covered with coconut coir is AWESOME for seeds,but not sure if Im not just creating a grow media for the gnats? Planted 4 six packs,1 per spot... with several assortments of radishes,they are doing much better than in the hydroton.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv158_zps6huchlhd.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv158_zps6huchlhd.jpg.html)
Cant forget the goldfish.This is HEALTHY tank 3/4 with about 15 thriving GF,WOOHOO!So hard to get water pics....
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv150_zpsdx66s8em.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv150_zpsdx66s8em.jpg.html)
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Looks like I need more iron.Supposedly after system is established it can convert iron to usable form from water,but may have iron deficient water.Iron allows plant to utilize nutrients,and should help growth.4 teaspoons for 100 gallons is about right,what I put in.
My plants that need help
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv159_zpsbsczxknx.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv159_zpsbsczxknx.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv160_zpsbuqus9dq.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv160_zpsbuqus9dq.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv161_zpsoi5stwyo.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv161_zpsoi5stwyo.jpg.html)
This is the iron.Expensive but the most usable form we can get,64 dollars for 5 lbs delivered
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv158_zpsb7oku5li.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv158_zpsb7oku5li.jpg.html)
Got my nice red tint!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv162_zpsrzwfy8mm.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv162_zpsrzwfy8mm.jpg.html)
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Week 14-SEEDS SEEDS SEEDS!
They are doing pretty well....the bok choy seed pods...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv179_zpsfdkplmdb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv179_zpsfdkplmdb.jpg.html)
Radish pods look just like the bok choy.Lettuce seeds...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv170_zps4j2xejoo.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv170_zps4j2xejoo.jpg.html)
That dill is a pretty plant...the cilantro is the white flowers in second pic
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv169_zpsf3ta9kke.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv169_zpsf3ta9kke.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv182_zpsu8tem4om.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv182_zpsu8tem4om.jpg.html)
Celery is forming seeds too.My seedlings,bottom left is one radish per six pack pod.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv181_zps20eipxvy.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv181_zps20eipxvy.jpg.html)
Iron works wonders,look at the thyme and strawberry improvement(leaves middle left),and it is making plants take off,though temps are up too.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv177_zps61heokyn.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv177_zps61heokyn.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv176_zpscaz4szgk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv176_zpscaz4szgk.jpg.html)
Tomatoes FINALLY getting some growth
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv174_zpsilvqgrgk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv174_zpsilvqgrgk.jpg.html)
And the rest...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv183_zpsabmq4dfp.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv183_zpsabmq4dfp.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv172_zpsraf8gz1t.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv172_zpsraf8gz1t.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv173_zpsiq0zmhmt.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv173_zpsiq0zmhmt.jpg.html)
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Carl, glad to see things coming around. For all the dill you will need a very good Borsht recipe ;D I make a kick ass Borsht recipe ;D
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Carl, glad to see things coming around. For all the dill you will need a very good Borsht recipe ;D I make a kick ass Borsht recipe ;D
Wow Drew,would love the recipe,that sounds good!You going to be whipping any up soon?
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Picked up 4 more KOI,added two to each tank.Then I pulled 3 from tank 1/2 and added to 3/4. Tank 1/2 now thinks Im the Grim Reaper and are in hiding,while 3/4 thinks Im Poseidon and swarm at feeding time,got some small pellets for Koi,they love em...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv198_zpsiw7mx2on.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv198_zpsiw7mx2on.jpg.html)
Soon to pull celery,but may keep around.Ive been blocking the ants from the tree's,added fly strips to trunks,they cant harvest aphids.So they decided to attach to celery,and the lady bugs in have discovered a food source,if LB's can keep up on the aphids the ants are moving in,might be ideal balance to get LB's to breed?
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv194_zpsf5muf1sf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv194_zpsf5muf1sf.jpg.html)
Happy Lady bug
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv190_zpsahvopmi8.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv190_zpsahvopmi8.jpg.html)
Lettuce seeds and lettuce coming back and new guys coming up...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv188_zpsy5h97fam.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv188_zpsy5h97fam.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv196_zpsmrzyyyek.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv196_zpsmrzyyyek.jpg.html)
Tomatoes took off,a bit leggy at present but I can run them up and over to the other side,no problem there..
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv197_zpsbpxhpfq3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv197_zpsbpxhpfq3.jpg.html)
Strawberries all ripened when transplanted,so a bunch of small ones,note the bell pepper,they too are doing growth spurts and really healthy plants...Beautiful snow peas for seeds...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv193_zpssextsko3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv193_zpssextsko3.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv195_zpsdauaqt1s.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv195_zpsdauaqt1s.jpg.html)
Beans and peas,tons of em,the small ones are directly sowed,the large guys from the seedling pots
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv191_zpsos2hqylo.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv191_zpsos2hqylo.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv192_zpsbbaalnb7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv192_zpsbbaalnb7.jpg.html)
Dogs are from last year,doing well,we bring them in to overwinter..Trying to get Snookies attention,Girl as always ready for a picture
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv199_zpsmejhqso3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv199_zpsmejhqso3.jpg.html)
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Week 16...ants,organics,seeds and clean ups.
