Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Nice system Scotty. Did you glue any of the pipework along your SLO and growbed infeed, or is it not necessary with the gravity feed? Also, what are the dimension inside your greenhouse? Is it one of the Harbor Freight models?

Thanks CC. Yes I did glue some of the pipework - mostly the larger diameter pipe runs. I didn't glue any of the SLO within the tank and I didn't glue most of the smaller valves (a couple were already glued from an earlier system). You could probably get away with even less glueing but since the system is near the house I figured it's cheap insurance.

The greenhouse is a little 6 X 8 Harbor Freight model. While I like this greenhouse I would recommend the 10 X 12 to anyone thinking about buying a new one (just for the extra capacity). I have replaced two panels with window screen and may do a couple more as it gets hotter. The mass of water in the greenhouse and the big tank outside keep the temperature in such a tiny greenhouse from fluctuating as much as it would otherwise. I don't have a fan installed at this time but everything is doing fine - highest temp was 97 deg F but it's been pretty cool this Summer (highs in the 80's).

Had some unidentified birds come through and rip up the beet crop. I think they are some kind of finch but haven't managed to get a picture yet (these little guys are fiendish but cute). Everything is running well but slowly since I only have about 20 fish in the tank and maybe another twenty minnows in the under bench tanks. Couple of system picks to update how this has been going.

Couple of other pics.

This is it till the camera recharges and I can get a good pic of the tank. I have been getting some problems with mildew on some of the lettuce (which are in the most shaded bed). These pics were taken 2 or 3 days after the ones in the initial post above.

Looks so healthy and happy, awesome!

Your system is looking great Scotty

Thanks for the comments. I am really enjoy the system. The aquatic plants in the fish tank are taking up more nutrients than I would like but then I knew this was probably going to be an issue. I either need more fish or fewer lilies and water hyacinths (probably both). About once a week I just pluck some water hyacinths and toss them to the compost heap along with whatever else needs tossing. Water hyacinths grow at an amazing speed.

Great system Scotty.

Wish i could easily access half the stuff you guys can get hold of..

Wonderful system you got there Scotty. Was wondering, are those rubbermaid stock troughs the 50 gallon ones? Also, where did you get the growbeds that you are using inside the greenhouse and what is the volume on those? keep up the good work!

Hi Steve.

Yes those are the 50 gallon rubbermaid stock tanks being used as growbeds. The sump is a 150 gallon stock tank. The totes inside the greenhouse are either from Home Depot or Lowes (I think Lowes). They are polypropylene and are two different sizes, some are 17 gallon (about 12" deep) and the others are 27 gallon ((around 14" deep). I got the idea to use these from JT's system and it's worked out pretty well. He built a frame to support his but I haven't had to do this since they are side by side (light isn't hitting the long side of the totes, except on the East end of the greenhouse). I used uniseals through the bottom for the overflow pipe. I can't swear that these totes are food safe so if you're uncomfortable about this, a large liner bed would be cheaper with fewer fittings but not as versatile in other ways.

Please Scotty No Talk'n about Lowes..

I really Don't think any of the Ap'ers in Oz have any idea if they have not been to states of What you guy's have access to in Lowes..

I have 3 50mm valves from Lowes.. In Oz they are about $50 in Value[Lowes about $11], very easy to open/close Better than any valve I have seen so far..

Now who wants to fill out my Order for Lowes.....

LoL

juergen

Hey there SnowT, now you know how it is when you guys talk about Bunnings, the fish or those really nice growbeds and taller tanks (at reasonable prices) for that matter

FYI the totes were about $11 each

3 50mm valves - Lowes doesn't sell those now 2 inch PVC Ball Valves - they got (along with about a bazillion other valves).

Sorry I miss quoted My self.... It was the 2incher I brought Back..
I just Wish I had more Gear from Lowes...

Our Pricing is just ridicules..

I need a shopping Trolley of gear and could get it for cheaper there and have it sent Back and still save money.. Which is just stupid..

I think'n of Doing that..

Or if I go back across in Feb I will pay excess baggage fee's and bring a Bag back of Stuff..

Juergen

Lowes has some decent stuff and lots of competition from Home Depot so helps to keep the prices down.

Sounds like a pain getting good prices there. I wonder how much is actually part of their expense and how much is profit? You'd think they would worry about competition but I guess if that ever happened they'd just lower the price until they killed them off.

shopping Trolley = grocery cart?