Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

This set of pictures show the Sump tanks. I designed a funneling connection that I hope will assist the sump pump as well as supply a little more pressure when the water levels out between the sumps and the FT. I have been test running the system, and have it where the water only drops 4-6 inches during the flood cycle. I think I will be able to tune that to be only 3-4 inches, which will be fine for the fish.

Isn't it nice when you go out to check your system, only to find a leak. In this case though, it is just a loose fitting, but is on the output side of the sump pump. That means, that I probably just found 90 of the reason why the sump pump isn't keeping up with the main (throttled back) system pump. I suspect that when I fix that leak tomorrow, my problem will be solved, which is good, because I need to be able to run the pumps full time for a while to get the system cleaned out, and to keep it from freezing, as we still have a few weeks of potential freezing weather.

nice and all that plumbing working is really good!
Can wait for the next steps...

Well, I did get the system fixed, although not permanently. The through the wall float valve was defective, so I need to replace it, but couldn't find one local. Had to run it through a stock tank valve, which is higher than the sumps, so pressure is low, and tanks will not equalize during the drain cycle. It will have to do for a few days though, as the attched pictures show, we are have a little winter fun for a couple days. Glad to have it running at all, since the whole system would have to be totally drained or left running. Sor far so good on the left running option.

Change of plans. The barrel sump pumps just aren't working very good. Too many connections needed, and when it snows, the system freezes up. So I oicked up a 110 gallon rubber tank to fit under the growbeds, and found a special float valve that is needed to go through the FT side wall. Man I hate it when things go wrong. I suppose that is what I get for trying to use things for a purpose they were not intended for. I will just use the barrels for growing pots. I suppose I can even keep fish in the ST as long as I put a bubble stick in it.

Hey BB, if it's the Tuff Tub like from Tractor Supply that is what I use. I have a 110 gallon as my sump and a 180 for the fish tank. I also got one of their mortar tubs as a grow bed, but special ordering the 180 and mortar tub was not as cost effective as I'd like.

Beltie, gosh! snow on an AP system!

That is the exact tub that I got. I have a 150 gallon FT. Once I got the new tank hooked up to the sump pump, and got everything thawed out, it works like a dream. I am running it on constant until the weather improves, and I can adjust the flows so that all connections have running water, and the levels in the GB, FT and ST all stay static. This way, nothing will freeze. I really wanted to get the water from the pond, but I just ran out of steam today. I barely got the sysem done, feed the stock, more hay in the dog houses, and I am ready to drop. It never even got above freezing today. At least the system is done though. I have had to learn about frozen pumps the hard/expensive way in the past.I will take some pictures tomorrow.

I can tell you from my system's experience that a continuous pump F&D with a siphon will also not freeze because the water is always moving.

Just an idea to add some chaos

Well, I got the system running with the new tank and valve. Drained it, and then went to the pond and brough 100 gallons of pond water up. While I was there, I tried out the new trap. Left it in the water for two hours, and got one Bluegill, about 3-4 inches long. He (Gilligan) appears to have survived the ordeal well. Reset the trap over night, and hopefully will get a whole bunch of buddies for him in the morning. I am hoping that by bringing so much of his home environment with him, that he and his buddies will be okay. The pumps are on to keep the water from freezing. I had to bust the ice to have a place to put the live trap.

CookieCows is really upset with me. We are trying to closely emulate our farm pond, which is very dark/cloudy, as the cows and horses roll/play/cool off in it all summer. This stirs up a ton of mud and other stuff. So I was watching poor little Gilligan, and he/she spends every bit of his time under this little tiny rock, and when he does come out, if I walk up to the tank, he freaks out and makes a beeline for the rock. So, I starting thinking, being a prey fish, hunted by bass (even though he is a little big), I am thinking he would be happier in water that wasn't as clear. So I put a tiny little bit of aqua-shade in it, which we used to put in the pond to keep the moss down. It turns the water blue, but fades over time. It isn't really a natural color of blue when there is a lot of light on it, so it looks funny. When I get all of the shade items around the FT it will be darker, and will fade a little bit pretty quick. It also keep algea and moss from growing, and using up our nutrients. So, I am a little bit in the doghouse, but I think Gilligan is happier. Can anyone out there help me out, and tell me that my logic makes sense, or did I screw up? There is no chemical danger to the fish from the dye.

Started testing the water today, although the only test I could find is the stick one. I will have to order the other type from the internet. Here are the readings.

Nitrate 0
Nitrite 0
Water Hardness 75 (soft)
Alkalinity 85-90 (moderate)
PH 6.8-6.9 (acceptable)
Water Temp 52F

I lost a bunch of my pond water to a leak that I discovered. Was reading the posts, and it talked of getting squeezings from an aquarium. We have a 75 gallon tank in our front room with gold fish. It is time for me to clean the filter in it anyway, so I will take the squeezings from that to help make up for lost time.

Must have picked a lousy spot for fish the second time, no new fish today. I put it in a different spot, by some trees, so hopefully I will have some friends for Gilligan in the morning. I will take some pictures tomorrow, so everyone can see the blue water...

He's adorable!

Maybe put some safe hiding places in the tank with him instead of coloring the water?

Are you planning on growing mainly bluegill? I am interested in growing some as they are what I am used to when fishing (in Ohio back in the day) but have heard that they aren't great recirculating aquaculture fish for some reason.

The main reason that I have heard is that they take two years to mature. I am hoping to cut that time down by live trapping them at about 4 inches from my pond farm. I will let you how that works out.

add some hides for the fish, garden pots or large diameter pipe off cuts