Radish and Pok Choy and snowpea's,only other seeds left in are a couple lettuce and cilantro.Cleaned out the radishes,they didnt bulb,chickens liked the greens though...Will plant the Pok Choy and snowpea's this fall,cool!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv200_zpsnnpfti9k.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv200_zpsnnpfti9k.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv201_zpsvemlddhk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv201_zpsvemlddhk.jpg.html)
The ants...I blocked them from tree's so they are moving aphids into HH,going after the celery.Which is fine for the ladybugs,have 3 working it,and a larvae too,very cool! The ants were actually moving aphids OFF the celery yesterday to protect them,they farm them for the sticky residue they make.So Im doing good with my organic control.I added terro ant bait,its only syrup and 5% Borax,so next time I'll make my own instead of 5 dollars for a tiny bottle...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv202_zpswyfe18ao.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv202_zpswyfe18ao.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv203_zpsfrw46q5k.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv203_zpsfrw46q5k.jpg.html)
I pulled 4 celery and will dehydrate to powder for soups and poultry rubs,yumm! 2 celery left to feed the ladybugs aphids.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv205_zpsxkjkspum.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv205_zpsxkjkspum.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv204_zpsu5ccbndh.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv204_zpsu5ccbndh.jpg.html)
Tomatoes...finally! Going nut-so on growth!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv208_zpsngkrf4p0.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv208_zpsngkrf4p0.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv210_zps3z93t2i3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv210_zps3z93t2i3.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv209_zpsrbtu1vir.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv209_zpsrbtu1vir.jpg.html)
Basil beauties,green bell and chili peppers,going to pick up more peppers,I see chili powder in my future!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv211_zpsza4dwkyj.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv211_zpsza4dwkyj.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv212_zpswcnyn5nn.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv212_zpswcnyn5nn.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv213_zpstxmn864x.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv213_zpstxmn864x.jpg.html)
I lowered water in bed 3 seed bed.Thinking the cold water hampering germination.I wont do this next year,it will be a media bed like the others
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv215_zpsezxp8byd.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv215_zpsezxp8byd.jpg.html)
Bed 4 will be lettuce and beans and peas going forward,it doesnt get the hot afternoon sun.That 6 pack of lettuce really 11 plants,cool!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv214_zpsuevnwanr.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv214_zpsuevnwanr.jpg.html)
Thats it for this week..System is really running now,time to start some serious plantings and production.Sure a lot of changes this week,I think it really looks nice.Comments? Ideas?
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv216_zpsyfky3ban.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv216_zpsyfky3ban.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv217_zpseqonwlq6.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv217_zpseqonwlq6.jpg.html)
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Week 17,added some snap dragons and marigolds,some assorted hot peppers,some more lettuces.The ants are mostly gone,seeing more lady bug larvae,watched a larvae face off a bug half its size,both no longer there so larvae must of eaten him.Good larvae,good larvae!
Bed 1
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv222_zpsb2ljabcm.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv222_zpsb2ljabcm.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv225_zpskh7byycx.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv225_zpskh7byycx.jpg.html)
Bed 2
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv231_zpsjqop0bbo.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv231_zpsjqop0bbo.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv218_zpsvstovfb7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv218_zpsvstovfb7.jpg.html)
Bed 3,lettuce everywhere!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv219_zps3d3gmp3k.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv219_zps3d3gmp3k.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv220_zpskekb8oko.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv220_zpskekb8oko.jpg.html)
Those little clumps are lettuce purchased on 1 inch potting mix plugs,a fine way to transplant small lettuce
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv221_zpsmanxkjmh.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv221_zpsmanxkjmh.jpg.html)
Tomatoes going great,got them tied up and trimmed a lot of greenery they dont need
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv223_zpsbqinoirf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv223_zpsbqinoirf.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv228_zpszzcjhjh2.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv228_zpszzcjhjh2.jpg.html)
Now in Living Color
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv227_zpswejps8bi.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv227_zpswejps8bi.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv226_zps5xw3ckll.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv226_zps5xw3ckll.jpg.html)
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Hey Spuds! Thanks so much for continuing the updates-- you've got a regular little Eden there! Glad to hear the lady bugs are doing their job, too! Love all the variety--I'm jealous! We did just one small bed this year with some peppers and tomatoes. Between the wedding, kitchen remodel, and upcoming honeymoon, we've been barely able to keep up with the regular farm stuff, let alone gardening adventures!
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Kat! Missed you! Honeymoon? :)
No update this week,my ladybugs are gone? I see some little yellow orange eggs on some plants,hope they are ladybugs.
Next week will do pics on the tomatoes and beans and peas,2 week will show progress better.And the fish,the seaweed extract and the iron,wow,its all just booming right now,seems the balance is spot on.Im getting excited about next year now that things and learning has progressed so well this season.
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Ladybug ladybug fly
away back home! You have done a great job with everything-- what a project!! I've kept James up on your progress-- he is just fascinated with the whole set up. :)
Yup, James and I get to go run off to Great Britain for a few weeks next month! SO excited-- have a great kid farm-sitting for us, and the folks at work have been kind enough to let us go off and play for 3 whole weeks!! Have a little kayak trip planned for Scotland off the Isle of Skye, a medieval feast at a castle in Wales... I get to spend my birthday in London... We are just too lucky for words!!!
Praying we can get an exit row seat for James for the long flight though-- this is what he looks like on a plane!! He couldn't get the tray to go down with those long legs in the way!! :) ???
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zRW_S6WMIcntEF6VhjyJCvPxQjX_ZZ2V3hdZJpjoj3ux=w904-h678-no)
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SK and James, have a great honeymoon and congratulations in advance.
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Kat
May you have double happiness! ( anonymous, from a fortune cookie... ::) ;D )
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Wow Kat and James! Thats AWESOME!!!!! You guys have the best trip ever,I know you have the rest wrapped up all the way. ;)
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Week 19
Doubt I can get it to run any better.Plant growth good,color good.Fish doing great.Cutting pump cycles hasnt hurt a thing now that beds are properly converting ammonia to nitrite to nitrate.Seaweed extract and iron filled in my deficiencies pretty well near as I can tell.
SEEDS! Snow-peas,marigold,snap dragon,celery and peppers.About done seed harvesting,have most of what I want.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv233_zpsdkivsovk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv233_zpsdkivsovk.jpg.html)
Heads of lettuce seeds and celery drying for powder
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv234_zpst1o0lega.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv234_zpst1o0lega.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv236_zpsrmfyzzkk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv236_zpsrmfyzzkk.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv235_zps9wxmjlnh.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv235_zps9wxmjlnh.jpg.html)
Beds 1,2,4
#1
soon the seed lettuce plants will be out of there and I will pack that bed
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv238_zpsgofecj8t.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv238_zpsgofecj8t.jpg.html)
#2
Added 2 new basil,one is purple (a medicinal variety) ,added 2 new hot and mild peppers,note growth on bell peppers size and height.Hitting the line...if you can see the bed not enough plants.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv239_zpsx6g6unks.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv239_zpsx6g6unks.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv240_zpsbloyq6lb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv240_zpsbloyq6lb.jpg.html)
#3
Celery is down as seed propagation becomes less in system.LOTS of lettuce,how it grows with house temp 105 beats me,must be the cool roots/cool water?
