DIY Aquaponics System 2 Indoor

After establishing the DIY aquaponic system in the living room, I started work on phase two of the build out. I made a few functional changes, like plumbing two waterfalls for movement and aeration. I also decided to switch from my DIY gravel filter to an external canister filter. I removed the upper grow boxes and created plexiglass net pot holders for the goldfish pond.

The removal of the upper grow boxes allowed me to achieve much cleaner lines. I created an aesthetically pleasing wooden wrap that follows the clean lines. I also did some finer wood work to wrap the waterfalls, and used aluminum strips to suspend the lighting.

I expanded the system with a 20 gallon tall tank. Its fed from the canister filter, and returns to the sump/crawfish tank. I added a sponge filter to the 20 gallon to helps polish the water. A sponge filter could probably handle the 20 gallon filtration on its own, but my stocking density is pretty high, and the point of the system is to utilize fish and plants to create balance. I couldn’t create that balance of nitrate production and removal without tying the plumbing back to the whole system where the majority of the plant life is.

The 20 gallon sits on a stand, made from the same wooden materials as the rest of the system. It ties together the aesthetics, but also elevates the tank to make the return to the sump functional.

At night, the led lighting on the aquaponics system is very soothing, and the sound from the waterfalls adds a zen like ambience.

I wanted to achieve an aquaponics system that is enjoyable to look at. I think I’ve achieved that, and I’m happy with how it all looks and operates. I did further enhance the experience with LED lighting in all tanks. I also did some aquascaping with dark slate stone and white high contrasting sand in the 20 gal. The sand increases the surface area for beneficial bacteria to inhabit, so it improved the system.

I have minor plans for more lighting, and an elevated sump style aquaponics system over the 20 gallon. Some other minor wood work will happen to create a more cohesive aesthetic, but I’ll be happy to call it ‘done’, soon and focus more on plants and automation with a raspberry pi microcontroller.

If you missed the part one, with an equipment list, check it out here.