Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have roughly 18x5 meters to utilize for growing area. I am wondering what would be the best type of system to build. I have no shortage of barrels but I think creating a flood/drain would be difficult? Please advise on what would be the best way to do it.

Joel has a pretty sizeable system that uses looped autosiphons on each barrel-half to do flood and drain.

That's a fair area you have available to you Slicer.....

Looks like you've got a bit of reading and researching to do on the forum to find ways to utilise that sort of space

Well I can get the barrels I am just wondering if thats the most cost effective way to do it.

You could make GBs from ferro-cement and excavate pathways between them to make planting/ harvesting easier.
The main criteria is that you need to be able to reach all of the plants from the side of the GB. GB planting media is reported as needing to be approx 30cm deep.

Merry Christmas,
Tony

I do not want to really add permanent structures to the yard as I rent

I think barrels are cheapest. Just a lot of plumbing involved. I always break it down to price per gallon.. i.e. I can get old DrPepper drums for $8 each. 8/50gallons=.16 cents a gallon. You will not beat that kinda price.. Stock tanks range from .30 to .65 cents a gallon and larger poly tanks can get much higher; over 1.50/gallon. I looked at buying some 250 gallon(946.35295 liters) 12 inch/30 cm deep poly trays and the price per gallon was .65 cents per gallon, but the shipping was over $100 per tray! (90 inch/228.6 centimeters tray) If you break it down to cost per gallon you will know if you are getting a good deal on what ever you consider..