Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Thanks for all the info so far very helpful

Was wondering whether the drainpipes from the baths to the sump are glued with pvc cement or just siliconed and what about the other pipes e.g. from the fish tank to the baths and sump to fishtank?

Any input on a suitable pump would be very useful (see post above for system specs) or just type of pump I should be looking for. I have heard that being CHIFT PIST I can get away with one less powerful but but sure on litres/phour it should pump, head etc.

Lastly I think any help on using flanges through the side of the ibc (for the venturi like food and fish did in his thread p84)

Thanks for any feedback

I have glued joints which are under pressure - pipes from pump to FT or GB

With GB piping, silicone holds the pipes very securely but can also be dismantled with little force if required

Water turnover of fish water should be a minimum of 1, optimum being 3 times/hour...
1)calculate how much water you have in your system (e.g. 1,000 litres)

2a) if using a timer then calculate the turnover rate to how long the pump is 'ON' in any given hour and convert to an hour (pump on for 15 minutes - pump rate = 1,000*4*turnover...pump size minimum 4,000lph)
2b) continuous pump = 1,000lph @ head height

Head height required is normally around 1 metre - this is usually stated on the box

You should also consider additions to you system which could increase water volume and you should get a larger pump and add a 'T' and tap to have part of the flow going back into the tank to add aeration

Have fun

this calculator allows you to calculate a pump/pipe size relation to avoid pressure buildup:
http://www.sahra.arizona.edu/programs/w ... ToFlow.htm

just fiddle a bit around with the numbers and you will soon get the knack of it
click on the calculate button each time you change something to see the effect

if say your output pipe from the pump is 15 mm (10 mm inside) diameter and 10 m long, the head is 80 cm and you use two 90° smooth bends, the pipe will only admit the passage of 3 l/min or 187 l/hr without pressure buildup.
a 25 mm (20 mm inside) diameter pipe still will only let pass 20 l/min or 1221 l/hr without pressure buildup.
Choose your pump according to this for best performance.

Or choose pipe diameter in function of the pump you have.

If your pump has an output of say 3000 l/hr, you would need at least 40 mm (lowest standard drain size applicable) (36 mm inside) pipes.

never mind the pump output size (that is only a short restriction that can be neglected), change to the appropriate pipe size immediately behind it.

Personally I would not use any pipe under 40 mm in my whole system
I use a nNFT gutter for my return line: no pressure loss, extra aeration and more room for plants

Frank

3000lph cheapy $35 from ebay is all you need for a 1000l system.

hey OBO, would you be my personal shopper for a pump when I am ready, cause you guys confuse the fuggery out of me when talking pumps, head heights, kW, and what not, PLEASE. Will give you a few good fishing marks if your heading to the coast to have a stab at

resisted the urge to make a long post full of acronyms

heh lol, all you need to know is the water volume, head height, and find the pump that uses the least power to suit

nice one, Steve
sincerely

Frank

Outback - I have had a look on Ebay doesn't seem to be anything that fits at the moment. I guess I will have to just keep looking - seems to be the way to go for that price
thanks

I found the pumps I was talking about - but cant justify the power consumption for their flow rate.

2 Choices depending on your requirements.

25w, 2700lph
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Rio-Hyperflow-10HF-Water-Pump-Great-for-Ponds-or-Sumps_W0QQitemZ130254677937QQihZ003QQcategoryZ164513QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

35w, 3100lph
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Rio-Hyperflow-12HF-Water-Pump-Great-for-Ponds-or-Sumps_W0QQitemZ130253149280QQihZ003QQcategoryZ164513QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Either would be a good pump, I would get the bigger one.

On those conections through the side been running about a month now no leaks no problems

Outback -thanks for the suggestions should I be concerned they don't say what size particles the pumps allow through? Also the bigger pump is a bit over 2000L at 1m which means I would probably have to have it on for 30min off for 30. I'll keep it in mind now that I know what to look for what do you think about JHQ-4500 4500lph http://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/submersible_pumps.php (hope the url worked its Age of Aquariums So could have it on for 15 off for 45 but seems to draw more juice also doesn't say particle size.

Also there is the Aqua One 106 pump 3000L (don't know what it does at 1m head) might have a closer look at it at my local Hydro store they used to have these Aqua pumps for a reasonable price.

Food and Fish - where did you get the flanges? Did you glue them to the tank then slicone around the pipe to remove leaks inside and outside of tank (between the pipe and hole)?

Thanks

Just made them with a double sided hole cutter as for gluing put pipe through glueboth sides push up rings and glue again sellys roof and gutter

Whoa, sorry I missed your reply GF, if you want to go that big, forget them pumps.

http://www.rockaroundtheblock.com.au/product.asp?pID=608&cID=63
or
http://www.rockaroundtheblock.com.au/product.asp?pID=328&cID=63
or
there was another brand, but now I cant find it??

I have 4 of the second pump. I also have 6 of the pump you listed - noisy, gets blocked easily, and really bad power consumption. But cheap - its up to you. The tornados have a lot better pumping flow than the little cheapies too.

Outback or anyone else...
Ok in my current search for a pump I have found http://www.rockaroundtheblock.com.au/pr ... 3&c=275117
(hope that worked ) Anyway I know it is a fountain pump but couldn't I take off the fountain attachments. It seems very cheap for a pump over 3000lph

Please let me know would this be suitable
Thanks