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv242_zpsyctj1gu7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv242_zpsyctj1gu7.jpg.html)
Those 1 inch lettuce plugs racing along.How Im going to start my own lettuce next year
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv241_zpsjmbf9con.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv241_zpsjmbf9con.jpg.html)
Tomatoes over the second board now,tons of flowers but I wont trim as much green going forward,think I took a bit too much off as it slowed the smaller guys a bit
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv243_zpswwhpdumh.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv243_zpswwhpdumh.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv244_zpsvkx1xlpf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv244_zpsvkx1xlpf.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv245_zpsfjqeg0h0.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv245_zpsfjqeg0h0.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv246_zps1z9jyqvq.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv246_zps1z9jyqvq.jpg.html)
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WOW! If the tomatoes thrive room for 10 more next season.Over 150 plants in it so far....
2 Yarrow
6 Rumex raspberry
2 medicinal basil
8 basil
6 rosemary
3 thyme
2 oregano
1 dill
1 parsley
3 cilantro
25+ beans and peas
25+ lettuce
6 kale
4 pots chives
15 strawberry
6 bell pepper
8 assorted peppers
6 each marigold,snap dragon,cosmo
6 eggplant
15 tomatoes
9 koi
20+ goldfish
1 ladybug
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Week 21...Lots happened,I filled in bed 1 after getting rid of kale and tall lettuce.Added Cosmos,they are starting to bloom,million marigolds so lots of seeds for next year.Added eggplants and rosemary.
Nothing added to bed 2 I dont think since last update.Bed 4 got more lettuce,the Romaine is my best producer,cut leaves in morning or evening,then soak a day in water to clean,then plastic bag in refer,they store all week nice and crispy.
Tomatoes still impressing,what I really like is the heirlooms are large and producing well,added a cherry red and some romas.
Bed 4 added 2 tomatillo ,doing OK.The beans have started to produce and flowering peas.
Fish are great,havent lost one in a long time,and the goldfish are almost all big enough to eat pellets now
Keeping the water in iron and seaweed extract,water is a rusty color,fish tolerate it fine,plants very happy.
The shop vac is for nabbing gnats at days end,works good
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv255_zpsigbtnntn.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv255_zpsigbtnntn.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv256_zps0lxizs1k.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv256_zps0lxizs1k.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv253_zpscvmnrjkc.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv253_zpscvmnrjkc.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv252_zpssjta99km.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv252_zpssjta99km.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv248_zpsldy29eby.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv248_zpsldy29eby.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv250_zps5hzkicdz.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv250_zps5hzkicdz.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv249_zpsqlqkpwaj.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv249_zpsqlqkpwaj.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv247_zpsoy2p623z.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv247_zpsoy2p623z.jpg.html)
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Picked up a Thai pepper,a purple flower like cosmo I cant pronounce,and FINALLY found a sweet 100 cherry tomato,cool.Though late season.Interesting to see it drink up the water,thats a lot of plants,but man alive how much more water that would be in the ground.The flowers are really attracting bees and butterflies and other pollinators,very cool!
Found some light bar 6 lamp things you see in bathrooms at the thrift store,going to fix them up for seedling bed lights next season,Im going to use CFL bulbs I think,have a ton to use up since we went LED,a basket full I bought on sale.
BUT,If they are an issue with heat harming seedlings I will go LED on them,less bulb heat.Can get them closer to plants.
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Week 23....Tomatoes plugging along.Wanted more blossoms but hearing its just been a poor tomato year here,so Im OK I guess.Only 2 tomatillos,one plant died and needs two to pollinate,bummer.Beans growing well but wrong time of year for them.Must have 6 different peppers and all doing great,as are the bell peppers now making full sized fruits.Basil is tremendous.Put in a couple tomato cuttings,so far so good.Fish growing like gang busters.
A couple heirloom purples and a tomatillo
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv261_zpso9vlod8w.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv261_zpso9vlod8w.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv263_zpsbcfk12lx.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv263_zpsbcfk12lx.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv264_zpslhedpjw7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv264_zpslhedpjw7.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv265_zps7fvg5gjb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv265_zps7fvg5gjb.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv266_zpsx03q5hvx.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv266_zpsx03q5hvx.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv267_zpspiewvytd.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv267_zpspiewvytd.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv271_zpsq16ozqxk.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv271_zpsq16ozqxk.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv272_zpsnknkf49s.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv272_zpsnknkf49s.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv276_zpshpl7wvd7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv276_zpshpl7wvd7.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv277_zpshvpztxpu.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv277_zpshvpztxpu.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv278_zpsuc7hwzxy.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv278_zpsuc7hwzxy.jpg.html)
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Week 25,a couple random shots and lots and lots of peppers.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv282_zpso5bef3tb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv282_zpso5bef3tb.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv283_zpshrx7ddsw.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv283_zpshrx7ddsw.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv284_zpshcnkedhr.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv284_zpshcnkedhr.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv285_zpslncpb0ze.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv285_zpslncpb0ze.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv286_zpso0y78rc1.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv286_zpso0y78rc1.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv287_zpswvahe2l3.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv287_zpswvahe2l3.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv289_zpsdbm9vg5r.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv289_zpsdbm9vg5r.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv290_zpsnqoqlchn.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv290_zpsnqoqlchn.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv291_zpsuj2k6ugb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv291_zpsuj2k6ugb.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv292_zpsqmqhkr00.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv292_zpsqmqhkr00.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv293_zpsuo7vnlru.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv293_zpsuo7vnlru.jpg.html)
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Looking good - you've got a real pepper factory going there! I love the purple heirloom tomatoes.
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Looking great, how are the fish doing? Do they get bigger?
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yes doc,the purples rock. Yes drew,they are really growing fast,Im feeding them pellets now,even the goldfish can get the pellets down,I will get some pics.On the peppers know next year will concentrate on Bells,the sweet sweet Jimmy nardellos are long skinny one,more of those,and those cherry ones you get in the jars,those are real expensive,we could can those
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Been concentrating on seed saving and see what grows.Hope I can germinate these pepper seeds next year.Will still do some hots but will concentrate on the milds...love pickled peppers and they arent cheap,and so easy to do from what Im reading.Nice little haul today.As Ive said before Im no expert on gardening,heard to keep picking peppers if you want more,and remove early flowers to make plants larger,so as always,Im LEARNING constantly,much fun though,what a nice hobby.
Nice little pepper haul...
