Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Haven't been used for a few years... and weren't cleaned up after they were last used, probably for about three years straight...

Anyone ever wondered about what was meant but "salts" precipitating out of hydro nutrients... particularly with high(er) temps ... then think "scale"... just like water piping...

Will be watching with interest Rupe. If it works well I'll get my channels up and going, after I get some new end pieces.

damned hydro cigarettes

Hi Rupert of Oz, I was just a few questions about using the NFT channels.
1 . Costings and where to purchase them
2 . What sort of filtering system do you use for the channels

I would love to have a go using them

The NFT trays are old ones from years ago Jessy... known as "Aussie Trough"... 100mm x 50mm...

Manufactured by Australian Plastic Profiles... http://www.app.net.au/products/hydro.aspx

They're based in Caringbah NSW... but have a Perth branch... http://www.app.net.au/branches/...



Typically a 6mtr length (predrilled).... would cost about $40-$60+.... then you need end caps etc...

Then there's the new stuff, made from food grade polypropylene - Ell-gro... by Boxsells )Qld)... http://boxsellhydroponics.com.au/

They're cheaper ($30-40) and certainly well regarded... don't know if they have a WA agent...

Jess... I intend to run these as straight hydroponics initially...

Until I've got my tankl set up in the garage .. and some growbeds in place for filtration...

They'll all feed to a sump... where the nutrient bins are for the hydro... and the NFT will be drawn from the sump and return to it...

May/may not... incorporate a trickle bead filter on the sump...

I like the look of the Ell-gro. Was looking into making some with regular PCV and a heat gun. Lay it in a box with the lid weighted. Heat the inside untill the top comes down to a set height then let cool. Get to use the same end fitting as long as I don't bend the ends.

And it's perfectly workable to use PVC pipe for a homemade system Jess...

...mention my name and ask for a discount

No so workable to use PVC nowadays - not since they started using the sanwich approach to making the pipe, with the potentially nasty stuff in the middle and therefore exposed by the drilling.

Hey Rupe - is the stuff you have the same as mine? Do you know if there is a place in Qld (other than expensive hydro joints) for me to get my replacement end caps and stuff from?

A point worth remembering ... and re-interating... for those that may not be aware of recent changes to PVC piping.... thanks VB

P.S. ... does anyone know whether the new "foam" sandwich process is restricted to DWV pipe ... or to "pressure" pipe as well???

Can't remember what you've got VB.... if it's the rectangular style...

Then it's either "Aussietrough" ... Brisbane branch..



or "Sure-Gro"....made by Viscay... (PM me)

If it that "fat" stuff... then it's "Polar Gully"... from APP...

Why by expencive end caps just cut a piece up and use roof and gutter selastic these have been going 2 years no problem

Thanks guys, too cool. Will get onto it