Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi
I thought it was about time I updated this thread.
I hope the naivety, ignorance and sheer hubris of my earlier posts, although personally embarrassing, will help somehow.
I collected 30 perch (Perca fluviatilis( fingerlings last Monday 10/11).
They went into my quarantine tank. 250 ltr FT with two 40 ltr clay GB and a DIY pre filter: brush/50 mtre gutter guard/scourer and a DIY static bio filter ( Bio balls/wall fixings)
The Ft is a standard UK loft cold water tank. I fitted a centre 40mm drain with an external level. The drain hole is covered by a, “upturned saucer”. I believe this is called a, ‘Cornell’ drain. This is only operational when the FT (FT2) is connected to the main system. In quarantine mode I have a 2nd pump in the FT and the water level is reduced below the level of the external SLO.
Most of the fish immediately decided to set up home in the saucer!

I digress but;
Following the Great Fire of London in 1666 the Crown decided that all dwellings above a certain size should have, At least 40 gallons of water readily available.
This law has never been repealed. Thus when cold water systems began to be installed in houses this was the standard size of choice.

My initial thoughts were as they grew they would be unable to fit under the saucer.
Wrong. Water temperature is about 9*C and the little ***** ain’t hungry.
I am reluctant to remove the saucer as I feel it reduces stress on the ‘little-uns’
but would welcome any experience.
I had previously salted to 3PPT and all water parameters are good.
I understand that 4*C is at the bottom of temperature range for perch.
So I suppose I better start planning for some sort of emergency heating.
More soon plus photos
Titus

Maybe the big ones will move out if you give them an alternative location they can hide under.

Hi
I am working on a few modifications to my system. My existing RFF is a 225 ltr olive barrel. It works well in separating the solids but the method of then removing them could be improved. I have tried a couple of different ways and none have been really acceptable.
So I am in the process of constructing a new RFF from a water cooler bottle.
This frees up the olive barrel. What I want to do is lay this on it’s side to increase sump capacity. Two possible problems. It will be next in line to the RFF. That is FT>RFF> olive barrel. I am a bit concerned that it could act as a settling tank. So I plan on installing an internal 40mm SLO connected to the existing 22mm outlet to waste. The inlet/outlet are 40mm
The second problem is sealing it. I don’t want to permanently glue it shut.
You can see the lid arrangement from the photos. A recessed lid with a rubber gasket and an over seal screw lid.
What would you recommend to add to ensure it is watertight?

I would think the sealing on these would be pretty good.
I would just put some rubber grease or solid vegetable oil on the seal and on the thread
and it should be good.
use a strap wrench to tighten it. (an old multi vee fan / alternator belt would be good)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/papa-bear ... 9g4-5MxBu5

You don't need to seal it if you bring the filter up to the high point of your system. That also usually puts the bottom drain in a good height to be able to capture solids in a bucket.

Hi
Thanks guys. It is a major change and will involve both FT’s relying on back up systems for longer than I feel comfortable with. Just needed some reassurance.

hi Titus what did the water temp get to in summer?

Hi Slowboat
I was fixated on 22*C. This as you know is limit for Rainbow Trout.
I did all the usual nonsense. Frozen milk bottles , F/d at night etc. At one point I ran a return fifty meter coil of hose in the FT from a sump pump ( constant 10*C) in the well. I thought I was doing good when the temperature stayed below 21.9*c
Temperature hit 24*C fish died.
With hindsight I had bad leaks which required constant top ups. Very hard water so constant PH buffering resulting in high PH values. O2 pump ran from a solar panel so maybe insufficient O2 . Since added an O2 pump.
This was a major factor in my decision to change to European Perch for the main tank.
My new Trout tanks (new one being added) are heavily insulated and in the shade.
You live and learn

I have decided to do the modifications to my system in stages.
The first phase was to construct and fit the new water cooler bottle RFF.
Construction is pretty much self explanatory. I used a pop bottle with the top cut off for the flow separator. The main problem was fixing and supporting the weight. In the end I used heavy duty cable ties to secure to the frame of the IBC. A 110mm pipe cut to length also supports the weight. I cut a hole in this to accommodate the discharge pipe. Temporary piping, hence the ‘spaghetti’
I am more than happy with it! You can literately watch the solids falling to the bottom.

Just ensure the sunlight is not hitting the RFF it will create algae and deteriorate the bottle.

Send you PM earlier re Airline. Cheers

Check this page for my airline install viewtopic.php?f=18&t=14114&start=210

Hi
How do I provide a ‘working link’ to the threads in my signature?
Can i just paint it blue like Dasboot?

so cool, love your system

that is awesome Titus

Hi Brian
Thank you!
Cool is the word at the moment!
-4*C here last night!
And guess what I am working on?
Yep! cooling tower for the NFT system
I can’t wait for the warmer weather.
However main grow bed is holding up.
Slow growth .Yes but not bad for outside at this time of year