Alex Aquaponic, Hydroponic, and Outdoor Grows.
- Thread starter Alexander
- Start date
Alexander
Rooted
Hello everyone,
I am glad to be here in a community of knowledgeable growers, sharing what has worked and failed for me. I would like to use this topic to discuss my grows, and get feedback to improve.
I started playing with aquaponics about 10 years ago by building a 3 IBC tote system and some 55 gallon barrel systems. I followed Rob Bob’s Aquaponics channel and modeled my systems of the ones i watched him build.
the systems have been great producers of strawberry, tomato, leafy greens etc. I have them stocked with a variety of fish (some channel cats, bluegill, and some goldfish)
this year, planted a few clones taken from my indoor, and put them in the system (although they didnt get planted till quite late in the growing season) though the plants are not massive they are nearing the end of flowering and have quite nice buds.
am looking forward to growing in these guys for a full outdoor aquaponics powered grow for next year.
here are a couple short vids on TikTok showing the systems
IBC tank system
barrel system
as well as a couple pics
ibc2091×1208 399 KB
catfish1512×2016 229 KB
deck21512×2016 636 KB
deck1512×2016 674 KB
in addition to the aquaponics, have a dedicated 10 x 10 ish area in my shed where will be growing hydroponically in a RDWC system based on totes and a sump. here are a couple pics from that setup and last little harvest from my indoor 3x2 tent.
shed1512×2016 320 KB
thick1512×2016 354 KB
setup1512×2016 467 KB
indoor21512×2016 685 KB
I am glad to be here in a community of knowledgeable growers, sharing what has worked and failed for me. I would like to use this topic to discuss my grows, and get feedback to improve.
I started playing with aquaponics about 10 years ago by building a 3 IBC tote system and some 55 gallon barrel systems. I followed Rob Bob’s Aquaponics channel and modeled my systems of the ones i watched him build.
the systems have been great producers of strawberry, tomato, leafy greens etc. I have them stocked with a variety of fish (some channel cats, bluegill, and some goldfish)
this year, planted a few clones taken from my indoor, and put them in the system (although they didnt get planted till quite late in the growing season) though the plants are not massive they are nearing the end of flowering and have quite nice buds.
am looking forward to growing in these guys for a full outdoor aquaponics powered grow for next year.
here are a couple short vids on TikTok showing the systems
IBC tank system
barrel system
as well as a couple pics
ibc2091×1208 399 KB
catfish1512×2016 229 KB
deck21512×2016 636 KB
deck1512×2016 674 KB
in addition to the aquaponics, have a dedicated 10 x 10 ish area in my shed where will be growing hydroponically in a RDWC system based on totes and a sump. here are a couple pics from that setup and last little harvest from my indoor 3x2 tent.
shed1512×2016 320 KB
thick1512×2016 354 KB
setup1512×2016 467 KB
indoor21512×2016 685 KB
Alexander
Rooted
So this is my indoor grow area in a 10x20 shed, half is partitioned into grow area and lined in insulation board. And I only grow on one side of the shed, so realistically it’s a 10 ft x 3 ft grow.
It’s a recirculating DWC system consisting of 4 totes and an additional tote as a sump.
Each tote has a standpipe connected to a common drain to sump. The standpipes ensure a consistent water level in each tote. Which provides consistent water level, plenty of air to roots, and roots being less likely to block pipes. Pump in the sump delivers water to each tote at a rate of about 50 GPH thru irrigation piping, which then overflows back to the sump via standpipe and gravity.
Have two lights both full spectrum LED’s. One 400w and the other 200w.
Box fan in the roof corner for air circ. Fresh air is pulled in from outside, where I happen to have my rabbit hutches attached to the shed. (Little furry CO2 providers)
Airstones in each tote, sump, water reservoir, etc
Running a room air conditioner and dehumidifier vented outside to keep temps at a reasonable level.
A/C and dehumidifier both drain to 55 gallon drum in the corner. I use a mixture of my well water (which is very high PH) and the condensate water (which is very low PH) to maintain PH.
Total system water is about 60 gallons. Like to keep nutrient Ppm’s around 600 during veg, 800 ish during flower. General hydro trio with a bit of cal mag and tiny amount of silica.
Using inside tent to dry / grow out cuttings for friends / transplant to outdoor grow (aquaponics, 5 gal buckets etc)
It’s really almost identical to my outdoor aquaponic setup, except with a standing water level versus using an auto siphon system.
