Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello all. This is a crude representation from SketchUp of a very simple system I plan to use as a test bed before going further. It's constructed out of a single IBC container that's cut so as to provide 1 FT and 1 GB (as I'm sure everyone has seen done before). Flood and drain will be simple since the GB can drain directly back into the FT. Other than that all that is required is a pump (not shown) and it's complete.

It's a necessity that I keep this system as simple as possible while also maximizing output. Keeping this in mind, give me all the critique that you can so I can improve the design before starting the build. This system will be implemented in an area that has inconsistent/nonexistent electricity supplies so I am looking into solar power to charge a battery in order for the pump to operate during the night while also having a manual pump for the day (unless I can cheaply and consistently provide battery power for 24hrs).

Have at it!

Looks good to me just make sure you can get your hands and a net into the fishtank easily enough goodluck

I have been thinking of a flooded system that could work with or without power. I need my system critiqued as well.

I would use 2 IBC as Fish Tanks 40 ft apart and then cut 4 more IBCs in half to produce 8 GBs in between all in a row. I would raise the GB so the top to all FT/GB are the same height. I would run two lengths of perforated pipes near the bottom on all the grow beds. One side will hook to FT1 and the other to FT2. It makes a complete flooded loop but the water has to cross the media to finish the loop. You then fill the system where the water is below the media like you would in a flooded system. The pipes would all penetrate the IBC plastic several times so tank fittings would have to be used.

I would pump water from FT1 to FT2. This would create a current where water will travel down one side of the GBs, through the media, into the other side of the GBs and back in the starting tank. If the electric went out, the water in the fish tanks would still be interacting with the growing media. Depending on the size of the perforated pipe, this could help reduce ammonia same as in a raft based system. I would run air pumps/stones in both fish tanks and have those on a backup.

Thank you in advanced for your thoughts.