Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've overcrowded my IBC media bed with plants and figure the easiest and most practical way to expand is to add a tiered pvc system, similar to the below image.




The general consensus seems to be 100mm pvc with ~200mm spacing between plants, however I can't find much info about the end-cap style. A push in corner fitting would have the water rushing down and out (not pooling) drawing A, whereas a step-down end cap would allow the water to pool to about ~50mm (drawing B).



Any opinions on these options? I'll most likely be growing strawberries and cucumbers if that makes a difference.

I use something similar to B. The pooling effect seems necessary when you have seedlings and not a lot of roots.
Downside is I do get a bit of crud build up left in the pipe, esp as the roots expand out past the net pots.

...or C.

In warmer weather, cascading the water through a number of tiers can lead to the lower runs having warmer water and less oxygen.

This option also allows you to isolate individual tiers.

That's exactly the kind of idea I needed thanks. I assume there's no reason to go above 100mm pvc?

100mm DWV is fine and is definitely a better option that 90mm storm pipe. It is exactly twice the price of the 90mm, at least it is at the big green shed, but it has 3x the wall thickness.