Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Has anyone worked with galvalume metal for tanks and grow beds? We got a quote on stainless tanks and, wow, not cheap. Galvalume is half the price.

You have to take in the cost of coating the insides so the zinc does not kill your fish.

Yes must be coated, but it's not too expensive.

What would we coat it with?

YOu could use pond liner.

The simplest, would be some kind of pliable liner. I think TCL has some good sources. Or you could use a paint on product like epoxy, its not cheap. Maybe less to start with stainless. Plastic tanks aren't available?

You could maybe get them in aquaplate instead of galvalume.

Actualy a polyprop or poly ethelene liner might not be a bad option - you could try putting air in between the tank and liner while harvesting to crowd the fish up.
Have a google on the SIFT pond tanks, they use this method and apparenly cuts the stress down on the fish rather than chasing them down with a net.
John

Aquaplate is the only good option really for new gear.

Well, the thinking, now, is towards plastic tanks, which are cheaper, and fiberglass troughs for grow beds. The original design was lovely.... I will ask for aquaplate, but suspect it is not here in Belize, and if so, will be co$tly.

I am driving up to Spanish Lookout to look for tanks on Monday. Thanks for helping me to weed out the galvalume!

Plastic works too