Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

So excited to find this group. First heard of aquaponics last year and are in the process of setting up our first system. Currently still acquiring all our needed equipment/supplies. Going to use two 275 IBC totes, clay pellets as our media, and a 800 GPH pump which we already have. Going to have Tilapia as our fish, and hoping to grow duckweed. Would like to have it setup via solar with a backup battery if anyone has any good recommendations. Also looking for somewhere local where we can get fish food as well as any "additives" to help with the ph and ammonia levels until we add our fish if anyone in Southern California knows anyplace they can refer us to.  Our system will include a suptank and filter. Look forward to learning from you and getting any advice or tips. 

Hubby setup the first tote and I love it. Attaching pictures because it would be easier to explain.





Haven't seen one setup this way and wasn't sure why. He thought maybe the reason might be to keep the framing was because the fear of it bowing outward, and I've only seen people having to use zip-ties because of them bowing inward. Thoughts?

Welcome to the wonderful (sometimes crazy) world of IBC AP.

You'l know soon enough if that framing will support your GB's OK. If the bars are too far apart you may get some distortion. Either way I'm sure you will enjoy the journey.

Welcome.

"Haven't seen one setup this way and wasn't sure why."

1. The 2 small support rods on top of the IBC are not strong enough to support the GB with media and water.
2. With the GB directly on top like that, access to the fish tank is very limited for maintenance/catching fish/etc.

We first got the idea from this guy. I loved it because it would keep the kids and any neighborhood pets out of it, showed the hubby and he liked the GB on top so it didn't cut down on the water level more in the FT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nNnCC4n ... ata_player

Check this guys channel out. He does a cool lettuce harvest video The fish seem to love the privacy too.
The GB seemed to hold good with the weight. Not sure what the weight difference between lava rock and clay pellets would be...??

I had a look at the video - you can see in one of his beds the bottom is bowing out - the lid will be understress. Not hard to put some wooded supports under if you want to do it that way.
Otherwise silicone that lid really good.

Also your pic didn't include the cage at the top - don't forget that.

Thanks for tha tip on the lid. In regards to the cage my husband doesn't understand why we need it for the GB.

because it will deform into a square/oval shape and be uneven. - fill with rocks and water and check it