Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello! I've been lurking around here for quite some time, and I've finally been able to build my first system! Of course, with my first system comes my first post asking for help. I haven't gotten my hands on a working camera yet, but when I do I'll post a whole system thread. For now, I'll just put in the relevant details.

My small setup consists of two 25 gallon fiberglass 1/2 barrels; one tank, one grow bed. The bed is placed above, and drains via a bell siphon that utilizes a preexisting drain in the bottom of the 1/2 barrell. There is one pump constantly running from the tank to the growbed. After checking for leaks, I filled the bed with gravel, and bought goldfish.

The system is currently running perfectly on a 13 minute flood/drain cycle (11 min. flood/2 min. drain) but, 3 days after adding the gravel and the goldfish, I've got a slow, seeping leak from the grow bed. I used a fish safe pond waterfall foam sealant to fill in the small gap between the PVC fittings and the barrel, and I'm fairly sure that's where the problem lies. I really don't want to have to dismantle the whole growbed to fix the problem, not only because I don't want to have to deal with all that gravel again, but also because it's running so well.

Now, my many questions: Do I have to take apart the whole grow bed, or is there another way? How much leaking is too much? Is any amount of leaking permissable? I've seen posts here about bio-film, how much of a leak can that fill? Will a good layer of aquarium silicone do the trick or will it just be a waste of time so long as the growbed is in use? How would you guys approach this problem?

Thanks!
Jordan

Hmmm... yes bio film might fill a few drops an hour,
but not a leak as such.
leaks need to be repaired from the inside Soz
C1

For silicon to work you'll need the GB dry and probably at least partially disassembled. sorry.
+1 on biofilm. Biofilm will stop many leaks, so long as there is little pressure, ie pin prick small holes with very little <400mm of water above.
Problem is biofilm takes some time to build up. A new leak in an existing system will block up in a week I have found, but in a new system, there's no biofilm so you'll be waiting much longer.
A slow seeping leak sounds like a crack to me, otherwise it should be a dribble from the fittings.
Wish we could help more, good luck with the camera.

+1

External leaks can be fixed with silicone, it just takes a few days to fully stop the leak. Add a layer every day (after drying the surface as much as possible) (hair dryer etc) and it will stick, and stop the leak.

Is the system indoors or outdoors? Where is the leak dripping? How bad is the water loss and can you direct it somewhere useful (stick a potted plant under it or something?)

If the system is indoors, I would take it apart and fix the leak properly.

If the system is outside, it might not matter as much. If the leak happens to be dripping back into the fish tank, then don't worry about it. If it really is just minor seepage, then it is up to you to decide if the leak is a problem. If you are loosing enough water to need to top up much extra each day, then you should probably put forth effort to fix the problem.