Bonsai and aquaponics

[squizzy]

Hi All,

I was just sitting and pondering the other day at the marvel of aquaponics and the speed and aggression in which veges grow in these conditions and it got me thinking. I am very impatient when it comes to bonsai ( not a good attribute I realise) But what if I where to plant a tree in an aquaculture grow bed. Do you think I might get the same rates of growth?

Has anyone done this? I have only seen 1 video on Youtube and it wasnt a great example. What are you thoughts please people. I am thinking of the proper ebb and flow systems by the way.

Cheers

Squizz

[Steve Warren]

In theory, yes, it should speed things up for you, but then again will it provide the same ramification that can be acheived with patience? It would make for a great experiment. Maybe you could start a test case, who knows, you could pioneer a whole new way of growing bonsai.

Steve W

[squizzy]

I think I would consider experimenting with something like a trident that could have a nice fat trunk developed and then be pulled from the bed and develop the branches from there? What do the trident growers think? would they handle wet feet at 15min intervals?

Squizz

[shibui]

I think it would be ideal to develop trunks quickly. You have the attributes necessary for rapid growth - nutrient and water always available where in the growing beds these can be limited at some times of the year slowing growth. I'm just wondering about the developing rootsystem and how to ensure a good radial spread.
As moisture is abundantly available on a regular basis I suppose it should be possible to take the tree out, even during the growing season, and prune downward roots to encourage a radial system then put it back in?? Could a tile/board/etc be used and still allow the roots to obtain moisture?

[Hackimoto]

This reminds me of Shirley McLeans book titled "I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can".

[ADO]

Hi

My Auntie owns a very large hydroponics business and grows all sorts of plants in aquaponic grow media exclusively. She grows orchids of many species and they are thriving. she also has a number of lovely PJ ficus stock and finished bonsai which are totally in grow media. She also has a first class (to my eyes) bougainvillea also grown in fired clay balls....she fertilisers with aquaponic based liquid fertilisers. The last time i visited she gave me some small grade grow media and I am going to try that as part of a bonsai soil mix when I repot a couple of junipers in spring.
As an aside, apparently the clay balls in their raw unfired form are mixed with saw dust and when fired, this creates the fissures and cavities which allow for nutrient holding etc (thats how i understand it). They are made in Germany.

cheers

[squizzy]

This reminds me of Shirley McLeans book titled "I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can".

Hack, Im wondering if you are refering to me as "a brave person with a curious mind" or is it something else from the book?

Cheers

Squizz

[Andrew F]

Step one - Find food grade IBC containers. At reasonable price.
Step two - Sterilize.
Step three - Cut top 20% off, flip it over mount it [somehow]
Step 4 - Buy pond pump with good head height, plumb pump to spray bar.
Step 5 - Buy a few kg of clay balls. No ferts.
Step 6 - Fill with water and feed ammonia, monitor water thru the nitrification process till parameters level out and you get a good beneficial bacteria going.
Step 7 - Buy fish, Koi or gold fish [some nice orandas to look at?] or go with Silver perch fingerlings from a farm raise them to plate size
Step 8 - Plant experiment tree, post results with pics preferably

[squizzy]

Cheers VS

I have read up a bit about the aquaponic thing and experimented briefly ( with a certain level of failure) its Ok though as I have learnt plenty from it. Note to all. Do not introduce ducks into the area where the fishpond is. Massive mistake as now I have no fish but on the upside I have no snails of slugs either!

Cheers

Squizz

[Andrew F]

Cheers VS

I have read up a bit about the aquaponic thing and experimented briefly ( with a certain level of failure) its Ok though as I have learnt plenty from it. Note to all. Do not introduce ducks into the area where the fishpond is. Massive mistake as now I have no fish but on the upside I have no snails of slugs either!

Cheers

Squizz

LOL.

Had a thought go with 10mm scoria as media to bring costs down a bit.

[Mojo Moyogi]

Hi VSL, from what I have read and watched, 10mm media is to fine to use in grow beds, 20mm is a better size.

Cheers,
Mojo

[squizzy]

Slightly off topic I noticed a video on youtube the other day explaining the benifits of introducing worms into the grow beds to reduce the build up of gunk within the grow beads or gravel. Sounds interesting although I thought the waste from the worms would be an issue? What are some thoughts on this. Has anyone had experience with introducing worms?

Cheers

Squizz

[Andrew F]

Mojo, 20mm would be alot better in hindsight, no as much chance of dead spots of waste [sulfur build ups] and more free flowing water and dissolved oxygen for the bacteria.

Squizzy, Thats food for thought. Gareth would be the best person to chine in as he is a wizard with water chemistry and uses worm/worm castings/worm juice for his bonsai.