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/peppers_zpsauxqkoug.jpg)
So bought seeds for greek peppers to make peppericinos,cherry reds for small pickled peppers to go along with the Jimmy Nardellos and Shashitos that are also mild for pickling....next year. :)
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The fish,plays best on 720
tank 3/4
https://youtu.be/eRmSnpp1YEc (https://youtu.be/eRmSnpp1YEc)
tank 1/2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ztHFGsnYOs4
bed 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Eze7o6bkU2E
Beds 2 and 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Os46NVZyqkw
A visit with the animals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=xuLZlRngHS8
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Latest issue....we imported slugs,YUCK.Add in our homegrown earwigs.So a new issue.BUT....have a new next door neighbor who of all things like FROGS....who you guessed it,eat both,how cool is that??!! Plus,we have flies,or as my bud Pharmer Phil calls em,fries,because inside greenhouses get hot.
So he is installing a pond,and frogs are what he is making it for.So soon will have froggies hopping around inside,is that toooo major provident or what?Did I hit the jackpot with Matthew the new neighbor,sure did! ;D
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The latest...had an ammonia problem,my fault,in tank 3/4.It is only supported by bed 4.I pulled a lot of plants and figured,may as well flush bed to add more water.What I did was flush ammonia into tank.Mrs went out at night and a KOI was trying to jump out.YIKES!
So I upped the pump cycles double to run thru night,and planted a bunch of plants that night immediately into bed 4.Took care of problem.Also stopped feeding them so they dont add more ammonia.All is well now,close call,good thing Mrs saw fish freaking out in the darkness.
Biggest news is how the tomatoes are growing,and beans and especially tomatillos.
Toms are now 6-7 feet tall and almost all the way to the ridgepole.LOTS of flowers,but mighty late into season.Met another person up here who told me their tomatoes failed,so doing good all considered,just VERY late.
So may blooms,looks like green tomatoes this year.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo021/hy7_zpstkcgupat.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo022/hy10_zpsfq2xl6hl.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo026/hy8_zpsgmjlfgl0.jpg)
Next pic is from stepladder,gives a perspective on the height of those toms
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo027/hy25_zpsarz2vbns.jpg)
Tomatillos did great,just one plant with tons of blooms but needs 2 plants to fruit.Beans also good,seed saving to really do more next year,the 2 are happy together
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo025/hy4_zpse39sa5oy.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo024/hy9_zpsih7vsf1u.jpg)
Also almost to the ridgepole
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo028/hy12_zpsyeld2i1s.jpg)
Squash and cukes so far no powdery mildew,some romas in buckets
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo029/hy19_zpsqvaloeus.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo030/hy20_zpszkdyormo.jpg)
Cuttings very successful,left to right in foreground is basil,tomatillo and a tomato
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo031/hy18_zpslekj9xgo.jpg)
And finally some very happy fish growing strongly in tank 1/2
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo032/hy13_zpsdmy6dzky.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo033/hy15_zpsu3j0ma4k.jpg)
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You are growing some great green and food Spud!!! I wish I had the energy. Show us some cooking with that stuff!!! Don
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The story around here Don goes like this.....Carl,I need basil.Carl,I need lettuce....and thats pretty much what was eaten.Only a few tomatoes so far.Celery powder was a winner.Mrs is talking making Cowboy Candy from peppers,if she does I will follow it for here.
This has been the first year of both greenhouse and aquaponics,so Im just figuring out what will even grow,then save seeds from those,and get planting times straight so next season we have some workable ideas.I had a lot of hiccups getting the water properly fertilized and mineralized,got that solved.
Sooooo....next season I plant lots more strawberries.A lot of peppers with varieties we will eat.More beans,that seven pod bean I THINK is Provider Bean,it is a real producer so a lot more plants on that.Snow peas also.Need to research when they should be planted,timing seems real important on those.
The tomatillos,great bloomer,so 6 maybe of them in the beans should be wowzers.
Seems like heirloom purple tomatoes,cherry,and romas,maybe betterboys next year.Basil,oregano,thyme and rosemary should be right.Celery again,does well.Dill and parsley.
Squash,cukes and romas for sure in buckets.
The assorted lettuces for sure.Marygolds,some cosmo and maybe black eyed susans.Will experiment more on the flowers.
So next year push for production volume.
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OK,I think these are Provider Beans,someone correct me if Im wrong.See if I can dry them in time for a fall crop.
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hy24_zpsdg5hobpw.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hy24_zpsdg5hobpw.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/hy25_zpsefnlsv0b.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/hy25_zpsefnlsv0b.jpg.html)
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Putting it to bed for the winter.Getting into 40's has really been knocking out plants like the peppers and spices.
Pretty much stopped feeding the fish for their health as feeding in cold is bad for them.Need to add some celery and napa cabbages and such to keep the water healthy over winter.So thats about it for now,maybe a few rare updates for the winter setups.
Been working on the seed saving,I think we did real well with that.
I would call the first full season a 7 at least out of 10.Got a huge learning curve worked on,know what mistakes to avoid on a lot of it next year,but will still have a learning curve on doing our own seedlings,and especially want to make a lot of my own mild peppers.
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Beautiful job each and every step of the way Carl! My hat is off to you! What an accomplishment! ;D
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Thanks Gene,sure was a fun project this season.Oh,and the fish sure grew,I must get a good set of pics of them.
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Putting it to bed for winter.Cleaning out beds,all trimmings going to birds.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo064/htsv296_zpssqbgnvp3.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo058/htsv303_zpsqzjkavdt.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo059/htsv302_zps7ob0sfbh.jpg)
Chives were a hit,do more of those
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo060/htsv301_zpscybkvn2p.jpg)
Bed 4 really getting cleared out,need to get celery and Napa cabbage in to keep the bed running over winter
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo061/htsv304_zpsizqtyrvv.jpg)
Fish slowing down,hard to bribe with food for pics.Their digestion stops at 51 degrees and we stop feeding,they arent very hungry now.Best I could do on pics,they look about the same as sept 14 pics.
Tank 1/2.....
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo062/htsv307_zpscngdngew.jpg)
Isnt he pretty? One of the calmer ones...
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo063/htsv306_zpsha9hvty7.jpg)
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Cleaned up the tomato vines today.Getting pretty bare in there.Fish don't surface now,guess they've gone into 'hibernation' mode,see em in April I reckon.
