Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just got a line on 2 large poly tanks- 1500-2000 gallons! I think a green water tank for my tilapia and koi babies is in order. Since they are vertical tanks, I'm considering cutting the tanks lengthwise and then installing them partly buried with sand packed around the base to support them. Has anyone done this? I would just keep them lightly stocked(babies) and do water changes as needed. Similar to what Ryan has at Chatterson farms.

I should think that would work. If the cuts which I assume are above ground start to warp over time, you ought to be able to reinforce them by sandwiching a couple boards around the top.

Yeah, or using some verticals..like a dwc bed. That would make a nice dwc bed too. I think they are about 12' long by 6-7' wide. Pretty easy 100 sq ft. Bed.

Do not forget, when you cut the tanks they loose their structural integrity and you put a ton of weight into them.

gnoib, Yep...that's why we were discussing propping them up with sand and installing verticals. I'm currently using a few in my RAS. They are cut in half vertically, and I installed cargo straps around them for additional support for the 4 plus tons of water in each one. These are going to be cut lengthwise, so cargo straps won't work as easily, and they would 'roll' if not stabilized. The sand part should be easy...like backfilling a fiberglass swimming pool. Add some water to the tank, add some sand, more water,more sand...repeat until both are full. I'll bury it slightly as well, that way it won't bequite as high and I won't need the "wall" to be quite as high either. That's the dilemma currently- how to make a inexpensive, durable wall to retain the dirt around the tank. I have some old pavers, I may use some of them?? It's only about 20 feet, 10' for each side, I don't think the ends should need additional support. I also don't want the edge of the tanks to be further away. They're already 5' wide, I want access to the sides as much as possible. i was really hoping someone had done one already and could show me there idea.