Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

The cost really depends on the size of the pumps. You would not run the same size pumps in a continuous setup as an intermittent one (they would be smaller). It will however (I assume) cost more in terms of power to run continuously because I think the bigger pumps are probably more efficient per litre pumped. Regarding what's best for the fish, the only differences I can think of are:

1. going continuous you are using the pumping from sump to fish tank to continuously assist with aeration. This means no need for additional aeration mechanisms.
2. having the water running through the system continuously may make the nutrient conversion and removal processes more efficient (but this is highly debatable).

Really the main reason I would go continuous is eliminating reliance on a timer and float switches and also reducing the pump ware that is caused by turning on and off all the time. I'd be keen to run my system with aquarium/pond type pumps that are made to run continuously and generally run for years and years without fail. My aquarium cannester filter (which uses the same sort of motor, impeller etc as the sorts of pumps I would seek to use) has run for over 10 years without any probs.

You need to do your own research though and make the decision based on your findings and your own wants/need, because everybody is likely to have a different opinions and in the end you are the one that needs to live with your decision.

Don't you have a drain from the bottom of your tank AP? Are you going to use this to attach your pump? An external pump like this is much more efficient than submersibles.

Hi aussie all the fish farms use external pumps with great success here is my external pumps since i started i have never had a blocked pump or pipe no trouble what so ever

The pump would be attached to the sump, not the fish tank Joel. No reason why an external pump couldn't be worked in though. Would probably want to have it lower than the pump out point to avoid any priming issues?? This would mean being below ground, which could result in wet feet. You would think that the pumps used to supply water from tanks to houses would handle going on an off all the time pretty well, because that is what happens with that use doesn't it?

Thanks VB, EB and F&F. I was thinking of an external pump located in the greenhouse with a pipe running down into the sump which is lower than the pump. I do think it will be difficult to syncranize 8 growberds to flood and drain all the same time and use a timer with the pump from the sump. With autosiphons VB I would not need to worry about that? The growbeds would fill and drain without syncrinization?

AP

Did I mention something about going around in circles, all types have merits and it is what you are comfortable with - keep gathering ideas though as you don't need to make a decision right now.

Don't mind helping with putting on the cover, been washing gravel today but that service is not for hire

EKB not looking to hire your service. Just happy for the advice. Beer is free if you have a driver. lol

AP

Yep AP - one of the benefits of the siphons is not needing to syncronise.

I'm happy to help with the cover provided I'm over the aweful flu that has struck my household this week and do not have any other prior commitments. Let me know the date when you know it :-)

Thanks VB the cover will not be ready to put on for a couple of weeks. Will let you and Les know when. Also Didjaredoo was wanting to come and have a look. Have not heard from him in a while.?
Here are a couple of pics showing my growbeds and how at this stage I will set them out once the greenhouse is finished. Of course they will be raise on besser bricks like EKB's setup.


A

Looking good AP. What is cating the massive shadow over the greenhouse - is it your house. Will the greenhouse get plenty of sun?

VB the shadow is the house but it only happens in late autumn and winter. Light is from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm so plenty of light approx 7.5 hours of light.

AP

AP, i think i love you in a very masculine non-sexual kinda way. That setup is gonna have us all offering our firstborn for the sorta system that seems yours for the taking. Having read ur thread a couple times, i know ur progression has nuttin to do with chance. Love ya work, keep it coming, Tragic.

I'm just plain jealous!

That's looking real good AP, well done so far.

Still can't get over the blue/aqua trim on those houses tho!!

I keep checking on your progress and it is looking great! Like a good book I await the next page/picture. Nice work.