Interesting some of the peppers still hanging in,would be nice if they overwintered,but 32F coldest its been so far.
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Nice Spuds!!! I was looking at the birds and thinking good choice for a Thanksgiving meal! :D Don
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Nice Spuds!!! I was looking at the birds and thinking good choice for a Thanksgiving meal! :D Don
LOL.If I ever get a whizbang chicken plucker meat birds are an option.Those girls are now pets,chickens on year 7,think ducks 3 year olds now,1 even older,the brown one,ducks still making eggs,chickens retired years ago.
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Glad you had a great summer and can enjoy the fruits of your labor. It been fun watching your progress.
Have a great winter Carl ;D
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Thanks Drew,and back atcha!
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Its been cold.This is February weather in December.Been as cold as 24F.Have had tank 1/2 freeze over but kept bubbling but wasnt pumping,tank 3/4 frozen over with no air action.Thawed,now 3/4 is pumping and frozen on top,1/2 tank frozen and no air action going on.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo076/htsv309_zpsvtetyv7b.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo077/htsv310_zpsrxiv1ued.jpg)
Tank 1/2,broke up ice about 1/4 inch thick.No floating fish so reckon they are doing the hibernation thing.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo078/htsv308_zps1neslrdd.jpg)
Bed 1,in the middle is Napa Cabbage,some celery,and the leafy thing thats green with red veins is Rumex,a very hardy lettuce.This bed is frozen solid on top anyhow,not sure below.I pour water on plants to keep em fed and wetted.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo079/htsv311_zpsjb4igapp.jpg)
Bed 4,also Rumex with a sorry looking celery and in the farthest corner a night blooming jasmine cutting doing surprisingly well
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo080/htsv312_zpseq4ajipn.jpg)
Chives in bed 3,go figure,they look very good yet
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo082/htsv314_zpsm37vn30y.jpg)
Bed 2,strawberries struggling,but thyme and oregano both holding up
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo081/htsv313_zpskvohbk1o.jpg)
Now this is downright weird,I decided not to baby the citrus.Covered half with trashcans and half exposed,no extra heat.The covered have been like that 3 weeks,no sun at all and look GREAT,only one of the exposed is shriveled and dying Im guessing,rest look pretty dang good.Days on end of freezing temps,and as low as 24F,and lots of snow,this is unexpected pleasure for sure
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo083/htsv315_zpskhcx2l8t.jpg)
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This is cool,vertical farming,robot labor,should go a long way to keeping us fed maybe?
http://finance.townhall.com/columnists/mikeshedlock/2016/01/29/worlds-first-robotrun-lettuce-farm-to-produce-30000-heads-daily-tipping-point-for-workerless-agriculture-n2111611
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oops
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Have had up to 4 inches ice in the tanks,pumps have stopped for a couple weeks at one point.Today its 63F,have rumex lettuce,a struggling bit celery,thyme,some green onions in pots.So hope the converted bacteria is alive and well.No sign of fish,they are in suspended animation.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo089/htsv308_zpsxdfgczbt.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo091/htsv318_zpsdotyzaot.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo092/htsv319_zpsywhazxmi.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo093/htsv320_zps8jnufliv.jpg)
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Making it thru the winter....bed 2 thyme and strawberries doing well
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo104/htsv322_zpsasikkkhb.jpg)
Bed 1 celery,snap dragon and Rumex lettuce.I need another very hardy lettuce and I can get salad in winter,
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo104/htsv325_zpsz0zregpr.jpg)
Rumex bed 1
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo104/htsv324_zps0cvry4xb.jpg)
Rumex bed 2
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo104/htsv323_zpsbbq5lywh.jpg)
Green onion in soil,need to investigate getting these into winter bed
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo104/htsv327_zpsj1hhtdfl.jpg)
Flower bulbs and Garlics
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo104/htsv326_zpsfuqkxhh8.jpg)
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Took out my Rumex plants and divided them in half.They have a bulb like structure with roots,sliced it in half,hopefully that was the right thing to do.
Topped off the water tanks and woke up fish,my but have they grown! No food and grew,how did they do that????
Tank 2 even came up and ate a few pellets,tank 1 they were looking around but arent eating today.Looks like they had a great rest and looking good!
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Got temps taken,pretty cold for fish yet...
Ambient temp
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo106/htsv%20335_zpsvtpywnkv.jpg)
Hoophouse temp
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo107/htsv336_zpslosyktfg.jpg)
Rumex divided up
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo106/htsv341_zpsabjdwy7y.jpg)
water temp
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo107/htsv337_zpsazndgk0o.jpg)
bed temp
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo107/htsv338_zpsow9595pa.jpg)
plant temp
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo107/htsv339_zpsaf8uqsu1.jpg)
dog temp
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo107/htsv340_zpspwcpg1m2.jpg)
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Hmmmm.... a little about Rumex
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/zesty-sorrel.aspx?PageId=2
Blood Sorrel (Rumex sanguineus)
Blood sorrel is a wild sorrel found in many parts of Eurasia. It is valued for its pointed and bright lime-green leaves with dark red veins, and now is used extensively in Europe as an accent plant in ornamental landscaping.
For culinary uses, the plant must be harvested young. It tastes a little like lettuce, so the baby spring leaves are ideal for salad mixes. When the plant begins to toughen and mature, the leaves can be cooked like spinach or used in stir-fries. Because of its low-growing habit (about 12 inches tall), blood sorrel makes a nice border plant or garden accent. It is a noninvasive perennial, so once it’s established you will have it for a long time.
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Well,dividing the rumex went well,so I did it some more.Started with 4 plants.Got 6 here
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo108/htsv342_zps6t8zv6pi.jpg)
Got 8 here,with the celery that had 5 separate plants growing from the root,divided them into plants also.4 here,one in other bed
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo108/htsv344_zpstx2ze9my.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo111/htsv343_zpsle2ai5ij.jpg)
Divided the Yarrow into 2
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo109/htsv345_zpswr1ybjmp.jpg)
This is pretty amazing stuff,I have more info now on not only what can take a deep freeze,but also makes more plants in the spring.Also have lots of worms,and unfortunately baby slugs too,will have to go after them right away.
