Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Is 24" adequate height for a FT? To me it seems a little shallow. I am in the works for a new system and would like to have a round FT. One in particular I'm interested in is a 96" dia. x 24" H 610 gallon, priced @ 349.99.

Another idea I have is the rain harvesting containers I've seen look to be ideal for a FT. Hoping I could get some feed back on the pros/cons for using the containers as a FT. One concern would be, can I cut the tops off the container or make a larger hole on the top without destroying the integrity of the container.

I've added some photos to give a general idea of the containers I'm thinking of getting.

Thanks!

This one is what I bought and it is working out well.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/produc ... _vc=-10005

If you watch you can get a 10%- 15% coupon.

Here is my tank.
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=24884

I've used a 625 gallon Behlen stock tank for many years and they do work but the fish seem happier with a slightly deeper tank in the 3 ft to 4 ft range (based on what I've seen with the IBC I use for my RAS setup). These can be more expensive if you're buying a good durable round tank.

I am looking at stock tanks myself. When people use a water tank like the one markb is using do they have problems removing fish? do they alter the tank for a larger opening?

I am also thinking IBC totes might work. I will just have to keep an eye out.

MB

Looks like rainharvest ships out of Washougal. Wa (That's Washington State, Not Western Aust.)- It Would be a 3 hour drive or so pick it up if shipping is too much might be an option. I was thinking the dark green...

http://www.rainharvest.com/norwesco-550 ... r-tank.asp

I wanted to go with a stock tank for cost reasons. But I did not think it would be deep enough.
Lots of people use food grade IBC for a fish tank. I wanted a bigger tank than 330 gallons so I had to look for other options.

This post shows the hole I cut in the tank to make it easy to get to the fish.
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=24884#p504921
A green tank would be a better color than clear. I have a thick tarp permanently wrapped my tank to keep it
dark. You can see it in this post viewtopic.php?f=18&t=24884&start=420#p533682

I was going to drive to Atlanta GA and pick up a tank there where Norwesco makes some of their tanks. Tractor supply was cheaper for me after the coupon. I do like the colored tanks better.

various tanks around the forum, and at end of day a circular tank is better than an IBC or square pond of similar volume for circulation and optimal stocking etc. 500-900mm (~4ft) depth is more typical of small *aquaculture* fish tanks (deeper is OK).

some cut top off but then you have to brace the tank sides/lip/top as the lid is often part of its rigidity - but can and has been done. As Mark notes the other common option is simply to cut out access panels so that the basic integrity of the tank roof is kept. These can be left open or covered over with shadecloth etc as you desire.

a lower height tank has advantage that you can access to see and manage the fish more easily.
People have brought large tanks and chopped in half.... but usually because they got a cheap/free second hand one.

The small, shallow stock/feed type tubs have disadvantage that the temperature can vary more easily.
This tends to be reduced in a slightly deeper tank based setup. Consideration for some fish species.

What about using an above ground pool? They make 12' x 48" round steel frame pools, which would be 3100 gallons filled to 45".

I'm considering using a 12x30" pool as a floating raft bed, possibly with koi beneath. An efficient way to add 113 sq ft of leafy green growing space. IBC tanks have worked well for me so far for my tilapia.

A few people have done it, but if you dilute the nutrients, too far, you won't have optimal growth. Nobody says you have to fill the pool to the top though.

Just with the koi (and probably tilapia), they'll have a good munch on your roots, plants don't grow great without roots.