Last month I posted an article called Vertical Aquaponics Problems Solved. As of this morning it is my hightst paying post to date, so I figured it was about time for an update on how things are going.
The system is basically a CHOP2 configuration. This is where a single pump in the sump tank (lowest point in the system) is used to pump to the fish tank and vertical towers simultaneously. From there everything drains back to the sump tank.
We use goldfish in the system for two main reasons. The first is cost, at 22 cents each stocking a system with 250 or so goldfish is affordable. The second is adaptability, they can survive within a wide range of temperatures from below ice to over 100 degrees farenheight water temps.
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For plants, we have strawberries, pac choy, Swiss chard, and garlic chives. We also have some mint growing in the drain trough. I have yet to even test the pH in this system, so I don't even know what it is. Looking at the plants tells me it is likely fine. I don't see any nutrient deficiencies yet either.
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Overall I am very happy with how the system has been working. Between the the additional filtration and vibratory motor on the tower drip manifold, there hasn't been any clogging. This is awesome because it has made the system virtually maintenance free. The only thing I need to do daily is feed the fish.