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Getting a good start,bed balance being on has helped.Fish starting to eat.Didnt lose a single fish.
bed 1
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv307_zps9f4ssij9.jpg)
bed2
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv313_zpsob1agchp.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv315_zpsov2mhsnc.jpg)
bed3
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv306_zpskat26agp.jpg)
peas started in pots doing super
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv304_zpsovvu6mkm.jpg)
San Marzano romas,not my seeds
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv314_zpsdmp8rawe.jpg)
seeds from farmers market
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv310_zpsxf3x1bp4.jpg)
More tomatoes,have red/yellow,purples,greens all from heirloom saved seeds
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv308_zpsz1a1ilgy.jpg)
Jimmy Nardello and large shashito peppers,mild for pickling
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv309_zpsbd62wgp6.jpg)
more heirloom maters
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv312_zpstxr9mkug.jpg)
pepperoncino's from purchased seeds
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo146/htsv311_zps33uwwcui.jpg)
Also have 5 tomitillos for salsa from saved seeds.
Its taking off fast,the celery was all from the single celery I overwintered.Have 14 rumex that I need to plant outdoors,too many of them.
Will plant all these in beds,in pots and in ground to see what does best.
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Growing well.In bed 4 I have 23 beans and peas going.Lots of seedlings in all beds.Have 32 more snow-peas and beans planted today.Going to go for big bean production while tomatoes get up to speed.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo156/htsv329_zpsihryaagb.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo157/htsv328_zpsuiwghts8.jpg)
Bed 1-7 lettuce,3 Chinese cabbage from 2 plants Mrs bought
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo158/htsv330_zpsh0faouzo.jpg)
Bed 2-chives,strawberries and basil mostly
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo159/htsv331_zpsiy2yuqen.jpg)
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Soooooo....learning what methods to grow,straight into media,in the six pack size containers into gravel,and in pots outside the aqua system,both in and outside the hoophouse.
As for bugs,the nematodes that eat gnat eggs from last season,have come back.Added lady bugs,gnats and aphids almost non existent.Slugs much less this year,hitting it hard with Sluggo.
Bed 4,here is 6 and 4 week old beans and peas in the gravel,they are doing well so far...cold water doesnt seem to bother them
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo165/htsv335_zpsyfswoatl.jpg)
Here are some tomatillos in the 2 pots,look how much they are doing compared to the struggling tomato next to left pot.My theory,tomato roots LOVE that heat the pots give them.I cut an X in bottom for roots to go out.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo166/htsv336_zpsvk1ycswv.jpg)
Here are 2 week old beans/peas in bed one,all will remain in the pots
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo167/htsv339_zpsdlfwdh4g.jpg)
My peppers in bed four...
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo169/htsv334_zps43mrxf2y.jpg)
Lettuce in bed 1,a six pack experiment and 10 or so in gravel doing super
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo170/htsv338_zpsegpgyxt2.jpg)
Basil in three,and chives in gravel,small and large pots,and strawberries...rosemary in pots
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo171/htsv340_zpsta3znzwv.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo172/htsv341_zpsrqywdyhz.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo174/htsv343_zpsbzyit8st.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo173/htsv342_zps7ccm152o.jpg)
Note tomato in pot bigger than in cool gravel in bed 2
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo175/htsv344_zpska6ztzme.jpg)
Tomatoes outside,big flop,inside in pots are the biggest of all
outside
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo176/htsv332_zpslkqn9qj5.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo177/htsv333_zpskgne8p2i.jpg)
inside
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo177/htsv346_zpsesbogba3.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo176/htsv345_zpspddtfnnw.jpg)
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Wow Carl! Everything is taking off fabulously! You'll be able to have a farmer's market with just your produce! Nice work my friend!
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Thanks Gene,yeah,its just exploding in growth.
The biggest best surprise was those gnat eating nematodes coming back,they are really knocking the heck out of them.I also have 4 lady bugs that seem real happy,the plants are almost devoid of the gnat eggs.
Really loving getting a natural balance of predators keeping it all chemical free.Sluggo is just iron so shouldnt be much of an issue,doesnt harm the fish and my water actually needs more iron.
I also have a preying mantis egg,supposed to hatch 300 babies,that should be interesting.
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Carl it sounds like you are the lord of your manor with all these unpaid employees working for you! :D
Natural is always the best way....great work!
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Carl it sounds like you are the lord of your manor with all these unpaid employees working for you! :D
Natural is always the best way....great work!
'Will work for food' LOL!
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Nice setup
https://youtu.be/jV9CCxdkOng
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Dang, spuds, those plants are taking off like crazy! Excellent work with all the balancing of good bugs and bad bugs!
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That looks great Spuds!!! You should get some good greens to eat. Hope the praying mantis hatch for you. A friend gave me an egg sac once. It was in the fall I think and I placed it in a butterfly house I built that hung on my shed. In the spring one day I checked on it and there were hundreds of them so tiny you could hardly see. I usually see a couple every year so may still be getting benefit from them. Don
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Thanks Kat,cool on mantis's Don!
Yummy,pulled 7 strawberries,no bug damages...
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo187/htsv347_zpsstunrq3h.jpg)
need some salad,trimmed the 6 pack and the bed 1 lettuce...first of the year
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo187/htsv348_zps92l7wk4z.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo187/htsv349_zpsxpswpowd.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo187/htsv350_zpsodyznysm.jpg)
An experiment on tree cuttings,1st one after several days looks good,so made a 6 pack of em
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo188/htsv352_zpskpx4urec.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo188/htsv351_zpsexj5lfnr.jpg)
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Beds 1,2 and 4
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv355_zpsj2aqp6f5.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv354_zpstwfncvys.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv353_zpsx5zebafw.jpg)
Tons of peas and beans.Im planting 36 every 2 weeks.Tomatoes in there too
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv357_zpsnvdfxatm.jpg)
Lettuce after trimming
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv356_zpsw4ktud1v.jpg)
More beans and peas
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv358_zpswmihngex.jpg)
5 peppers growing
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv359_zpsziti6fkq.jpg)
Tomatillo with its first baby,woohoo!
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv360_zpswe41nklr.jpg)
Best tomatoes are in pots inside
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv361_zpsf8olmpf3.jpg)
Poorest tomatoes,the ones outside
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo192/htsv364_zpsvapii1uj.jpg)
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This is a preying mantis egg,supposed to hold 300 babies,about a dozen came out today
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo193/htsv365_zpsl3pnlryl.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo193/htsv366_zpsni5kbqlz.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo193/htsv%20367_zpseomnjsaa.jpg)
Today planted cilantro,green onions/chives,and 3 types pf peppers,all from seeds.No more beans or peas,have plenty now.
