Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello, I am starting an AP set up. I purchased a 55 gallon poly hdpe drum and cut it in half and have a 125 gallon glass fish tank. I am planning on setting it up in a spare bedroom 2nd floor. The fish tank has a slight chip on the very edge where two glass panes meet near the bottom corner. The tank is currently full of water in my garage to make sure it holds water but am questioning if I should risk it on a second floor in my house. I have a few questions.

1) For this size fish tank, do I need 2 55 gallon barrels cut in half for 4 grow beds, or can I just start with one barrel and upgrade later?

2) Would you guys and gals risk the 125 gallon tank with the small chip in the corner (not a crack) PS it is currently holding water with no leaks. I assume my house structure can support 125 gallons.

3) I live in Pueblo, Colorado where we have higher average temperatures than general coloradians, would buying a greenhouse with a "Shed" attachment for the fish with an internal space heater work, or would I spend a lot on heating the area.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I can upload a picture of the tank if that would be helpful.

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum mblaskovich

I wouldn't risk it, that's roughly a 1000 pounds of water so I'd probably leave it outside - I may be overcautious . Someone who's more savvy with aquariums will probably know more than I do about this (I use IBC's and Stock tanks) and will hopefully give you a more detailed answer.

Cheers

You could setup a RAS in your garage using the barrels for the filters and then connect to outside beds in the Spring for the growing season. Greenhouse would work as well.

Thanks for the input. I ended up buying a 100 gallon stock tank at bigR to use instead. It does have a drain on the side of it. For sealing up the drain plug, I am thinking of using teflon tape for the threads and also silicon the seams around it. Is that what you think would be most secure?

I didn't use any silicone sealant on my stock tanks and haven't had any problems but I know others have - I'd probably just use the teflon tape unless access is going to be really tough. If you do decide to go with the Silicone, some have anti fungal agents or other additives so just use good judgement.

Thanks, will do. Ill start with the tape and maybe silicon the outside that would only be exposed if water did leak.