Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

http://www.yourwaterbirth.com/floating- ... -p-78.html

cheers

lol that's hilarious!

Great looking set up James...
Just wondering,

where you got the IBC's from ??
I feel the need for some expansion of the garden soon...
Thanks Rob..

I have added another 2 IBC of backup water to my system connected with SLO's and they may be future FT's after winter.

I like to turn my pumps off during the night (timer) to hold some of the heat but now with the extra water I am finding that any water in the line drains back to the sump to almost overflowing and when the pump is running it drains the sump to just above pump safe water level. Almost 500litres sits in the line and above the SLO outlet low point.

Apart from increasing the sump capacity can someone recommend a way to prevent the draining of the majority of water in the line back to the sump?

Pics.........

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Pics would help, but i'll have a go..
Maybe throttle the supply to the GB back?
Is you pump larger than required or matched to the size of the system?

Pics are in the thread 2 posts back gents. Please refer to my system thread.

Supply to the GB is via SLO & gravity not the pump. Throttling to the GB will not resolve the problem as it will all 'eventually' end up in the sump.

another sump
smaller pipes
don't turn the pump off ?
have you tested to see how much difference leaving the pump on does for temps ?
Apart from that its a tough one, maybe a one way valve so water stays in the pipes ?
problem is that might restrict the flow somewhat

Can you put in a float valve in the ST that shuts off the return from the GB's when the ST gets to (say) 6" below top?

I have been really slack and have not updated this in quite a while. The IBC being used for the sump was only temporary. It was replaced by a full IBC sunk into the ground with 150mm stuck out.

I also ditched the bell siphons (but I still love them) and run on a timer during the day and night, increasing the amount of solar rebates I get on my electricity bill.

Current Setup is 3x900 lt Fish Tanks, 1x800 lt sump, Last week I added 3 drum filters (200lt each). and over the next couple of weeks I will be adding 3 new grow beds (Gravel & 2 DWC's)

The 3 new drum filters now keep the water level in each fish tank at the same height and no longer drain to the GB/Sump when the pumps are off. The only reason I put in the filters were for the DWC's. If I pulled my finger out sooner I would have installed this inverted trap to keep the water height constant in the tanks and minimise draining back to the sump. Some may say this would stall solids but if the water flows well it should not be a problem.

I have a 3 month schedule now where I drain my 90mm pipe just to be sure, even without the trap setup. I may add the bell siphons back into the system depending on what the old lady wants to plant.

James

Hi James,

Thought I would check out your system because I have seen you on my thread a bit... looks great! I was wondering if you happen to be a graphic designer or something (since I am) and I noticed that diagram of your existing/future system looked like it was done by someone with a bit of design/software know-how?
Anyways, looking forward to the expansion!