Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

check this site for an easy, quick and most important cheap solution for fish tanks and growbeds

This type of construction is an idea that has been simmering in my mind for a long time now. Seems it is readily available on the market (maybe someone can download a drawing from the site and post it here, my computer knowledge is limited).

the smaller circular and rectangular pools are most interesting I think

bought in quantity, they come less than $100 each

http://www.intexdevelopment.com/consrv/ ... jsp?id=378

greetings

Frank

I also bought some very affordable (under $15 each) 12 V submersible pumps in a shop that specialises in camping equipment
these pumps are used in camper cars
check your local supplier
greetings
Frank

please post any positive or negative comments as Personal Message (unless they are really relevant), so that this thread stays free of clutter, this will releave the administrators from unnecessary cleaning duties
frank

Frank - I would be concerned with the risk of chemicals leaching from these products. They are not intended to be used for food production. You certainly wouldn't be getting organic certification using these.

Veggie boy, this seems like an important comment.
Are you suggesting that equipment for pools which are meant for people to swim in, could contain chemicals which would leak into foods?
To my knowledge, the liner is made of PVC, which is used for transporting water in many food companies, so I think there is no worry there.
If you are aware of any impediments, please clarify
greetings
frank

Frank, uPVC (unplasticised) like we use for pipes is not the same as the pvc for other items.

It is actually the plasticisers used to make the PVC "pliable" that is of concern

Steve

Frank - those who know me here will realise that I am one of the more anal of us when it comes to concerns about leaching chemicals. However some things that you must consider when discussing aquaponics is that it is a closed loop system in most cases which means that any leaching is likely to concentrate and will end up in either the fish or the vegetables. I would drink water from one of these pools before I would use them in my AP - because at least if used for water storage water would be changed over regularly while flushing toilets, doing washing, waterring garden etc.

PVC is not something that has no risks, particularly plasticised stuff.

I'm not claiming to be an expert on this and I will not be running off to back up what I say with research - cos it isn't going to effect me because I won't be growing in a vinyl pool.

Shit - steve beat me to it. That's what you get when you write too much

I agree also... One possibility is to make a similar frame and support and get a purpose made PVC liner. These have been used for a long time in the aquaculture industry and would be a lot safer albeit a lot more expensive...

any more information on non toxic liners available?
the structure used for these pools remains VERY interesting
frank

like all of us, I tend to write too much and too fast when a topic is of interest
I should heve adde the next question: is (initial, and/or after that periodical) flushing a solution?
Frank

Flushing, ie releasing and replacing the water obviously dilutes any concentrations of leached materials....

However it would also diminish the nutrients within an AP system that are essential for plant growth...

Effectively defeating the purpose of a recirculating AP system

I think frank means at the start Rupe - not on a continuous basis. To get rid of the first and possibly highest period of leaching. I don't know id this is what happens mind you.

indeed, flushing at the start, before putting any fish of vegetables in the systemand maybe later again periodically
any scientifically based info on this?
frank

don't know that flushing would solve the problem, as the plasticisers for part of the chemical makeup of the pvc, i think.

One possible solution is to use food grade liners , like used in food plants, as an internal liner for the pool?