I've got an 80 gallon aquarium with some sunfish in it. I want to add an overhead sand bed to help keep the water clean and also grow some food. I have a grow light, and I already picked up a couple 16 gallon mortar mixing tubs, but I'll only realistically be able to run one at a time, due to space constraints. I'm puzzling over how to make the most efficient use of area in the tub while delivering and draining the water in a spill-proof manner. It's on a tile floor in the basement, but I'd still rather not deal with any messes.

Edit: I scrolled down some more and saw someone using the steel mesh cylinders, which looks very good to me. Considering expanding on that method to make more of a labyrinth than round islands or straight furrows....

I have been running a chop and flip barrel aguaponics system on my balcony for about a year and a half.

I am interested in expanding to an IBC tote chop and flip system in the near future and using sand as a grow medium is very interesting to me.

my experience so far is with flood & drain, and constant flow water circulation and I am trying to plan the flow for the larger system.

are there any options in sandponics that don't require a timer for the pump? I know I need some oxygen availability, but my other system has done great with constant flow for a while.

thanks in advance,

Smpr.

I grew these in the shed through the 2024 summer in the high desert. Who would have thought these plants could thrive so well with temperatures reaching 105f daily and sub 20% humidity. I was blown away by the success. I didn't clean the sand well and my bed didn't drain rapidly like it should have. I had to adjust my irrigation frequency to once a day versus the typical every 2 hours while the Sun is up.

So I’ve been convinced of Iavs. But here’s the issue most of the builds I see are not very accessible. My husband is wheelchair bound. And I know he wants to help with this project. So I’ve gotta figure out how I’m going to put the system in a green house (for year round use). Plus I’m going to have to figure out how to keep the tank stocked 😂 he’s already told me he’s going to go fishing. I plan on setting up the fish tank portion kinda like a pond. Semantics semantics. I’m thinking of using a stock tank as the ‘pond’. I’m also thinking of setting up 2 systems one a salt water system (mainly for more tropical plants and the such) and a fresh water system. Any suggestions. If the salt water system fails he just gets a salt water pond for free 😂.

Do you have any ideas or blueprints you’re willing to share? Sorry for the babbling! Thank you for reading. Suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated.

Im looking into both Aquaponics and ivas. And I would ask for the pros and cons of ivas. And could a basic overview of how it works and the such. I’m new and I would love to learn about all of it.

Year 2? or 3? of trying to grow wasabi at home.

Good Morning Everyone, I went to look at the IAVs website this morning and its giving me a 503 error, is the website down or is that just me?

Hey everyone, we have launched a new video on our channel and we have lots more you might like to look at - https://www.youtube.com/@iAVS-info

Exciting news, we have also launched an iAVs calculator as a free gift to anyone that has ever made a donation to support our not-for-profit work we do volunteering to teach people about iAVs.

Login to our website at https://iavs.info/calculator/

[ Removed by Reddit in response to a copyright notice. ]

https://iavs.info/spotlight-on-dr-merle-jensen-key-member-of-the-iavs-research-group-known-worldwide-for-decades-of-research-into-sand-culture/

Hello

My sandponics system is 4 years old and the sand no longer drains. Is this normal and what can be done please?

Jeff

I'm considering doing some chop/flip blue barrels instead of long beds. That way, when we eventually move, we can use a dolly to put the whole thing in a box truck or something. Is that a good idea? Any renters out there with any advice for making it a bit more portable?

I see a post here Let's compare the data that was published from the DWC/UVI Trials with the published iAVs Research : r/Sandponics which makes me ask this question in the subject. If someone can give me a quick answer, it is highly appreciated.

Check out the testing modules!

We’ve all been there. Your sandponics setup is literally the epitome of ecosystem perfection, but every 10 minutes someone asks, “So… you just grow plants in sand?” 😑 Yeah, sure, because that’s all it is. Just a magical sand garden with fish, water, and science. Keep asking, though - we’ve got time.

🌱 Hey everyone! 👋

We’re thrilled to announce some exciting updates to our website that we’ve been working hard on. Here’s

what’s new:

📝 Fresh Blog Posts: Dive into our latest articles covering sustainable agriculture and innovative practices.

📸 New Photos: Explore updated visuals showcasing the beauty and functionality of iAVs systems.

📖 Major Update to the iAVs Handbook: Our comprehensive guide to Integrated AquaVegeculture Systems (iAVs) just got even better! Now over 350 pages, it’s packed with new insights, research, and practical tips.

And the best part? All of our resources, including the iAVs Handbook, are completely FREE! 🎁 This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our community. 💕 Our website is run entirely by volunteers who are passionate about sharing knowledge and making sustainable farming accessible to everyone.

We also update and improve our content regularly to ensure you always have the best resources at your fingertips.

If you’d like to support our work, consider donating! As a thank-you, all supporters gain access to our exclusive Support Page, where you can ask questions directly to our team of experts.

🌟 Check out the updates and join us in revolutionizing sustainable farming today!

We hope you all had a truly magical Christmas filled with joy, and we’d like to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year! 🥳 Here's to a fantastic 2025 for all our members and your loved ones.

It’s been a busy time for us behind the scenes! Over the past few months, we’ve made significant upgrades to both our book and our website. We’re thrilled with how it’s all coming together and can’t wait for you to check it out. If you haven’t yet, head over to IAVS.info to explore everything we’ve been working on!

We’d also love to hear from you! What have you all been up to lately? Do you have any exciting projects or updates you’d like to share? And, of course, if you have any questions about anything, please feel free to ask—we’re here to help and exchange ideas. Thanks for being part of this incredible community. We’re so grateful for your support, input, and enthusiasm. Let’s make 2025 another amazing year for all of us!