Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm thinking of starting an over winter T-Barrel system in my studio for some Jade Perch (approx 7?) that are looking very sad in the greenhouse system.

The studio gets loads of light and is very warm.

What parts would I need to setup the T barrel system - recommended pump and fittings please

And would it work to over winter some Jade perch that are 1+ years old?

Would I have to worry about water getting out of the system and onto the carpet?

The top window - that faces north


I would do the one on the left of this picture

Theres no stopping you Jay

Nat has a few good threads on barrel designs and parts which may help you out. Maybe set it up on a sheet of plastic so the carpet doesnt get wet.

Hi Jay I have had a t barrel for about 3 to 4 months on my patio I haven't had a problem with water leaking it might be tricky topping up from the front I have a750 lph I think pump the only thing that could go wrong if the stand pipe gets blocked it could overflow but you could put a hole the same level as the media on the outside of barrel and run a hose or 25mm PVC out the window

What about an aquarium tank hooked up to GB' instead, provides a bit of free entertainment at the same time.

That is possible Jay have seen them on internet somewhere look up geeknurse2 I think she has one

No space in the house and no aquarium tank atm.

So going with the barrel in the studio loft, or at school in the staff room

Here is the latest progress.

Finished !!!

Water is a little muddy but 6 Jade Perch in there. 17 degrees which is 7 more than outside
Now how do you make a bell siphon?

100mm gravel guard and 30mm pvc standpipe.










Came up with this idea for keeping the pipe in place rather than zip ties

A couple of the jades looked a bit sad when I put them in.
I was busy in the last part of the term and one must have died in the bottom. Caused a spike in ammonia and nitrite. They all passed away

First time cycling with fish and it wasn't pretty.

Bugger. Will you cycle the tank sans fish and try again?

its cycling with plenty of ammonia atm

I think you left some cocaine on the table, Jay..

Well spotted Charlie thats one way to get over the fish passing away...

bubbling along

thats a great idea, sorry to hear about the fishies, how many fish do you plan the grow out in a drum?

I think it can handle 2-3 fully grown fish but the idea is it will be for small babies until I transfer them out into the other systems outside in summer