Aquaponics is an innovative way of growing fish and vegetables together in a closed-loop system that benefits both plants and fish. In this system, fish produce waste, which is rich in nutrients, and this waste is then converted into food for the plants. In turn, the plants purify the water, creating a symbiotic relationship between the fish and plants.

Let's talk about the challenges of building a successful aquaponic system, even though it has many benefits. Rob, a seasoned aquaponics enthusiast, shares his experience and advises that he wouldn't build his aquaponic system the same way again.

Rob's system has been working well for the past five years, but he shares that there are some things that he would do differently if he were to start again. Firstly, he recommends using fish tanks that have a better ratio of height to diameter. The tanks he used were too tall, which affected water circulation. Rob explains that fish need a current to swim against, and a lower tank would provide better swirl in the water, leading to better water circulation.

Secondly, Rob explains that the drain line he used was not ideal. He recommends using two separate 2-inch drain lines going down into the radial flow settler, which would have the correct velocity to take all the solids and get them deposited out into the filter.

Thirdly, Rob talks about the hose work he used to deliver the water to the fish tank. He recommends running smooth bore pipe as close as possible to the inlet on the fish tank, cutting down on the level of restrictions in the water flow.

Rob also discusses the filter and the bioreactor, sharing that he would have utilized the drum better, made a box mesh filter, or tried another media to collect those finds and wash them out at a later date. He recommends using a bulkhead fitting instead of a uni seal to prevent leaks.

Lastly, Rob would change the entire layout of the tanks and grow beds. He would move the fish tanks to the bottom and have them closer to the pump, as well as use pipe instead of hose to deliver water to the grow beds.

In conclusion, Rob's experience shows that building an aquaponic system is a learning process, and there are always things that you can improve. He advises taking the time to research and plan carefully before building an aquaponic system and being prepared to make changes and adjustments as needed.