Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

cheers!

Hi all,
in need of more answers please.
This time it is pumps.
I had a look at a web site sent by Ivansng.
Given that the pump is sitting at the bottom of the sump and from that height it must push water up 2m or 2.1m and then across 2.5m and down to the fish tank aprox 50cm is the Laguna Max flo filter pump 6000 a suitable choice for continous flow?
Its features include low wattage, solids to 10cm, 10m cable, click fittings, ceramic shaft and 3.5m head height.

here is my diagram again.

thanks
Dale

Or this one http://www.aquaponics.net.au/product/prod139.htm
?

Dale

or this one?
http://www.aquaponics.net.au/product/prod54.htm

Dale

Seems like everyone is out shopping... or something... no one seems to be replying you...
Well I read your post about the head height... and as keith in that post has stated, the head height is the total height from the top surface of the water to the highest point the water needs to reach... so in your case, the clothes line frame... although bearing in mind that the water surface would drop as water is being pumped out... so your head height will increase as water is being pumped out...

So realistically you want to estimate your system head height to be the lowest level the sump would drop to in your system.

Just wondering why you are running your pipes attached to the clothes line?? Can you now run your pumps out of the sump tank, drop down to the ground level, follow the gradual slope upwards to the fish tank and up the fish tank.. your head height would be less than... and you can somewhat bury your pipes as well if you wish...

In regards for the sizing of the pump, don't worry about getting a bit bigger pump as you can also connect up a bypass valve to divert some water back to the sump tank if the outlet has too much flow...

I think the Laguna 6000 should be alright... based on a 2.1m you have about 2700 lph... giving some allowance for frictional losses in the pipes and elbows of the plumbing... but this is for continuous flow... so you if you wish to have flood and drain in your growbeds, you need to have siphons...

I have not played with siphons before, but they could be a bit tricky in regards to the flow rate into the growbeds... ie the fill rate of the growbeds... apparently the Affnan bell siphon is a bit more resilent to the range of flowrates...

In my book you are wasting energy pumping it up to the closeline just go out of the sump up to the orange return line and extend it to the fish tank
The second pump would do that niceley

In regards to the other pumps you have posted, nothing against them, but the Laguna apparently is a good pump and there are some others... by the way, if you want to buy the Laguna pump, buy it from Age of Aquarium... slightly cheaper I believe...

Thing to note is that not all pumps are equal although they may indicate the same flowrate...

thanks guys,
I am a bit slow on the uptake at times, you are so patient!

I only put the sump pipe up to the clothes line to get it out of the way so I could access grow beds etc. I had no idea I could run them along the ground and up. Just never entered my mind. Durr!

But if I put them with the orange drain pipes from the grow beds, they will all be neat and tidy together.

I think I will go with 1 FT and cut the remaining 2 IBCs in half and make 4 x 500 L grow beds.
I can alway double my system when I get the hang of it some time down the track.

There seems to be a big difference in the pumps, to look at and price, still not sure which way to go there.

When I need to buy the fittings am I best to go to Bunnings or a plumbing supply or order online from the AP shops?
I guess I am dreading trying to explain what I need when I am not really sure, to people who have no idea what I am talking about.

Hey F&F I am up to page 103 on your thread, doing it a few pages at a time, lots to read, you are certainly having an adventure.

thanks again
Dale

Hi Dale

If it helps with your decision, I've been running a Laguna 6000 for about 2 years. Very good output, low power usage and hasn't missed a beat. A very good pump.

Don't worry about asking too many questions...

In regards to the 4x 500L growbeds, just bear in mind that depending on what growing media (size, etc) you use, the sump may be close to its capacity... (4x 500L GB= 2000L; assuming 40% water required hence 800L of water)... I think it ranges from about 40% to 50% water required....

Yes, hence why I tend to go with pumps that people have used and recommend... may cost more to start with but better to have a pump that last and performs than having one that you need to replace later...

I used http://www.perthirrigation.com.au/ . I find their prices cheaper than Bunnings. You might be able to find some company similar over in VIC.

Thanks Ivansng,
I had a look at the link, it is very interesting. I know of a plumbing irrigation supply place where they are very helpful and patient, I guess I should go there when I am ready and explain my situation and they will tell me which fittings to buy, I don't even know what they are called.

Dale

It seems I am dammed if I do and and dammed if I don't.
2 FTS (2,000 L) and 2 GBs (1,000 L) and 1 sump (1,000 L) is not enough grow beds and now
1 FT (1,000 L) and 4 GBs (2,000 L) and 1 sump (1,000 L) is not enough sump.
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I am becoming irrational, I am coming down with a cold and my head hurts, so bye for now.
Time for another wine with a drop of Strawberry gin in it!
Dale

What you could do is cut those half IBC grow beds down a little and have them at around 350/400 litres to fit your sump size. That would give you the same surface area for plants but reduce the filtration slightly. Having lots of surface area for plants is a good idea because nitrates can really build up if you don't have enough plants.

The slight reduction in filtration really isn't that big a deal, it is surprising just how efficient grow beds are at converting waste and you could still have a good number of fish

Well it is that time of the year where we get sick quite easily... I am having cold and my head hurts as well, and I am still outside expanding my system...

Anyways, you can do what Fishfodder has suggested or look into a sequencing valve but you will then need to stop the pump for some time so that the valve can index... I think there is also a trick to get the sequencing valve to work with CHIFT PIST...
[url]
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5119&hilit=sequencing+holy[/url]

Lots of discussions in this link but RupertofOz sells a Aquaponics Sequencing Valve that helps to sequence fill growbeds so you use less sump water...

thanks Milne for inviting me and Martin over to have a look at your system.
It was just wonderful, to see a system in action and boy those trout were amazing, writhing in the dark waters of your tank.
Sends shivers up my spine.
I can see why you do it!

I have a clearer idea in my head now of how to proceed. You have debunked a lot of stuff I have read on the thread as not necessary or clearly wrong, so thanks for that.
As Faye told me "don't believe everything you read".

So I have eaten the trout for dinner tonight that you gave us and they was delicious, mouth wateringly excellent.

Oh, and the Beer and Port were delightful too, cheers
Dale and Martin