Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Ok, got all the fittings for the drains on my barrel growbeds. Used the shower plug set up and 20mm/25mm reducer all really sweet. I was just about to start on the outer drains (150mm piping with holes drilled in it) when I realised this works on flat bottom but how bout curved bottom. So, has anyone done this in barrels and if so please please let me know how you did it?? Reading Joel's book, he says that the outer pipe has to be flat on the base of the grow bed.

Just put the 150mm pipe on a bench sander and curve the bottom so it fits the inside shape of the barrels. Drill a hole straight through the pipe put in a piece of dowel glued to a wooden base so the pipe will pivot, then go for broke on the sander/grinder, whatever you have got. If it doesn't fit perfectly just add a bit of sikaflex or aquarium silicone. You will lose the ability to turn the outer standpipe to break roots etc. So just drill the holes a bit larger so clogging doesn't become too much of an issue.

or use large scoria, say 20mm, around the base of ur external standpipe. Then fill in with whatever u want as ur gb bio.
You could spend a lot of time trying to get ur standpipe curve to match the barrel curve. Or u could bang some bigger stones next to the standpipe, that will stop little stones blocking up the whole system.

Cheers Tim and TT. will give both options a go. Will go with a rough curve then use goop and the bigger rocks on the outside

With 150mm pipe, you may be able to slide the hand down inside to pull out any roots...the other options above are the go too Bazz

Just remember when drilling holes...any above the half way mark are a waste , as the water lowers they are not used so keep them mainly low or put in horizontal slits (crenelate the base )