Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Well I got a black(HDPE) IBC tank last Friday, today I cut the top off allowing for a grow bed with a 300mm depth. The top section of the cage was cut away as well and the whole thing will be rotated 90°.

The cage bars pointing upwards will be edged with timber to stop any injuries from the edges. I'm considering trimming the tank a little to have around 600 litres.

Then onto the gravel and the rest of the set-up.

Sorry there's no photos yet the sunset beat me today.

Dont trim more water is better

Thanks for the tip.

Well I've trimmed and cleaned the IBC up and begun fitting some fittings.

Some progress shots, more to come.

Tank ready to cut


Tank ready to cut


Tank and cage first cut to both


Tank and cage first cut to both


Tank and cage second cut to tank


Tank and cage second cut to tank


Full size photos here http://photos.viykor.com/thumbnails.php?album=1

Some more progress shots

The cap will have a 38mm hole cut into the centre, then it will be enlarged for the 40mm pvc water pipe


strapping has been added for extra strength


strapping has been added for extra strength


The 40mm pvc pipe has gone in and I've added a male and female joiner for the outlet. The female may get removed to allow the water to fall the minute amount further.


Another shot of the lid with the 40mm pipe.


The small sleeve allows for adjustments to be made.


Some 32mmpvc pipe sleeved into the 40mm pipe in the lid.


The outlet fitted to the grow bed


Test fill with water -
This will see how good the strapping is.

A shot of the strapping

Hi I have a near Identical system/tank in the making I`ll watch with interest on your progression
well done

Looks Great! My IBC is up and running, plumbing is pretty straightforward with this set up.

Looks good LV,
I have an ibc system aswell,
I hope your straps hold.
so far the system has been a success, the only issue i have is the FT water can get warm real quick( being only around 600 l. the more water you have the better it stabilizes the system.
good luck.

regards,
Matt.

If you don't mind me asking..
Where did you get a black IBC?
And are they IV treated. I had thought about IBC's but had the idea they rotted quite quickly

I got it off ebay, it supposed to be uv resistant hdpe.

Was it locally? I have never seen them.

It was down at Stapylton near Beenleigh.

Thanks. I'm new to Q'land. LOL. Still finding my way around.
I checked eBay but nothing in black at present.
Quite a few around the gold coast in white.
I will keep a watch for them.

Rosie B,
You can just paint or cover the white one's to eliminate the uv issue.
if buying a seconds one just insure that it hasn't been left out in the weather, you can tell buy pushing on the plastic, if it shows little stress cracks it been out in the weather too much.
Also make sure you wash it out really well and inspect if for scum on the bottom.

regards
matt

Thanks Matt.
Just ordinary house paint? O does it need to be the new reflective type?
How long do they last if under shade cloth?
My system will be covered in about 50% shade soon I hope.
(Once we find a good, cheap supplier of the black poly to form the hoops for it.)