Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey everyone, figured I'd create a post over here to keep you guys all up to date. It's still going to be a while before I actual setup. I'm just preparing for the new house, I have to be out of here by October 31st. So basically here's some pics of what I have already done.

The plan for right now is:

10 - 55g barrels cut in half (ebb & flow)
1 - IBC fish tank (275g)
1 - IBC sump tank (275g)
1 - 55g barrel radial flow filter

My media of choice is hydroton so I've got 20 of the 50L bags. Still in building phase so I haven't decided what I will run as far as a pump and aerators. I'm also thinking of making a green house to keep the temperature in/out. Also plan to encase the IBC tanks with some type of decorative wood with top doors for feeding/entry and develop a SLO for the fish tank. I do plan on expanding but I don't want to get too crazy right of the back. Although I must say I have so many people interested that want me to build them setups out here it's ridiculous. Maybe I can turn this into a business. I'll keep it updated as I go let me know what you think. Thanks!

I don't know, as if moving house isn't "enough" you've gone and built an AP system as well just to show us up!

Haha, I haven't decided if I'm going to get movers or not. I hate moving my furniture, the worst thing is the temperpedic bed. It's like 300 lbs and just wants to fold over everything.

Here's a pic of a breeding tank I'm going to pickup next week

Some of my order came in from Amazon, super stoked. I'm still waiting on some more stuff but it can't come in fast enough. I can't wait to finish the bell siphons and do a dry run. Here's a pic of the aerator and some air stones I bought

Just about finished with the setup here's what I've got so far. It's 105 outside and I'm beat for today.

Just got the pump in today. It's a little overkill but I'll be expanding in the future it's a 2000gph hybrid drive

The only thing I would have done differently would have been to support the bottom of the barrels halves,there's considerable weight when it's all up and running,one way I saw was seat belt webbing ran under the barrel in two places,it worked well.

Yeah it's pretty solid now but over time I think it will flex I just didn't know where I was going to route the siphons. Once I get it all setup I'm going to add more support to the barrels and some type of rafter system over the top for plant aupport

I always thought that bigger was better, not always the case. I am currently using a Teton xr1200 (pumping 800 gpm with head height of 48") and I still have to put a gate valve in to restrict flow and have the flow adjuster turned down to the minimum.

I am also trying to use gravity to push the system back to the sump tank, and still trial and error.

I would LOVE to have that breeder tank.....

Adam

JUst an update it's been a while money's been tight. I'm finally getting everything setup. I'll send more pics in the next week or so when it's cycling with fish