Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Good Day Everyone!

I have been on the forum a lot over the last few years and I purchased a house late last year. Now that I have a backyard I am building a greenhouse and my first system. I have purchases 4 IBC and 3 55 gallon barrels. I am still in the process of planning my layout, fish type and plants.

I have one question that I can not find an answer to.

Why is no one using the 2" port on their IBC for some sort of drain/flow pipe. Is this because the 2" fittings are not cheap? or is it more of a flow rate issue? I want to you this as a drain port to connect 2 or more IBC for one drain line. Please give me your feedback on this idea?

I'm guessing that there is no fish guard to prevent losing a fish through the drain? I have not seen anyone using it and usually just see a bulkhead or a uniseal through the side.

I am using 2" for my system and found it to be a bit pricey but not as bad as going to 3" or 4". I'm playing with a 2700 GPH pump and the pipe size is not blocking that flow to the sump. I don't use the drain valve other than to drain the system in the winter and keep it from collecting water.

thanks Rob.

I have attached a quick sketch of what I am thinking. Please read below and give me your feedback on what you thing about my system. The whole system is in my 12’x12’ greenhouse.

First the FTs are all IBCs and all plumbing is 2”pvc.
All FT are connected to a main drain line and all have their own valve. From there they will flow into the RFF and then the ST. At the ST I will have my pump that will then pump to the grow beds that are above the FT and also have the pump move water across the greenhouse to the 3 teir GB. the water will enter at the top and then move down and across until it is back at the same side it entered the GB and then will flow into a ST and get pumped back to the ST beside the FTs.

so I have been working on the system and the green house this past weekend but only get one day of work done as I had a spartan race on Sunday. I am out of town on business in Orlando unit Thursday. Hope to have the plactic up on the green house next week and have the filters and grow beds built. I get the fish tanks cleaned set and level. Also pick up some plants from the local green house. Started some seeds also. Can't wait to get everything completed. Hope everyone is having a good Monday!

Hi LCD, do you have a side view of your system design, I'm still trying to get my head around your 3 tier GB? Also was wondering how you were going to access the GBs on top of the FTs. Why two STs and 2 pumps?