Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

And the other two pictures

Looks like it's gonna rain and wash all that gravel away...

Volume is around 4.8 cubic yards DD (970 gals)

p.s. I cheated and saw the volume on the other thread

Me too, TC updated the other one after I asked the question. That volume is about what I need for my project. Hurts my back just looking at the pile. EB, how does that volume compare to your gravel washing episodes?

Managed to get a little work done on the system today when I finally got up (had to work from Midnight to 8 am last night.)

Liner and plumbing tomorrow.

A few more pics from today

TC the blocks you added for extra support will give you almost none. Sorry for the bad news but it's important to lay the block horizontally with the holes vertical. Your configuration will only carry 1/3 what the block is designed for. Now is a good time to fix it before you load up with gravel.

I'd be more concerned about soft ground under the besser blocks - if it "gives", it won't offer any support to the GBs.

But I am not a Construction Engineer ...

That aside, your system is coming along nicely TCLynx.

PS No fun working the night shift, but at least you get plenty of daylight when you're home - means more time for AP!

Having limited block on hand at the moment, I did what worked. When we get some more block I can re-do the extra supports. At the moment I would have to dismantle the barbie to get many more blocks and the cook would be annoyed with me as I've already swiped several.

AS for the soft ground, well to some extent I may just have to hope and pray that since all the ground is soft, that it all settles somewhat evenly. (I did some packing of the sand but without heavy machinery or cement, it is still soft.) Everything is kinda tied together where I could to spread the load and I'll improve my support and shoring before I load with gravel. Actually, once lined and plumbed I can hopefully add water to see where the sagging is most likely to happen, then drain to make working easier.

TCL you are a very handiwoman ... who taught you carpentry/woodworking?

I'm a stagehand (specialty audio but many of us know how to work in other departments.)

I can't say I was ever really taught. I remember Building different things with my parents when I was a kid and then doing scenic work for theatre in High school and college probably gave me enough comfort with power tools to keep me from major injury.

Good stuff, it's fun to watch the progress when up North we can't do much because of snow and ice.

Its looking very good, you must be burning the candle at both ends
As theres no shortage of sand, maybe use sandbags for additional growbed support?

I quickly learned to have the gravel dumped right beside the browbeds. At least you dont have to far to carry it. Good going TCLynx. You are moving along!

Dan,
With the location of the system and the size of the truck delivering the gravel, no way to dump much closer. At least this way I can have the run off from the washing away from the sandy area around the system. The next two beds will be closer to the grave pile than the first two.

Hex,
Sandbags as support, hummm actually sound like a pretty good idea (pondering where to get the bags to fill with sand.) ooh ooh, sand bags would be perfect for holding round barrels in place on the ground instead of making wood stops for them!!!!!

Most of the support for the beds is in the 9 posts sunk in the ground for the purpose and I will hopefully get my hands on some more blocks (or might just put a few pavers down that I have and scrap wood legs down to them.)