Also have a couple Gnomes keepin an eye on things.
Roots in the bubble bath.
Standpipe
It’s a recirculating DWC system consisting of 4 totes and an additional tote as a sump.
Each tote has a standpipe connected to a common drain to sump. The standpipes ensure a consistent water level in each tote. Which provides consistent water level, plenty of air to roots, and roots being less likely to block pipes. Pump in the sump delivers water to each tote at a rate of about 50 GPH thru irrigation piping, which then overflows back to the sump via standpipe and gravity.
Have two lights both full spectrum LED’s. One 400w and the other 200w.
Box fan in the roof corner for air circ. Fresh air is pulled in from outside, where I happen to have my rabbit hutches attached to the shed. (Little furry CO2 providers)
Airstones in each tote, sump, water reservoir, etc
Running a room air conditioner and dehumidifier vented outside to keep temps at a reasonable level.
A/C and dehumidifier both drain to 55 gallon drum in the corner. I use a mixture of my well water (which is very high PH) and the condensate water (which is very low PH) to maintain PH.
Total system water is about 60 gallons. Like to keep nutrient Ppm’s around 600 during veg, 800 ish during flower. General hydro trio with a bit of cal mag and tiny amount of silica.
Using inside tent to dry / grow out cuttings for friends / transplant to outdoor grow (aquaponics, 5 gal buckets etc)
It’s really almost identical to my outdoor aquaponic setup, except with a standing water level versus using an auto siphon system.
Also have a couple Gnomes keepin an eye on things.
Roots in the bubble bath.
Standpipe
Alexander
Rooted
I rarely need to run the Dehumidifier, (if we have rain, and it's hot out, I will need to turn it on for a few days) But depending on the stage of the grow, the system will run thru anything from 1-2 gallons a day to 8-10 in early flower stretch. I travel a good bit, so I needed a system that could handle being alone for a week or two, with about 60 gallons total capacity this def does that.
I have been toying with the idea of just attaching a float valve in the reservoir sump that's connected to my 55 gallon barrel that i store my AC and Dehu water in... so that it just autofills to a set capacity...
Alexander
Rooted
Girls have been quite thirsty these last couple weeks, and have (fingers crossed) pretty much finished the stretch.
Day 33 of flower. Golden Bough is really looking nice.
IMG_80621512×2016 308 KB
IMG_80611512×2016 347 KB
IMG_80632016×1512 528 KB
IMG_80602016×1512 539 KB
Acapulco Gold Purple is all over the place… Definitely went way to far in veg for this tall leggy sativa... she will need to be an outdoor grow in the future..
IMG_80652016×1512 543 KB
IMG_80642016×1512 455 KB
Day 33 of flower. Golden Bough is really looking nice.
IMG_80621512×2016 308 KB
IMG_80611512×2016 347 KB
IMG_80632016×1512 528 KB
IMG_80602016×1512 539 KB
Acapulco Gold Purple is all over the place… Definitely went way to far in veg for this tall leggy sativa... she will need to be an outdoor grow in the future..
IMG_80652016×1512 543 KB
IMG_80642016×1512 455 KB
pepperpicante
CHOOSE YOUR TITLE
looks like a fun time
Alexander
Rooted
update on Golden Bough grow... have a few other plants in there, but this particular one is really peaking my interest.
using some new logging software, not completely dialed in on it yet, plz ignore some of the values on stuff... ppfd etc.