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Fish last year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztHFGsnYOs4
Fish this year,they have grown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUyR9cKPNuc
On the left is the water being siphoned out of bed,how the bell siphon works for those who havent understood it yet this may help.
Water is pumped into grow bed,when it reaches the level chosen right below the top of grow medium a siphon is formed as the water overflows into the drain pipe.When water is all drained out it sucks in air,that breaks siphon,and it repeats.Mine changes water in bed 4-6 times an hour.No moving parts makes system pretty darned reliable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHaiVhVZ3kM
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43 second tomato tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW8kUa35Ysk
3:26 long hoophouse tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO5YXBinZzg
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I broke a garlic clove and planted the cloves,they are sprouting.What Im doing is pulling them out of the media gradually as they grow roots,getting til the clove rests on media completely out of water.I had a volunteer come back and thats how it did it,exposed clove.
Sooooo....we shall see!
Man alive but do I have a ton of beans.If they all bloom I will harvest,blanch,freeze then can if/when I have enough.They are really crammed in,if this works I could do literally a couple hundred plants in a single bed/jungle.Again,we shall see!
Moved a potted tomato outside,still have 6 in big pots in hoophouse,another experiment to determine the optimum tomato growing trick for here.
My goodness am I having a fun year.Also the basil....I just cut the leader out of the plant,leave a few small leaves and stick into the aquabed ,viola! New plant,and the old plant bifurcates at that spot sending up 2 leaders making it bushier,Im loving it.
Also that celery from last year keeps dividing! The base just separates into 2 separate plants,pull the baby out of the roots and I have yet another new plant,WOW!
My gosh but the Koi are growing,I feed them at least twice a day and the big guys eat 5 or more pellets in a pass,they are getting REALLY big!
So,amazing year thus far.
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Basil cuttings
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv385_zpsbgn2ochu.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv385_zpsbgn2ochu.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv386_zpsugjmmebv.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv386_zpsugjmmebv.jpg.html)
Garlic cloves
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv387_zps5vjtlnn7.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv387_zps5vjtlnn7.jpg.html)
Koi growing up!
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv381_zpswsmce6kn.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv381_zpswsmce6kn.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv384_zpst49pyhd4.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv384_zpst49pyhd4.jpg.html)
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv382_zpsua4mq4eb.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv382_zpsua4mq4eb.jpg.html)
This one on the bottom right is real friendly,looks right into your face
(http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag47/1spudster/htsv383_zpsp5xrv8wf.jpg) (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/1spudster/media/htsv383_zpsp5xrv8wf.jpg.html)
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My tree clones didnt make it,but my grapes and tomato clones going fine.
2 of 3 tomatoes in pots got knocked over,by dogs I recken.They spent night bent over at stem bases,YIKES!! All wilted and a major heat wave!
Put them on fence outside,tied stems upright to fence.Covered from umbrellas and all still alive and didnt lose any buds,so i might be ok.Dont know if stems will ever recover to be strong again,or if where they are now is where they stay,attached to fence,but they are OK so far.Almost lost 2/3rds of my potted,biggest plants,YIKES!!!!
First,the maters.Pretty wilted....attached to fence.....
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv404_zpshzwtclsb.jpg)
Covered with a small umbrella,then added big one,intense sunlight right now,record temps,bad timing,eh?
3 days later.looking good,dodged a bullet I hope.This is best tomato plants ever,hate to be zapped a setback.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv403_zpsczodm5ft.jpg)
Standing tall!
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv402_zpsotcke3ou.jpg)
Some tomato clones and standing tall are grape clones.Would be nice to make for friends I think....
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv396_zpsvydgxndn.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv395_zpsmsdkam3w.jpg)
Koi say Hi!
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv397_zpswxthkwfz.jpg)
Garlic rooted fast,about a week,already have cloves above water level
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv394_zpsh01mc8dt.jpg)
Bed 2
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv398_zpsaa8lufcp.jpg)
Bed 3,going crazy,snowpeas and blooms on beans
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv399_zpszqwuxg1n.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv400_zpsfupyc09h.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv401_zpst2b2sk9q.jpg)
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Making tomato clones.I cut out a sucker,the growth at the 45 degree angle
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv410_zpsn26qo9au.jpg)
Then i trimmed off some leaves so the stem doesnt have to try and feed them.The lower stem end is cut at an angle to increase the exposure of stem to water,then stick it into the bed that is constantly wet,or moist as it is at night.
The small ones on right are from my smaller cherry tomato,I couldnt find more plants so made clones.The larger left is the new clone from the heirloom purple,my best maters this year
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv413_zps1idj84xn.jpg)
How are the tomatoes doing? The 2 in buckets outside all the time are at most half fence high and a distant 3rd in plants competition
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv414_zpsg79ih94t.jpg)
The inside aquaponic plants are 2nd largest,and are really coming on now.I suspect they might catch up to the best toms
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv418_zpsds4jnfds.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv419_zpsmfrbmkrf.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv420_zpsg9murfyk.jpg)
The plants in the bucket raised in greenhouse are the largest,4 are outdoors and 2 remain in hoophouse.They are a foot above fence
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv417_zpsayugasaj.jpg)
The fava broad beans are flowering like crazy
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv409_zpsk6nms2q4.jpg)
I tied up the mass of beans in bed one to see how they will do and to get an idea how much I can stuff into a bed.There has to be at least 75 plants there,assorted beans peas and a few tomatoes
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv%20406_zpsfwmhx0kk.jpg)
Tomatillo,its like a green tomato for salsa and Mexican dishes,flowering well too,I have high hopes for these as they naturally are big producers,grow like a weed in Mexico.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv415_zpsm3ncjxsy.jpg)
The garlic experiment,looking good.Think they can make a head of garlic?Bulbs are firm,and roots in water level in bed
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo196/htsv408_zpsavhcb9pk.jpg)
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Man Carl! It's like everything is supercharged! Nice work! ;)
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Thanks for the comments Gene,comments very much appreciated. ;)
Really taking off.Here is beds 1 and 2
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv427_zpsgsvsr7n6.jpg)
This is the year of the clones.Tomato and grapes have been proven to work,here is a potted plant,a bean top,and three various size cuttings from the tomatillo,also another tomato experimental on how to prepare roots.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv428_zpsj31spluk.jpg)
On to bed 2...the fly problem has really been knocked out.Second batch of lady bugs have about finished them off.Under control.This is Freddie,the last mantis.Either the others escaped,died or Freddie is a serial murderer,not sure which
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv426_zpsohyck0kk.jpg)
San Marzano Roma babies in 2,and heirlooms on other end
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv429_zpsis5ecr9p.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv430_zpsuxsnnpny.jpg)
Potted tomatoes,marzano and heirlooms in pot
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv431_zps1e6549ll.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv425_zpsp5v9dzf8.jpg)
Sweet 100 going crazy
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv432_zpsgjy1tn9h.jpg)
In bed 4...
