Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

So I'm working on setting up my first aquaponics system. I did some rough sketches and I wanted some feedback or tips to improve. I'll be using 55 gallon drum cut in half for grow beds and 55 gallon drum for fish. Also the spot in my yard will require a solar system with a charge controller and battery back up.
I'll be using goldfish as part of my system right now and was wondering if I need to have an air supply
For the fish?

I am looking using a submersible active aqua pump 16 watt/120 volt 250 gallon/hr for my main
pump.

Please be critical and let me know if you see any flaws. I'd like to make sure I set this up correctly.

I don't know enough about the solar to give you any advice on that.

If the flow is always running or runs most of the time then you won't need any additional air because the splashing of the return water as it enters the tank will be enough. I would try to keep the tank well shaded.

You might have some access problems if you need to get at the fish so plan your stand to allow access.

Yeah, I was planning on making sure my fish tank was accessible. The spot I'm looking at gets evening sun for about 4 hours and is shaded. I am going to put the solar panel on a pole to get more sunlight.

Thanks for the help! It feels like I'm on the right track!

If thats an AC pump you'll need an inverter. Make sure to account for voltage loss (i think about 15% is typical for dc to ac but not certain).

https://www.batterystuff.com/admin/mod- ... calculator

Sorry if you'd already considered this, but you dont mention it so maybe thats helpful...