#
Golden Bough - Grow Report
> **
Photoperiod** • 7 plants • 80 days
##
By The Numbers
|
Days | 
Milestones | 
Issues | 
Photos | 
Waterings | 
Feedings |
|:------:|:------------:|:--------:|:--------:|:-----------:|:----------:|
| 80 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
###
Journey Overview
| Phase | Duration |
|-------|:--------:|
| Germination | █ 4d |
| Seedling | ██ 7d |
| Veg | ██████ 28d |
| Flower | ██████████ 63d |
| Flush | ██ 7d |
##
Setup Details
| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| **Type** | Photoperiod |
| **Plants** | 7 |
| **PPFD** | 500 µmol/m²/s |
| **Light (Veg)** | 18h |
| **Light (Flower)** | 12h |
| **Tent Size** | 300×200 cm |
## The Cast
| # | Name | Strain | Seed Type | Pot | Notes |
|:-:|------|--------|:---------:|:---:|-------|
| 7 | **Plant 7** | Blue Nerdz | Regular | 25L | - |
| 6 | **Plant 6** | Rainbow Belts | Regular | 25L | - |
| 5 | **Plant 5** | Golden Bough | Regular | 50L | - |
| 4 | **Plant 4** | Acapulco Purple Gold | Regular | 50L | - |
| 3 | **Plant 3** | Acapulco Purple Gold | Regular | 50L | - |
| 2 | **Plant 2** | Golden Bough | Regular | 50L | - |
| 1 | **Plant 1** | Golden Bough | Regular | 50L | - |
##
Key Dates
| Phase | Date | Day |
|-------|------|:---:|
| Germination | Jul 30, 2026 | 0 |
| Sprout | Aug 3, 2026 | - |
|
Veg Start | Aug 10, 2026 | 7 |
|
Flower Start | Sep 7, 2026 | 35 |
| Flush Start | Nov 9, 2026 | 98 |
|
Harvest | Nov 16, 2026 | 105 |
---
##
Timeline
### Week 12 • Flower
- **Day 80** Watered
- **Day 80** Watered
> 56 L · runoff pH 6.2 · Added 15 gallons to res
- **Day 80** Fed
> Master blend + MKP · 700 ppm EC · Added master blend, silica, mkp and cal mag.
- **Day 80** Watered
> Dense bud formations. Bud structures are stacked almost solid for an about 14 inches. Light pine fresh scent. Buds are getting heavy some may need support.
- **Day 80** Watered
- **Day 80** Watered
> This plant has some good potential. Enviroment is hanging around 60 RH and temp from 70-74.
- **Day 80**
Photo
---
_Generated by [OG Grow Journal Assistant](https://github.com/specialagentmrrandom-byte/grow-tool) on October 22, 2026_
using some new logging software, not completely dialed in on it yet, plz ignore some of the values on stuff... ppfd etc.
#
Golden Bough - Grow Report> **
Photoperiod** • 7 plants • 80 days##
By The Numbers|
Days | Milestones | Issues | Photos | Waterings | Feedings ||:------:|:------------:|:--------:|:--------:|:-----------:|:----------:|
| 80 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
###
Journey Overview| Phase | Duration |
|-------|:--------:|
| Germination | █ 4d |
| Seedling | ██ 7d |
| Veg | ██████ 28d |
| Flower | ██████████ 63d |
| Flush | ██ 7d |
##
Setup Details| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| **Type** | Photoperiod |
| **Plants** | 7 |
| **PPFD** | 500 µmol/m²/s |
| **Light (Veg)** | 18h |
| **Light (Flower)** | 12h |
| **Tent Size** | 300×200 cm |
##
The Cast| # | Name | Strain | Seed Type | Pot | Notes |
|:-:|------|--------|:---------:|:---:|-------|
| 7 | **Plant 7** | Blue Nerdz | Regular | 25L | - |
| 6 | **Plant 6** | Rainbow Belts | Regular | 25L | - |
| 5 | **Plant 5** | Golden Bough | Regular | 50L | - |
| 4 | **Plant 4** | Acapulco Purple Gold | Regular | 50L | - |
| 3 | **Plant 3** | Acapulco Purple Gold | Regular | 50L | - |
| 2 | **Plant 2** | Golden Bough | Regular | 50L | - |
| 1 | **Plant 1** | Golden Bough | Regular | 50L | - |
##
Key Dates| Phase | Date | Day |
|-------|------|:---:|
|
Germination | Jul 30, 2026 | 0 ||
Sprout | Aug 3, 2026 | - ||
Veg Start | Aug 10, 2026 | 7 ||
Flower Start | Sep 7, 2026 | 35 ||
Flush Start | Nov 9, 2026 | 98 ||
Harvest | Nov 16, 2026 | 105 |---
##
Timeline### Week 12 •
Flower- **Day 80**
Watered- **Day 80**
Watered> 56 L · runoff pH 6.2 · Added 15 gallons to res
- **Day 80**
Fed> Master blend + MKP · 700 ppm EC · Added master blend, silica, mkp and cal mag.
- **Day 80**
Watered> Dense bud formations. Bud structures are stacked almost solid for an about 14 inches. Light pine fresh scent. Buds are getting heavy some may need support.
- **Day 80**
Watered- **Day 80**
Watered> This plant has some good potential. Enviroment is hanging around 60 RH and temp from 70-74.
- **Day 80**
Photo---
_Generated by [OG Grow Journal Assistant](https://github.com/specialagentmrrandom-byte/grow-tool) on October 22, 2026_