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv433_zpseyrauw1o.jpg)
Garlic experiment working so far,bulbs are growing
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv435_zps4nx0gjws.jpg)
Our other garlics,rather small,eh?
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv424_zpsyunn07am.jpg)
3 tomatoes,laid on sides and heading into bed three
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv437_zpsacaqq18k.jpg)
Had to pull tomatillos from above bed 4,too hot,arent pollinating,they too are growing sideways into bed three.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv436_zpshrysk2mn.jpg)
The peppers are growth spurting right now,babies forming
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv434_zpstpipwo0o.jpg)
Snooky says Hi
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv423_zpsmm6ba9eu.jpg)
Girl says Hi
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv422_zpsm6hqu8ke.jpg)
Girl watching her flock eat a watermelon
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv421_zpssexiprqj.jpg)
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You are going to have a tomato bonanza on your hands there!! Our sweet 100 has finally started some teeny baby green tomatoes, looking forward to those ripening-- love to eat them right off the plants! Unfortunately so does our golden retriever, so we have to keep those away from the dog fence. :)
Beans are looking great-- excellent idea to stagger the plantings to keep 'em coming.
Good luck with Freddie-- might want to sleep with one eye open, just in case! :)
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Heehee! Love the mater eating dog Kat!Good luck on yours..... I have such high hopes on ours,its heading into a fantastic year....so far,barring an asteroid hit or ? ? ? ? ? ?
I love the Girl pic,she lined up just right,she DOES actually take watching HER birds seriously,chickens love her too,no fear of her at all.She is so good at not alarming them at all with her size.
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Plants Really suffering.Made several dumb mistakes.
1-over planted beans,they did poorly and ate ALL the nutrients fish could produce.
2-All plants suffering horribly,see #1 above.
3-Let water level fall too much,added too much fresh water,with too much chlorine,fish suffering
Really messed it up.Running pumps full time to Filter out the chlorine,2 days later looking much better
Didnt have kelp fertilizer (see 1 above),and kept putting off going down the hill (HOT!) to get more.Talking to neighbor,he was going next day for supplies.He picked up a gallon of kelp for 30 dollars.Took half of it to feed tanks.Plants looking better but at least half of tomatoes in hoophouse will not survive.
i have 12 tomatoes outside.Looking at my best year,they are about 2-4 weeks behind,i see a lot of green maters coming.....Only now are the sweet 100's starting to produce.
So YUP,I did mess things up,frustrating!
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You have some good looking greens!!! My dog is the same way with birds, he likes to eat outside and the sparrows raid his water bowl and food, he just looks at them! It's different with squirrels and rabbits! Don
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LOL Don.The chickens literally will walk over Girl.Sometimes they peck at her....Move your feet Dog!She just looks away from them,treats em like babies.
Now Snooky,its more like.....You are very lucky you arent lunch Chicken.You have NO IDEA how lucky.If Carl wasnt around you would be snack food!
Speeding up pumps has saved fish.Still going to lose a lot of green in the beds.Cant believe how careless i was,dummy!
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Well I just finally have something to report....
First,we have 3 preying mantis's!
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv371_zpslmw6he9j.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv370_zpsq9sclpei.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv363_zpsxvongedi.jpg)
Fish say hi,doing well
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv367_zpsei9e1veb.jpg)
Grew a beet and a couple turnips in aquaponics,who would have thought that?They need an earlier start though,maybe overwinter them?
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv368_zpstghi5knb.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv369_zpsefgr8mfg.jpg)
Finally the tomatillos.All they did was flower for 2 months,FINALLY put out female flowers and POOF,its making lanterns.Thats where the tomatillo forms,they look like green tomatoes,used in salsa and Mexican green sauce for enchiladas and such.Have 4 plants that grew really well.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/372_zps3oyb50bo.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv364_zpsngdf8clb.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv365_zpsqbn5ikvq.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/mightybooboo002/htsv366_zpsnebz4t40.jpg)
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All looks great Spuds and looks like you have fun with your hobby and get to enjoy the harvest too!!! I had a Dalmatian that loved tomatoes and usually got the first ripe one of the season. You have two great lookin dogs!!! Don
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It's been some time Carl but I do enjoy watching your adventure. ;D
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It's been some time Carl but I do enjoy watching your adventure. ;D
Indeed! Growing the garlic that way was really interesting to see. Glad you got the fish and plant balance sorted out after over-doing it with the water!
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Well,its middle of winter but something nice is happening with the Garlic.I start them in the bed just touching the water.As the roots grow Ive been pulling up the plants,exposing the roots and keeping the bulbs out of the water so they dont rot.Trying some in little buckets too,doesnt seem to make much difference.Hey,I may have found the secret to aquaponic Garlics.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv375_zpsmefxetyn.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv378_zpsqm7lfxk3.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv379_zpsifbyf0ip.jpg)
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3/14/17
Seedlings looking good from this to this so far
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv%20381_zpsf67amnwq.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv382_zps2rwv1dxl.jpg)
Garlic and a celery plant heart in 1/4 inch water,takes a week for roots
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv386_zps0lcxtjj3.jpg)
Small garlic
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv384_zpsj7me1ypn.jpg)
Elephant Garlic
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv385_zpszo3nohtz.jpg)
Early bulbs
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv383_zpsxxzaoc12.jpg)
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My babies doing great!
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv387_zpso9yxex0m.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv388_zpscootqwnf.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv389_zpsqpkd4xz6.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/mightybooboo/htsv391_zpskbvnaur9.jpg)