Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi All,

I moved back to Texas!! I'm trying to design my new system for outside my apartment in West Houston.

Goals:
- Spot were I can watch my goldfish and relax
- Some herbs and salad makings
- Lots of pretty flowers

Constraints:
- Must be pretty!
- Must be child and random critter safe
- Not allowed to dig (I can crush the ivy ground cover)
- Roughly 7'x7' area on north side of building outside my 1st floor apartment
- Outside water available, power has to go out my window


Questions:
- How deep does the water need to be for goldfish in non-freezing area?
- I am planning 2'x4'x2'deep fish tank and 2'x4'x1.5' growbeds made out of wood and liner. Do you think 2"x4" framing with 12" spacing on sides is strong enough for this size?

Thanks,
Margali

I didn't picture Texas having apartments.

I always imagined everybody having ranches and large properties. Makes sense when you think about it though.

Goldfish are pretty hardy, but large temp swings can be an issue, so the more water volume you can manage, the better (more water will keep the temp more stable). Have you thought about the cladded IBC route?

I must admit, I have learned a fair bit about australia's climate and communities on here, so I guess that's kind of turnabout.

On topic, I won't claim to have done any actual engineering calculations, but the water pressure at the bottom of an 18" deep tank is only approximately 2/3 psi. Put differently, there is a total force on the side wall (pushing out) of under 300 pounds. I'd personally have no qualms with 16", or 24" spacing. However, it is important to note that the force is primarily at the bottom of the tank, so a base (sill, if you were building a wall) plate to provide a solid/continuous engagement of the plywood is expected when I say wider spacing.
Clear as mud? If I have not explained this so you can follow, let me know what I can clear up.

I was going with wood and liner for 2 reasons. I already have 2 4'x'8 sheets of 1/2" plywood from another project. I also wanted the flexibility of multiple smaller dimension pieces. I have a nice square area now but next apartment I might need to work with a narrow space or corner.